If you have questions about whether a hysterectomy is right for you and what to expect from getting your uterus removed, MU Health Care is here to help.

What is a Hysterectomy?

A hysterectomy is surgery to remove your uterus. Choosing to have a hysterectomy can be a big decision. Whether you’re coming to us first or need a second opinion, our team at MU Health Care can offer answers. 

Hysterectomy is one of the most common surgeries for women in the United States. Many patients are recommended for a hysterectomy when they have certain symptoms or health conditions. 

If a hysterectomy is the best option for you, we offer advanced techniques for less pain and a faster recovery.

Am I a Candidate for Hysterectomy?

There are a lot of factors to consider when determining whether a hysterectomy is right for you. Certain conditions may benefit from a hysterectomy including:

A hysterectomy can be an effective way to treat many of these conditions. However, it’s irreversible and means you can no longer become pregnant.

Types of Hysterectomy

Types of hysterectomy performed at MU Health Care include:

  • Partial hysterectomy, which only removes the uterus
  • Total (complete) hysterectomy, which removes the uterus and cervix
  • Radical hysterectomy, which removes the uterus, cervix and top part of the vagina, often to treat gynecologic cancer

Our Approach to Hysterectomy

While a hysterectomy can help women with a variety of conditions, it is usually not the only option. Our team offers a broad range of uterus-sparing procedures that are not widely available at other hospitals.

Alternatives to Hysterectomy

Depending on your condition and symptoms, other options may include: 

  • Prescription medications, which can block hormones that cause growths in the uterus or help manage pain
  • Hormone therapy, which can help manage conditions like endometriosis and fibroids
  • Uterine artery embolization, which is a minimally invasive procedure to shrink fibroids
  • Laparoscopic fibroid ablation, which treats fibroids through a laparoscope
  • Myomectomy, a surgery to remove fibroids without removing the uterus 

When you meet with our team, we will explain your options and suggest the best path forward.

Expertise in Minimally Invasive Hysterectomy

When a hysterectomy is your best option, our gynecologic surgeons at MU Health Care typically use minimally invasive techniques. 

MU Health Care has the only surgeons certified in minimally invasive gynecologic surgery (MIGS) in our region. Our team performs minimally invasive hysterectomy with fewer and smaller incisions compared to traditional, “open” surgery. These include laparoscopic and robotic surgery that involves smaller incisions. 

Some hysterectomies may also be performed through the vagina, so you have no visible scar.

Benefits of Minimally Invasive Hysterectomy

Traditional (open hysterectomy) involves an incision through your abdomen that is several inches long. A minimally invasive hysterectomy uses smaller incisions and special instruments to remove your uterus.

Compared with traditional hysterectomy, the benefits of minimally invasive hysterectomy include: 

  • Less bleeding
  • Less pain
  • Less or no visible scarring
  • Shorter hospital stay
  • Faster recovery 

If you are considering minimally invasive hysterectomy, it is important to choose a team that has experience with these surgeries. At MU Health Care, we perform a high volume of minimally invasive hysterectomies each year.

When Open Surgery Is a Better Option

Minimally invasive hysterectomy may not be the best approach for you if you have:

  • Large fibroids
  • Later-stage gynecologic cancer
  • Severe scarring in your pelvis

What to Expect During a Hysterectomy

Here’s what you can expect if you’re considering a minimally invasive hysterectomy at MU Health Care.

A Comprehensive Evaluation

Before you have a hysterectomy at MU Health Care, you will meet with an OB/GYN. We may use several tests to determine if a hysterectomy is the best option for you. This often includes a pelvic exam, pelvic ultrasound and blood tests. 

Our team may also recommend tests to check for abnormal cells or cancer in your uterus. These include a Pap test, biopsy or advanced imaging tests.

During Your Minimally Invasive Hysterectomy

Your surgical team at MU Health Care will include OB/GYNs, anesthesia providers and specially trained nurses. 

Typically, during a minimally invasive hysterectomy:

  • Your care team will give you general anesthesia to put you to sleep and control your pain before the procedure.
  • Depending on your surgeon’s technique, they will either make a single or several small incisions on your abdomen or inside your vagina.
  • If you are having a laparoscopic hysterectomy, your team will insert a laparoscope (a tiny video camera) through an incision. Using long, thin instruments inserted through these incisions, your care team will remove your uterus. Depending on the type of hysterectomy, they may also remove your cervix and top part of your vagina.
  • If you are having a robotic hysterectomy, your team will remove your uterus with assistance from a robotic device. Depending on the type of hysterectomy, they may also remove your cervix and top part of your vagina.
  • If you are having a hysteroscopic (vaginal) hysterectomy, your team will remove your uterus through your vagina. Depending on the type of hysterectomy, they may also remove your cervix.
  • Your team will close the incisions with stitches.

Recovery After Minimally Invasive Hysterectomy

After your hysterectomy, our team will monitor you in the recovery room while you wake up. In most cases, you will be able to go home the same or following day.

You may have some pain after a hysterectomy. Pain can usually be managed with prescription or over-the-counter pain medication, ice packs and rest. 

You will need to avoid lifting and strenuous activities for two weeks. You should also avoid having sexual intercourse for six weeks. 

Recovery time for a hysterectomy varies depending on the person and type of surgery. If you have a traditional hysterectomy, your recovery time is typically longer.

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