Hysterectomy Q & A

When would I need a hysterectomy?

If you suffer from a condition or an illness that is directly related to your uterus, you may need a hysterectomy — the removal of your uterus and sometimes your fallopian tubes and ovaries. Conditions in which you may need a hysterectomy include:

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• Heavy or unusual menstrual bleeding

• Uterine fibroids

• Endometriosis

• Adenomyosis

• Uterine prolapse

• Cancer of the uterus, cervix, or ovaries

• Pelvic pain related to the uterus

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Typically, a hysterectomy is used when other treatments fail to provide the relief you need from pain, discomfort, and other severe symptoms. Our Ob/Gyns at Chena Health typically will recommend a variety of other treatments and therapies before recommending surgery.

 

What are the different types of hysterectomies?

During a hysterectomy, your gynecologic surgeon may remove your entire uterus, or part of it, depending on your health condition. Typically, the three main hysterectomy types include:

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• Supracervical: removes only your uterus, leaving the cervix

• Total: removes both your uterus and cervix

• Total with salpingo-oophorectomy: removes your entire uterus plus one or both ovaries and fallopian tubes

• Total with salpingectomy: removes uterus plus fallopian tubes

 

Most hysterectomies now can be performed laparoscopically or robotically. This approach is much less invasive and offers a shorter recovery time.  We a proud to bring the latest technology to Fairbanks in order to perform gynecologic surgeries through the smallest incisions to provide the least interruption in your life.