Expert Hysterectomy

Hysterectomy is the surgical removal of the uterus (womb). After hysterectomy, a woman cannot get pregnant and will no longer have periods (menstruate). Hysterectomy is used to treat many gynecologic problems, including uterine fibroids and cancer.

At Dignity Health, our doctors, nurses, and other medical staff care for your physical, mental, and spiritual needs. If you need a hysterectomy in the Bay Area, Find a Doctor who can help you determine the right procedure for you.

Why is Hysterectomy Performed?

Common reasons for hysterectomy include:

• Abnormally heavy or persistent periods
• Cancer of the uterus, cervix, or ovaries
• Chronic pelvic pain
• Endometriosis 
• Prolapsed uterus
• Uterine fibroids

What to Expect During a Hysterectomy Procedure at Dignity Health

Our surgeons will perform your hysterectomy in an operating room. You will receive general anesthesia and be asleep during the procedure.

A total hysterectomy is the removal of the uterus and the cervix. Partial hysterectomy (subtotal hysterectomy) removes just the uterus, leaving the cervix in place. Depending on the reason for hysterectomy, your ovaries may also be removed (oophorectomy).

Your Dignity Health surgeon can perform a hysterectomy procedure in several different ways. They are:

• Abdominal hysterectomy. This traditional approach removes the uterus through the abdomen.
• Laparoscopic hysterectomy. The surgeon uses a special camera and surgical instruments to remove the uterus through tiny incisions in the lower abdomen.
• Vaginal hysterectomy. This minimally invasive technique removes the uterus through the vagina.

The American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology recommends laparoscopic and vaginal hysterectomies as the preferred approaches to hysterectomy because they are minimally invasive.

Recovering After Your Hysterectomy

Recovery time depends on the type of hysterectomy. Laparoscopic and vaginal hysterectomy typically involve smaller incisions, a lower risk of complications, a shorter hospital stay, and faster recovery times than traditional abdominal hysterectomy.

After your surgery, you will have a tube in your bladder (catheter) to pass urine for a short time. Your care team will encourage you to walk after the surgery to decrease the risk of blood clots. You may also need pain medication. After a hysterectomy, most women stay in the hospital for a day or two.

If your ovaries were removed, you will be in menopause after the surgery. Your Dignity Health doctor will tell you about your options for hormone replacement and if this treatment is right for you. We want you to feel confident and comfortable about your procedure, so let us know if you have questions.