Medical Reasons For Hysterectomy

A hysterectomy is a medical procedure to remove the uterus (womb). After a hysterectomy, the woman’s menstrual periods stop, and she can no longer have children.

“A hysterectomy permanently changes a woman’s body,” said Franciscan Physician Network OBGYN Sharmilee Thota, MD, who practices in Michigan City. “In general, our providers suggest them to save a woman’s life or fix serious medical conditions.”

Let’s explore the medical reasons your gynecologist might recommend a hysterectomy.

Which Medical Conditions Does A Hysterectomy Treat?

Your gynecologist may suggest a hysterectomy as treatment for cancer of the uterus or ovaries. Or, you may need an emergency hysterectomy if you have severe uterine bleeding that won’t stop.

Your doctor may suggest a hysterectomy for the following conditions if they haven’t responded to more conservative treatments:

• Adhesions. Painful scarring inside the uterus
• Endometriosis. Uterus lining-like cells that grow outside the uterus
• Fibroids. Noncancerous growths in the uterus
• Prolapse. When the abdominal organs slip or fall out of place

Types Of Hysterectomy

Depending on your needs, your gynecologist may suggest one of two types (approaches) of hysterectomy:

• Abdominal hysterectomy: The surgeon removes the organs through an incision in the abdomen.
• Vaginal hysterectomy: The surgeon removes the uterus and/or ovaries through the vaginal canal.

Franciscan Health uses three surgical techniques to perform hysterectomy:

• Laparoscopic hysterectomy: During this surgery, the surgeon makes multiple tiny incisions in your lower abdomen. They then insert long, slender surgical tools through the cuts and use them to remove your uterus and ovaries. In a laparoscopically assisted vaginal hysterectomy (LAVH), the surgeon removes the organs through the vaginal canal.
• Robotic-assisted hysterectomy: In this procedure, the surgeon makes multiple tiny incisions in your lower abdomen. They insert long, slender robotic tools through the incisions to access your uterus. Then, from a computer console, the surgeon guides the surgical tools.
• Traditional, open hysterectomy: During this procedure, the surgeon makes one long incision across the lower abdomen to access and remove the uterus and ovaries. Most women with cancer need a traditional abdominal hysterectomy so their surgeon can be sure to remove all of the potentially cancerous areas.

Your gynecologist will recommend the type of hysterectomy that best fits your situation. Whenever possible, we use minimally invasive techniques, including laparoscopic or robotic-assisted procedures. These techniques require less downtime and offer quicker recovery and less scarring.

Removing Only The Uterus Versus Removing Uterus And Ovaries

In some cases, the surgeon only needs to remove the uterus. The ovaries can continue to produce sex hormones, such as androgens, estrogens and progestogens. These hormones protect a woman’s body from osteoporosis (bone weakening) and heart disease and contribute to her desire for sex.

“If you have cancer or endometriosis, your surgeon will likely remove both the uterus and the ovaries,” Dr. Thota said. After removal, your body will have low levels of sex hormones. These low levels will prompt your body to enter menopause and can cause disruptive symptoms. Learn about managing the symptoms of menopause, including hot flashes.

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