According to Everyday Health, every year, approximately 600,000 women undergo hysterectomies. As many as 90% of these procedures are not considered “medically necessary.” However, if you are a patient suffering from uterine fibroids, endometriosis, uterine prolapse, or abnormal bleeding, a hysterectomy may be able to help you live a better quality of life and alleviate pain. So, how do you know when it is time to move forward with a hysterectomy?
First of all, it is important to distinguish between a medically necessary hysterectomy and an elective one. In some cases, a hysterectomy is medically necessary. For example, if you have been diagnosed with cervical, uterine, or ovarian cancer, a hysterectomy can be a life-saving procedure. If you have been diagnosed with aggressive infection, a hysterectomy can save your life.
However, for other conditions, a hysterectomy can alleviate your pain and lead to better life quality, but the procedure may not be considered “medically necessary.” This essentially means that there may be non-surgical alternatives that can alleviate pain and lead to better quality of life. Yet, if you have tried medication and other treatments, and are still suffering, you may want to consider a hysterectomy. One option more women are considering is a robotic hysterectomy. Dr. Shakiba at Women’s Pelvic Surgery, is a uro/gynecologist who performs robotic hysterectomies. Robotic hysterectomies are less invasive than other surgical methods, can result in shorter hospital stays, faster recoveries, and can reduce the risk of complications.
Before undergoing any kind of major surgery, it is important to speak to your doctor about alternatives and risks. For example, for endometriosis, many women try taking birth control pills, and try endoscopic surgery before making the decision to undergo a hysterectomy.
However, women need to consider the side effects of a hysterectomy before they choose to undergo the procedure. After a hysterectomy, you won’t be able to carry children, so it is important to consider your fertility options before undergoing the procedure. Hysterectomies may also not always be covered by insurance, especially if your insurance considers them “elective” procedures. According to WebMD, women should also consider the recovery times associated with any procedure and plan ahead. You may have to miss time from work and may need assistance with everyday tasks as you heal.
If you are interested in reducing your downtime after your hysterectomy, consider consulting with Dr. Shakiba at Women’s Pelvic Surgery, a robotic hysterectomy uro/gynecologist. Dr. Shakiba uses the daVinci® method, a method which studies have found to be more precise than more traditional hysterectomy procedures. This high-precision procedure can result in less blood loss, a shorter hospital stay, a lower risk of infection, and a faster recovery. Of course, a hysterectomy is a major surgery and it is not appropriate for everyone. It is important to speak to your doctor about your medical history, your medical diagnosis, and your goals for the surgery. If you are considering undergoing an elective hysterectomy, consider reaching out to Dr. Shakiba at Women’s Pelvic Surgery today.
