With a variety of possible factors that can result in female reproductive health issues, women need to seek regular checkups at an OBGYN. Serious health issues with the uterus can result in other problems and health risks. With a minimally invasive hysterectomy, we can help to increase the precision of removing part or all of the uterus to prevent the spread of cervical cancer or other issues, while also minimizing the amount of scarring after the procedure.
Minimally invasive hysterectomy is offered at Glow Obstetrics & Gynecology in Rockwall. This procedure allows us to provide women with the treatment they need while also reducing the chance of scarring or damage to surrounding contents in the body.
With regular checkups at our practice, we can help keep track of your health and provide procedures such as a minimally invasive hysterectomy when you need it.
Benefits of a minimally invasive hysterectomy
One of the main reasons that people avoid surgery is the idea of having scars afterward that do not go away. Fortunately, minimally invasive procedures involve a form of surgery that minimizes the chance of scarring and damaging surrounding tissue. There are more benefits to seeking this type of procedure for surgery. Benefits of a minimally invasive hysterectomy include:
- Increased precision during surgery
- Minimal to no scarring after procedure
- Being able to complete the hysterectomy with one or several small cuts near the belly
- No need for a six to 12-inch incision in the abdomen
- Less blood loss
- Lower risk of infection
- Less pain
- Lower chance of complications
- Quicker recovery to regular daily activities and everyday routine
A hysterectomy involves the removal of the uterus to treat multiple types of reproductive health issues, including cervical cancer. Instead of needing the traditional method of hysterectomy, we recommend a minimally invasive procedure when appropriate. The type of procedure we choose will depend on the extent of the patient’s condition, the reason for the hysterectomy and how much of the uterus we would need to remove.
Reasons for a hysterectomy
The reasons for a hysterectomy can vary per patient, but a few common ones include:
- Ovarian or cervical cancer
- Endometriosis
- Chronic pelvic pain
- Abnormal bleeding in the vagina
- Uterine fibroids
- Uterine prolapse
Depending on the condition, we may only need to remove part of the uterus, all of the uterus, all of the cervix or surrounding tissue around the uterus. If cancer is present, then we may need to remove the entire uterus, cervix, and top of the vagina in a procedure known as a radical hysterectomy. Fortunately, with a minimally invasive procedure, it is possible to provide these advanced surgeries with minimal scarring.
What to expect during the procedure
Before the surgery, we will take the time to review the steps with the patient and answer any questions they might have. If the patient receives a vaginal hysterectomy, then we will remove the uterus through an incision in the vagina and closing the incision. This procedure does not leave a scar. A laparoscopic hysterectomy uses a laparoscope, a small tube with a camera on the end, to get a clear view inside the body.
This will guide the procedure and enhance the precision through several small incisions around the belly button. The patient will be asleep during the procedure and may experience varying levels of pain following it. However, with minimally invasive procedures, the level of pain tends to be lower than traditional surgical procedures.
The length of time a minimally invasive hysterectomy takes will vary per patient and the type of hysterectomy we are performing. Once complete, we will close up the incision and help the patient begin the recovery process.
Follow-up care
A benefit of a hysterectomy is that the patient will be able to recover more quickly than with a traditional procedure. Along with that, there is a lower chance of infection or other health issues after the surgery. Once the patient is cleared to return home, they will need to abstain from sex and lifting heavy objects for at least six weeks after the procedure.
If the patient begins to experience any pain, urinary incontinence or other issues should call us right away. We can examine the patient and recommend how to help with any issues. Fortunately, a minimally invasive hysterectomy decreases the risk of these issues. Under the direction of Dr. Theresa M Conyac, MD FACOG, the team at Glow Obstetrics & Gynecology is here to guide you through the treatment and recovery process.
If you need treatment for female reproductive health issues or want to learn more about a minimally invasive hysterectomy, call us today at (972) 722-2526.
