Hysterectomy
Leading Hysterectomy Care in New Jersey
A hysterectomy is a type of gynecologic surgery that removes all or part of a woman’s uterus, commonly known as the womb. It is performed by a surgeon who specializes in obstetrics and gynecology, or OB/GYN.
Depending on the reasons a woman may need a hysterectomy, the surgeon may need to remove other female pelvic organs like the cervix (the structure between the uterus and vagina), the ovaries (the female glands where eggs are formed) and the fallopian tubes (the thin tubes that connect the ovaries to the uterus).
A hysterectomy is sometimes a necessary course of treatment for chronic gynecological diseases that often come with ongoing pain. Having a hysterectomy can clear up symptoms and prevent further damage, but removing the womb prevents a woman from bearing children. As a result, many women experience grieving or a sense of loss for a period of time following their hysterectomy.
Why Choose RJWBarnabas Health?
The board-certified obstetrics and gynecology team at RWJBarnabas Health recognizes that having a hysterectomy is a big step for any woman. We empathize with your concerns and any feelings of uncertainty you may have. As such, our caring gynecologists aim to treat your symptoms and restore your health using minimally invasive methods whenever possible. When a hysterectomy is necessary, we are here to guide you with the information and support you need before and after treatment.
In partnership with Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School and Rutgers Health, we provide compassionate women’s healthcare services, including preventive medicine, diagnostic services and leading-edge surgical technologies. The specialists at our hospitals in New Jersey are highly experienced in performing partial and total hysterectomy surgeries and can provide you with the skilled care you need — close to home. Getting you on the path to better health is our number one goal.
What Are the Reasons for a Hysterectomy?
A hysterectomy is a complex medical procedure, so it is seldom the first line of treatment. Some conditions can be managed with medication and hormone therapies and others can be treated with minimally invasive surgery options like laparoscopy. When these methods do not provide relief, a total or partial hysterectomy may be indicated. The most common causes include:
- Chronic pelvic pain. Constant or strong pains that come and go may be a sign of reproductive disease. Women with pelvic damage caused by the disease may require a hysterectomy.
- Abnormal uterine bleeding. You may be a candidate for a hysterectomy if you have heavy bleeding during or between periods that cannot be managed through medication or other methods.
- Uterine fibroids. Growths in the womb can grow and multiply, sometimes causing severe pain and heavy bleeding. If medication and other methods do not help, a hysterectomy may be the only way to completely prevent fibroids from growing back.
- Endometriosis. This gynecologic disease occurs when tissue like the type in your uterus begins to grow outside it. When untreated, it can spread to other areas in the pelvis and beyond, causing heavy bleeding, pain and damage to your pelvic organs. A hysterectomy is the most effective treatment for preventing this chronic condition from returning.
- Uterine prolapse or other pelvic support problems. When the uterus drops into the vagina it can create a bulge and discomfort. This condition most often happens to women of post-menopausal age and those whose pelvic muscles have weakened from multiple vaginal births.
- Cancer. Later stages of women’s pelvic cancers like cervical cancer, ovarian cancer and uterine cancer are often treated with a radical hysterectomy combined with chemotherapy, radiation and other therapies.
- LGBTQIA care. Transgender males and nonbinary individuals may consider hysterectomy as part of their gender-affirming plan.
What Are the Different Hysterectomy Types?
There are three main hysterectomy types:
- Partial hysterectomy. Also called supracervical or subtotal hysterectomy. A surgeon removes the upper part of the uterus but leaves the cervix (the lower end) in place.
- Total hysterectomy. In this surgery, a gynecologic surgeon removes the entire uterus and cervix.
- Radical hysterectomy. This is the most comprehensive type of hysterectomy, often done to treat cancer and advanced cases of endometriosis. It involves the total removal of the uterus, cervix, upper part of the vagina, fallopian tubes and ovaries.
What Are the Different Hysterectomy Methods?
