So if your gynecologist recommends a hysterectomy in Arizona, what do you need to know?

The first thing is to understand the diagnosis and consider your options, including what type of procedure is the best for you. As compared to open or laparoscopic options, the safest, most cost-effective and least invasive way to remove a uterus for non-cancerous purposes is a vaginal hysterectomy,

Estimates show that approximately 600,000 women a year get hysterectomies to treat:

  • Severe cases of endometriosis;
  • Uncontrolled irregular bleeding;
  • Uterine prolapse;
  • Pelvic pain;
  • Uterine fibroids.

It is the second most common surgery women undergo, behind cesareans.

Open surgery is still the standard: Less than a quarter of all hysterectomies are performed vaginally. About two-thirds are performed with a large abdominal incision, while another 12 percent are performed with lasers and require several small incisions.

Faster recovery: There are also fewer complications, a reduced chance of injury to the patient and less recovery time. Patients can typically return to work within two weeks post-surgery, compared with four to six weeks for an abdominal or laparoscopic hysterectomy.

Weigh treatment options completely: A hysterectomy in Arizona is an irreversible surgical procedure and one that should be considered carefully. This is especially true if a woman is in her childbearing years.

Nonsurgical alternatives: These can include prescription medication to block the production of estrogen or control the pain, suctioning or scraping away the uterine lining, or performing an endometrial ablation.

Stress-free recovery: Women who have scar tissue from an abdominal surgery or those with a very large uterus, may not be candidates for a vaginal hysterectomy in Arizona. Every case needs to be evaluated individually, and women need to make sure they are making the right choice for their particular situation.

Types of Hysterectomies

  • Complete: In this type of hysterectomy in Arizona, both the cervix and uterus are taken out.
  • Radical: In this type, the surgeon removes all the reproductive organs together with the upper vagina, some lymph nodes, and adjoining tissue. It is typically performed when the patient has been diagnosed with cancer.

Types of Surgical Procedures

Traditional: This is performed with an abdominal incision either vertically or along the bikini line to reduce visible scarring. The surgeon can see the uterus and surrounding area more easily. This can be an advantage when a fibroid tumor is especially large.

Vaginal: During a vaginal hysterectomy, a small internal incision is made at the top of the vagina. Through this opening, a surgeon can separate the uterus from the connective tissue, and then remove the uterus via the vaginal canal. In some cases, the cervix is also taken out.

Laparoscopic: During this type of hysterectomy, special tools are incorporated through small incisions in the abdomen to remove the uterus in pieces. The surgeon controls the laparoscopes using robotic arms. In some instances, a surgeon may also use a laparoscope while performing a vaginal hysterectomy to get a better look at the uterus and nearby organs.

If you are considering getting a hysterectomy in Arizona and want to know what type is best for you, contact our office today to schedule a consultation so we can discuss your best options.