Many medical terms commonly used today are derived from Greek and Latin words. We get the word “dermatologist” from the Greek word “derma” meaning skin. The word “pulmonary” is based on the Latin word “pulmo”, which means lung. Another English word with ancient origins is “hysterectomy.” This word is based on the Latin words “hyster”, which means uterus, and “ectomy”, which means removal. A hysterectomy is the removal of the uterus.
Hysterectomy is the second most common surgical procedure performed among women of child-bearing age in the United States. Approximately 600,000 American women have a hysterectomy each year; one in three women will have had a hysterectomy by age 60. There are three basic types of hysterectomies:
· A partial or subtotal hysterectomy involves removing the upper part of the uterus while leaving the cervix (the lower end of the uterus) in place.
· During a total hysterectomy, both the cervix and uterus are removed.
· A woman who undergoes a radical hysterectomy will have her uterus, cervix, upper part of the vagina, and supporting tissues removed.
A hysterectomy can be performed several different ways, depending on the patient’s medical history and reason for the procedure. A hysterectomy may be necessary to treat fibroids (benign tumors in the uterus), endometriosis (uterine tissue grows outside the uterus), uterine prolapse (uterus drops into the vagina), cancer, abnormal uterine bleeding or chronic pelvic pain.
The traditional abdominal hysterectomy requires making a long incision in the abdomen to remove the uterus. A vaginal hysterectomy involves removing the uterus through a cut in the vagina. This latter procedure also can be performed using a laparoscope, a small, telescope-like device. The laparoscope, which is inserted through an incision in the abdomen, lets the surgeon to view pelvic organs on a special television monitor. Additional small cuts can be made to insert other devices that allow the doctor to move organs into view, perform other parts of the surgery, and remove the uterus through the vagina. This minimally invasive procedure is called a laparoscopically assisted vaginal hysterectomy.
A minimally invasive hysterectomy also may be performed laparoscopically by making up to four small cuts in the abdomen to insert the laparoscope and other surgical instruments. The uterus is then divided into smaller sections and removed through the incisions.
Minimally invasive hysterectomies offer several benefits compared to the traditional surgical method. There is a smaller abdominal incision, less postoperative pain, a shorter hospital stay, and the recovery time is faster. For more information about surgical options for hysterectomies, talk with your doctor or call 936-568-3289 or toll free 866-898-8446 for a referral to a physician near you.