There are several different ways a hysterectomy can be performed, which depend on your specific health issue and how advanced the disease is. The different hysterectomy methods include vaginal hysterectomy, laparoscopic hysterectomy, robotic laparoscopic hysterectomy and abdominal hysterectomy.
Vaginal Hysterectomy
The least invasive approach to hysterectomy, this surgery removes the uterus through the vagina (birth canal) rather than the abdomen. A vaginal hysterectomy can be used in less advanced diseases, like small to medium-sized fibroids. Performed under general anesthesia, this surgery lasts roughly 1 to 4 hours.
- The average hospital stay is 1 or 2 nights
- The average recovery time is 3 to 4 weeks
Laparoscopic Hysterectomy
When possible, a surgeon may use a laparoscopic hysterectomy technique. This less-invasive surgery is performed through small incisions or cuts around the abdomen and navel. Tiny tools are inserted into the cuts to remove the uterus, which should translate to fewer side effects after surgery and faster recovery times. Performed under general anesthesia, this procedure lasts 1 to 4 hours.
- The average hospital stay is 1 night or less (outpatient)
- The average recovery time is 2 to 6 weeks
Robotic Laparoscopic Hysterectomy
In some laparoscopic hysterectomy procedures, a surgeon may use robotic tools to assist with surgery. Guided by a camera, a tiny robot is attached to the surgeon’s tools to perform highly precise movements that would be difficult with the human hand. While some people worry about the use of robots, the surgeon controls all of the movements made throughout the hysterectomy. Performed under general anesthesia, this procedure lasts 1 to 4 hours.
- The average hospital stay is 1 night or less (outpatient)
- The average recovery time is 2 to 6 weeks
H3: Abdominal Hysterectomy
Like undergoing a cesarean section for giving birth, a surgeon makes a large cut in the abdomen to remove the uterus and any other damaged tissue. As this is a major surgery, it is used for complex conditions like advanced endometriosis. It requires a longer hospital stay and a longer recovery time than other hysterectomy methods. Performed under general anesthesia, this procedure lasts 1 to 4 hours.
- The average hospital stay is 2 to 3 days
- The average recovery time is 6 to 12 weeks, depending on the size of the incision and other factors
The Importance of Ovaries
If you are thinking about a hysterectomy and have not yet gone through menopause, you may want to talk to your doctor about keeping your ovaries. Even though you cannot conceive a child after having a hysterectomy, your ovaries produce hormones that have benefits that help maintain your bone density and sexual health.
What are the Risks of Having a Hysterectomy?
A hysterectomy is considered a very safe procedure, and most women recover without serious complications. As with any surgery, there are some associated risks. They include:
- Anesthesia complications
- Blood clots
- Infection
- Damage to organs
What Does Hysterectomy Recovery Involve?
After you have a hysterectomy, it is important to take care of yourself and follow your doctor’s instructions post-surgery. This may include:
- Getting plenty of rest
- Doing light stretching and walking to encourage circulation
- Avoiding strenuous activities and heavy lifting
- Avoiding sexual activity until your doctor advises that it is safe
What Are the Long-Term Side Effects of a Hysterectomy?
A hysterectomy can often provide lasting relief when other therapies cannot, but along with it come some lifestyle adjustments. Your ovaries help maintain your bone density and sexual health, so, women whose ovaries are removed tend to have more side effects of a hysterectomy. Some of the most common symptoms include putting the body into early menopause, including:
- Hot flashes
- Sweating
- Anxiety
- Vaginal dryness
To help you manage your symptoms, your doctor may prescribe hormone therapy (HT) or other methods.
Make an Appointment Today
Overall, many women experience an increase in quality of life after undergoing a hysterectomy. If you are experiencing pain, bleeding or other symptoms, talk with an OB/GYN at RWJBarnabas Health to discuss the options that are best for you.
To connect with an OB/GYN near you, visit find an OB/GYN or call 888-724-7123.