Understanding Your Options When It Comes to a Hysterectomy

The need for a hysterectomy can hit hard for many women. The good news is, this procedure has come a long way. Perhaps your mother or grandmother spent several nights in the hospital after undergoing a hysterectomy, followed by many weeks in bed at home. Thanks to robotic-assistance, that's no longer the case. At  Women's Pelvic Surgery of North Jersey,  Dr. Khashayar Shakiba is an expert in performing a wide range of surgeries with the leading-edge da Vinci® Robotic System, including hysterectomies. 

Why a hysterectomy may be needed

There are many reasons women might need to undergo a hysterectomy. Below you’ll find a list of the most common reasons to have the procedure.

1. Excessive Vaginal Bleeding – Often caused by changes in hormone levels or infections.
2. Uterine Fibroids – Sometimes these non-cancerous growths get large enough to cause pain or bleeding.
3. Adenomyosis – Tissue starts growing in areas of the uterus where it shouldn’t be. The resulting thickening of uterine walls results in women experiencing bleeding and pain between their periods.
4. Endometriosis – Uterine tissue growing outside of its normal environment onto other organs causes the uterine walls to thicken, causing extreme pain and excess bleeding.
5. Cancer – The location of cancerous or pre-cancerous cells in the uterus, ovaries, or other reproductive organs can result in the need to have your uterus removed to prevent tumors from spreading to other parts of your body.
6. Uterine Prolapse – Weakening of the pelvic floor muscles causes the uterus to descend from its normal place into the vaginal cavity.

Hysterectomy types

There are three different types of hysterectomies. 

1. Supracervical (or Subtotal) Hysterectomy – Only the upper part of your uterus is removed. The surgeon leaves your cervix in place.
2. Total Hysterectomy – Your surgeon removes both your cervix and uterus.
3. Radical Hysterectomy – The surgeon removes your uterus, tissue located on the sides of it, your cervix, and the top of your vaginal cavity. A radical hysterectomy is typically done when cancer is present.

In some cases, women may also require one or both of the following procedures along with their hysterectomy.

• Oophorectomy – Removal of the ovaries
• Salpingectomy – Removal of the fallopian tubes

The da Vinci difference

The da VinciⓇ robotic system is minimally-invasive. Instead of a major incision, only a few tiny incisions are made near the belly button to access the uterus. Dr. Shakiba controls tiny instruments attached to a robotic arm from a nearby console. The robotic arms can maneuver in ways that a real hand and wrist cannot. This enables him to reach tiny spaces more easily and provides a better view of the surgical field than with conventional laparoscopic surgery. Other benefits of this approach include:

• Less blood loss
• Often no overnight stay in the hospital
• Less scarring
• Less risk of infection 

What to expect afterward?

Some women require an overnight stay in the hospital, but many are able to go home the same day. You will need to refrain from sexual intercourse and strenuous activity for about six weeks post surgery. If your ovaries were also removed, you will experience immediate menopause. If that is the case, Dr. Shakiba will help you manage any uncomfortable symptoms such as hot flashes or night sweats.  

For the best in minimally invasive hysterectomies, call Women’s Pelvic Surgery of North Jersey or book an appointment online.