Hysterectomy, the removal of the uterus, is one of the options that the physicians at Dallas Walnut Hill OBGYN Associates employ to treat diseases of the uterus. At Dallas Walnut Hill OBGYN associates, we also offer alternatives to hysterectomy. These are minimally invasive, no incision procedures that can be performed in our office.
Patients in Dallas rarely require emergency hysterectomies, so most of our patients have time to consider all of their options before moving forward. Our physicians are experienced in all areas of hysterectomy and can help you make a careful, informed decision about whether a hysterectomy is indicated, the risks of the procedure, and the alternatives.
Different Types of Hysterectomy Procedures
Hysterectomy procedures fall into two categories: minimally invasive procedures (vaginal and laparoscopic) or open surgery (abdominal). Open surgery is common, but minimally invasive procedures have less pain after the procedure, shorter hospital stay, and faster recovery. Your individual hysterectomy route (abdominal, vaginal, or laparoscopic) would be determined by how much needs to be removed for the hysterectomy.
Vaginal Hysterectomy
Vaginal hysterectomies are minimally invasive procedures that only require one small incision in the vagina for instruments to remove the uterus through. This procedure can also be used to remove one or both of the ovaries and fallopian tubes. If you have an enlarged vagina or cancer-related medical condition, you are not a candidate for this type of hysterectomy.
Laparoscpoic Hysterectomy
Laparoscopic hysterectomies are minimally invasive procedures and only require an abdominal incision(s) of less than a centimeter in your navel or abdomen. There are different types of laparoscopic hysterectomies — depending on how much of your uterus or cervix needs to be removed.
Robot-Assisted Laparoscopic Hysterectomy
Robot-assisted laparoscopic hysterectomy is a minimally invasive procedure that uses a series of small incisions in your abdomen. Our surgeons use robotic equipment to help see more of the surrounding organs to improve control.
Abdominal Hysterectomy
Abdominal hysterectomies are the most traditional procedures and the only one requiring open surgery. Here, the doctor would use one long incision (6 to 12 inches) in the lower abdomen to perform the surgery.
Total Hysterectomy Compared to Partial Hysterectomy
In a total hysterectomy, a doctor removes your uterus, cervix, and ovaries and fallopian tubes if needed. With a partial hysterectomy, they only remove your uterus.
Recovery Time for Hysterectomy Procedures
Strides in research and technology have allowed Walnut Hill OBGYN Associates to offer minimally invasive, day surgery procedures for hysterectomy, drastically reducing hospital and recovery time.
- Vaginal Hysterectomy – Most patients can return in a day; total recovery is at least two weeks.
- Laparoscopic hysterectomy – This is the least invasive and usually an outpatient procedure; total recovery time is six days to two weeks.
- Robot-assisted laparoscopic hysterectomy – Most patients come home the next day; the total recovery time is six days to two weeks.
- Abdominal hysterectomy – Most patients return home within two to three days; complete recovery takes from six to eight weeks.
Contact Us Today!
If you’re in the Dallas area and considering gynecological surgery of any kind, contact our office at (214) 363-7801 to learn more about your options.