Robotic Hysterectomy

A hysterectomy is a type of surgery in which your OB/GYN removes your uterus, with or without the cervix. In many cases, the fallopian tubes will be removed as well in an effort to lower the risk of ovarian cancer. However, a hysterectomy does not refer to removing the ovaries. Removal of the ovaries is a separate procedure, called an oophorectomy. An oophorectomy can be done at the same time as a hysterectomy and whether it should be done is determined by your age, family history, and clinical situation.

Why Do I Need a Hysterectomy?

A hysterectomy may be the best choice for women with a plethora of gynecologic disorders, including:

Heavy periods

Painful periods

Uterine fibroids

Pelvic pain

Endometriosis

Adenomyosis

Pelvic inflammatory disease

Prolapsed uterus

Cancer of the uterus, cervix, or ovaries

Types of Hysterectomies

There are three types of hysterectomies. Your OB/GYN will discuss which option is best for your unique needs, including your age, symptoms, and family history.

Supracervical or Subtotal Hysterectomy

Your surgeon will remove the upper part of the uterus but keep the cervix in place.

Total Hysterectomy

A total hysterectomy involves removing the whole uterus, as well as the cervix.

Radical Hysterectomy

A radical hysterectomy involves removing:

The entire uterus
The cervix
The top of the vagina
Tissues on the sides of the uterus

Typically, this type of hysterectomy is done only when the patient has reproductive cancer.

Surgical Procedures for Hysterectomy

There are multiple ways that your provider can complete a hysterectomy. For decades, the only way to perform one was by making a large abdominal incision. While there are some instances when this is still necessary, for the most part, we can perform a less invasive procedure.

Abdominal Hysterectomy

A five-to-seven-inch incision is made in the lower abdomen and the uterus is removed through the incision. A two-to-three-day hospital stay is generally required.

Minimally Invasive Hysterectomy

The OB/GYNs at Plano Women's Healthcare perform the vast majority of our surgeries in a minimally invasive manner. These types of surgeries require less recovery time and are more comfortable overall for the patient. The following are some of the approaches your surgeon can take to remove your uterus.

Laparoscopic hysterectomy: Several small incisions are made in the abdomen or one single incision in the belly button. Using a laparoscope (a tube with a small, lighted camera), your surgeon performs the procedure outside the body while viewing the operation on a video monitor.
Vaginal hysterectomy: An incision is made in the vagina and the uterus is removed through that incision. The incision is then sutured closed. There is no visible scar once the patient heals.
Laparoscopic-assisted vaginal hysterectomy: Laparoscopic tools are placed in incisions in the belly. Another incision is placed in the vagina. The surgeon removes the uterus through the vagina but does so via the video monitor.
Robot-assisted laparoscopic hysterectomy: This is similar to a laparoscopic hysterectomy. However, from outside your body, your surgeon will control a robotic system of surgical tools. This technology allows your doctor to use natural wrist movements and view the procedure on a screen that creates a 3D image for accurate results.

Is a Hysterectomy Right for You?

In many cases, a hysterectomy is an option after medical and more conservative treatments have failed. We don’t want to do surgery unless absolutely necessary. Our team will walk you through your treatment plan and inform you of all your options – from medications and therapy to minimally invasive surgery. Your OB/GYN wants you to feel confident with your treatment plan. Therefore, we are committed to answering all your questions and concerns and walking you through every step of your treatment plan.