Hysterectomy
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North Springs Ob/Gyn
OBGYNs located in Colorado Springs, CO
If you need a hysterectomy, you’re not alone. More than 500,000 women each year undergo surgical removal of the uterus. If you have questions about a hysterectomy, talk to Christian J. York, MD, and Jennifer Ziegler, MPA-C, at North Springs Ob/Gyn. Dr. York is experienced in performing hysterectomies, so you can rest assured you’re in good hands. Call the office in Colorado Springs, Colorado to book an appointment today.
Hysterectomy Q & A
What is a hysterectomy?
A hysterectomy is a surgery that removes the uterus and, sometimes, the ovaries and fallopian tubes. After undergoing a hysterectomy, you can no longer have menstrual periods or become pregnant.
The type of hysterectomy you need depends on your pelvic organ health and your symptoms. The team at North Springs Ob/Gyn may recommend:
- A total hysterectomy that removes all of the uterus, including the cervix
- A partial (also called subtotal or supracervical) hysterectomy that removes just the upper part of your uterus and leaves the cervix in place
- A radical hysterectomy that removes all of the uterus, cervix, upper part of the vagina, and tissue around the cervix
A radical hysterectomy is often used to treat cancer. In all of these hysterectomies, the ovaries may or may not be removed.
Why would I need a hysterectomy?
Several pelvic organ dysfunctions may require you undergo a hysterectomy. Examples of these include:
- Severe endometriosis
- Pelvic pain or abnormal vaginal bleeding not controlled by other treatments
- Uterine prolapse
- Cervical or uterine cancer
- Uterine fibroids that are large or cause excessive bleeding
The team at North Springs Ob/Gyn takes conservative measures to treat these conditions before recommending a hysterectomy. You can discuss these alternatives with the team.
What should I expect during a hysterectomy?
A hysterectomy is usually performed under general anesthesia, but sometimes regional anesthesia, such as an epidural in the spine, and sedation are used to block pain during the procedure.
Your provider at North Springs Ob/Gyn then performs the hysterectomy by making an incision in either your abdomen or in the vagina. Depending on the extent of your hysterectomy and your overall health, your provider decides which surgical approach to use.
Full recovery from a hysterectomy can take 4-6 weeks. When possible, the team uses robotic surgery to perform the procedure. Robotic involves tiny incisions and small instruments, which reduces the amount of blood loss and lessens healing and recovery time.
If you have questions about hysterectomies, don’t hesitate to call North Springs Ob/Gyn to book an appointment.
