Hysterectomy
Hysterectomy, removal of the uterus, is a surgical procedure that is an effective treatment for a number of conditions. When medication and non-invasive procedures are unable to relieve symptoms, surgery remains the accepted and most effective treatment for a range of gynecologic conditions. In some cases, the ovaries are also removed with the uterus.
Hysterectomy
Hysterectomy is one of the most common procedures performed in the USA. The three most common reasons women have a hysterectomy are fibroids, pelvic pain, and vaginal bleeding. Other reasons may include cervical and uterine cancer, uterine fibroids, endometriosis, uterine prolapse and menorrhagia or excessive bleeding.
Yes. For years open hysterectomies were the most common. In this type of surgery, the uterus is removed through an incision in the abdomen. Only in rare cases do we find this to be necessary. More than 99% of the hysterectomies provided at Minnesota Women's Care are minimally invasive procedures. This means that the surgery is performed with a much smaller incision. In real terms, for you as a patient, this means a faster recovery time and less pain. When hysterectomy is necessary, our providers take all factors into consideration before recommending an approach.
Not necessarily. Some women are able to have their hysterectomy at our Surgical Center. There are times when we instead will recommend performing your surgery at St. John’s hospital. We’ll look at all factors and make a suggestion based on your condition and preferences.
We believe in using minimally invasive procedures whenever possible. It allows women to get back to their lives faster and with less pain. Both Dr. Kelly and Dr. Arabkhazali are board-certified in Minimally Invasive Gynecologic Surgery (MIGS). Dr. Ashford is trained and board-certified in Urogynecology & Reconstructive Pelvic Surgery (URPS). They are highly skilled and perform many hysterectomies every year – more than other OB/GYNs who provide a full range of care and only occasionally provide surgical services. When it comes to surgical procedures, we believe specialization and experience is the key to the best outcome.
Since the beginning, Dr. Ashford has championed minimally invasive surgical procedures when possible. For hysterectomies, this is very true. We believe in surgeries that can be performed with the smallest incision and least amount of blood loss. This means faster recovery and less pain.
If your physician has recommended an open hysterectomy, we encourage you to find out if a minimally-invasive procedure would be a better option for you. Yes, our physicians are available for second opinions.
Our patients have been pleasantly surprised by their fast recovery and how different their experience was from their mother or grandmother. As our founder, Dr. Ashford, says, "It’s really gratifying to me as a physician to be able to bring relief to women after years of suffering from painful conditions and to do so in a way that provides for a smooth recovery and a faster return to their busy lives."
Common Gynecologic Surgical Treatments
Other CONDITIONS
