Types of Hysterectomies: The Right Treatment for You

A hysterectomy is a common surgical procedure to remove the uterus or womb. Hysterectomy can treat a wide range of issues, but because it is a major surgery, it is usually only considered as a last resort.

However, there are several types of hysterectomy surgery. The medical experts at Coyle Institute specialize in minimally invasive procedures and more targeted surgeries. Dr. Coyle’s mastery of innovative techniques sets him apart from other surgeons. For nearly a decade the majority of his vaginal hysterectomy patients have shared the unique distinction leaving the hospital the same day as their procedure. Consequently, recovery time and life after hysterectomy are easier than ever.

Conditions Treated With Hysterectomy

The most common reasons for a hysterectomy include:

• Endometriosis treatment
• Relieve chronic pelvic pain or vaginal bleeding
• Reverse the effects of uterine prolapse
• Remove fibroid tumors
• Treatment for cancer

Types of Hysterectomy Surgery

While all hysterectomies remove a woman’s uterus or womb, there are different types of hysterectomy surgery. Depending on the type of hysterectomy surgery, it may include the uterus, cervix, upper part of the vagina, lymph nodes, ovaries, fallopian tubes and other tissues.

• A complete or total hysterectomy removes the uterus and the cervix.
• A partial or supracervical hysterectomy removes the upper part of the uterus, but not the cervix.
• A radical hysterectomy removes the cervix, uterus, upper part of the vagina and supporting tissues, including the lymph nodes. This type of hysterectomy typically is used when cervical cancer is present.
• A total hysterectomy and bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy involve a total hysterectomy plus the removal of the ovaries and fallopian tubes. This type of hysterectomy surgery triggers early surgical menopause.

Open Technique

A total abdominal hysterectomy is rarely performed at Coyle Institute. It is a complete hysterectomy performed through a five-inch incision in the abdominal muscle. After making the incision, the surgeon cuts through the muscle wall and other connective tissues to reach the uterus. This type of surgery leaves a large abdominal scar and should only be performed if all other options are deemed unsuitable.

Minimally Invasive Techniques

At Coyle Institute, we are minimally invasive specialists. There are several types of hysterectomy surgeries and we help you determine which is best for you. The right surgical option depends on many factors, including the condition being treated. Surgeons perform laparoscopic hysterectomies through small dime-sized incisions that create passageways for specialized surgical instruments, including a miniature camera. The surgeon can view images of the surgery on a video monitor.

Vaginal Hysterectomy

A surgeon performs a vaginal hysterectomy through an incision at the top of the vagina. Through the incision, all connections between the uterus and the body are cut and tied off. The uterus is then removed through the vagina.

da Vinci Total Laparoscopic Hysterectomy

A total laparoscopic hysterectomy removes both the uterus and cervix. The surgery is performed using a laparoscopic camera. The patient can usually walk and return to a normal diet immediately after surgery. The da Vinci Surgical System means an outpatient surgery that significantly reduces recovery time.

Laparoscopic Supracervical Hysterectomy

Using only laparoscopic tools, the surgeon separates the uterus from the cervix, before removing the uterus through a small abdominal incision. Because the cervix is intact, patients must continue annual pap smears to screen for cervical cancer. Hospital stays and recovery times are similar to other types of minimally invasive hysterectomies.

Laparoscopically Assisted Vaginal Hysterectomy

The uterus is detached and removed through an incision in the vagina under view of the laparoscope using surgical tools inserted through other small incisions. Recovery times are similar to those for a vaginal hysterectomy.

Potential Benefits of a Minimally Invasive Hysterectomy

Minimally invasive procedures offer many significant benefits, including:

• Shorter recovery time
• Less time in the hospital
• Less scarring
• Less pain

Fortunately for women who fear traditional surgery, minimally invasive surgery has become a readily available alternative. The specialists at Coyle Institute are highly skilled in these innovative procedures offering patients a solution that requires less recovery time, causes less trauma and allows greater accuracy and more effective results.

During your surgical consultation at Coyle Institute, we will talk about your surgical options, determine the procedure that is right for you or even recommend alternatives based on your medical history and current health.

Give the caring team at Coyle Institute a call today to learn more about your hysterectomy options and life after surgery.