One of the most frequently performed surgical procedures in the United States is the hysterectomy. The procedures has saved many lives and given women who had “female” related health problems a better quality of life.

During the past years the methods used for performing a hysterectomy have changed for the better. Just twenty years ago if you had a hysterectomy you could expect to stay in the hospital for five or more days. Today many women are able to have the procedure done as an outpatient basis.

If your doctor has recommended you have a hysterectomy ask him/her to send you to Outpatient Services East. There are several factors to be looked at as you and your surgeon decide how your hysterectomy is performed.  The procedure can be performed vaginally, abdominally, laparoscopically, or with robotic assistance. The way you have your hysterectomy done will depend a lot on your surgeon’s choice. Of course, he/she will want your input in the decision also. Factors to be considered in choosing the route for your surgery need to include safety, cost-effectiveness, and the medical needs of the patient.

Keep in mind that your body mass may play a role in what procedure your physician recommends for you. For example a large body mass (BMI) can make it important to  rule out some types of procedures. It has been found that very obese and morbidly obese patients may have postoperative complications such as wound dehiscence and wound infections. The staff at Outpatient Services East will work closely with the patient to do all they can to see the patient avoids any such problems.

In a few cases (pregnancy, cancer) there may not be a choice for what procedure your surgeon can recommend. Some factors that influence the choice you and your surgeon can make are:

• Surgeon training and experience
• Accessibility of the uterus
• Extent of extrauterine disease
• Size and shape of the uterus
• Need for concurrent procedures
• Patient preference

There are also conditions that have an influence on whether or not a vaginal hysterectomy can be performed:

• Enlarged uterus
• Nulliparity
• Narrow vagina
• Narrow pubic arch (< 90º)
• Immobile uterus

Your doctor will discuss with you other concerns that may make a vaginal hysterectomy a poor choice for you. These concerns include extrauterine disease (adnexal pathology), severe endometriosis, adhesions etc. Be sure to ask your doctor about any thing that concerns you about the type procedure you choose. It is important that you have confidence in the surgeon to guide you in the right direction.

The most important thing for any woman needing a hysterectomy is the outcome. You want what is best for you. Your health is not only important to you and your family.  It  is also important to the staff at Outpatient Services East. They want you to feel confident that you are getting to best care possible. You and your family can be assured that you will receive the best care possible while you are having your surgery and during recovery.

Call today, 205-838-3888,  to make an appointment to meet your surgeon and discuss any concerns you have about your upcoming surgery.