Which Type of Hysterectomy is Right for You?

If you are considering having a hysterectomy or have been informed by a medical professional that you require one, it is important to consider which type of hysterectomy is right for you. When a hysterectomy is performed, the surgeon indulges in the act of removing the uterus from the body. The uterus is commonly referred to as the "womb". There are many situations in which this type of surgical procedure is deemed as an appropriate measure. These situations include abnormal bleeding, prolapse of the uterine area, fibroids in the uterine area, and similar medical complications. There are currently six various types of hysterectomy that can be performed by a surgeon. In this guide, you will learn about each of them.

The first type of hysterectomy is the vaginal procedure. The surgeon removes the uterus through the open space of the vagina. It is important to understand that certain medical conditions call for this type while other medical conditions do not. Examples of conditions that may allow for this type of hysterectomy include the condition referred to as "Uterine Prolapse", another condition called "Cervical Dysplasia", as well as "Endometrial Hyperplasia". It is an appropriate measure for a female that has a relatively small uterus and enough room in the vaginal area for the surgeon to conduct the procedure.

The next type of hysterectomy is one that is performed in the abdominal area. In all actuality, this is considered to be one of the most common types performed among women in the United States. An opening is placed on the abdomen and the surgeon removes the uterus as well as another part of the reproductive system called the "Cervix". Individuals that have serious medical conditions like cancer, fibroids on the uterus that are extremely large, and even endometriosis often benefit from having this particular procedure performed. Women who are able to conceive are urged to avoid having this procedure performed unless there is a condition that is considered to be serious occurring within the reproductive system.

If a doctor feels the need to examine the abdomen and other areas of the body, it is likely that they will perform a hysterectomy through the vagina, while using a small exploratory camera referred to as a laparoscopy. This is usually implemented on women who have cancer of the reproductive system in order to determine how much of an area the cancer has invaded and if it has spread to other locations within the body. While this type of hysterectomy provides the surgeon with a lot of information, it is considered to be more risky than that of a standard vaginal hysterectomy.

The fourth type of hysterectomy is referred to as the "Supracervical". When performing this procedure, a doctor will remove the uterus completely from the body. However, this medical professional will allow the cervix to remain in place. Unfortunately, while this is an appropriate type of procedure for most women, those that have cancer that has invaded the cervix and those that have received word that their pap smears are abnormal are not considered to be ideal when it comes to candidates for the surgery. In more advanced situations that involve the actual cervix, the supracervical operation cannot be performed without posing significant health risks to the female.

The fifth type of hysterectomy is referred to as "Radical". This is a very extensive surgical procedure that involves removing not only the uterus but also the uppermost area of the vagina and the tissues that surround the reproductive organs. While rare, complications may occur when this procedure is performed to the areas surrounding the reproductive organs - such as the bladder as well as the bowels. If a female has cancer of the cervix and other serious health complications, a medical professional may feel as if this is the most appropriate course of action.

The sixth type of hysterectomy involves removing the ovaries. However, it may also include removal of the tubes in the reproductive system that are referred to as "Fallopian". The official name for removing the ovaries is "Oophorectomy". If the Fallopian Tubes are also removed, it is referred to as "Salpingo". A female that has been found to have cancer, a serious infection, tumors, and similar types of situations may call for this procedure. If you have been told that you should have a hysterectomy, it is important to work with your doctor to determine which type of hysterectomy is right for you.