Trusted Hysterectomy in Southern California

Hysterectomy, a surgery to remove the uterus, is used to treat a range of serious gynecologic problems such as endometriosis and chronic pelvic pain. It’s important to know that if you have a hysterectomy, your menstrual periods will stop, and you won’t be able to have children.

At Dignity Health Southern California, we specialize in treating women’s health issues with a personal approach. Our highly engaged, supportive doctors are ready to treat you with humankindness as they treat your hysterectomy in Southern California.

Use our online Find a Doctor tool today to make an appointment at one of our four modern locations.

Why We Perform Hysterectomy

Hysterectomy is one treatment option for: 

• Persistent and abnormally heavy periods
• Uterine fibroids
• Endometriosis
• Chronic pelvic pain
• Uterine prolapse
• Cancer of the uterus, cervix, or ovaries

What to Expect from Hysterectomy at Dignity Health Southern California

A hysterectomy is performed in a hospital operating room. You will be given general anesthesia to put you into a deep sleep.

There are three types of hysterectomy:

• Partial hysterectomy (also call subtotal hysterectomy). The uterus is removed, but the cervix remains.
• Total hysterectomy. The uterus and cervix are removed.
• Oophorectomy. The uterus and ovaries are removed.

Your hysterectomy may be performed through the abdomen or the vagina: 

• Abdominal hysterectomy. An incision is made in the lower abdomen.
• Minimally invasive laparoscopic hysterectomy. A few tiny incisions are made in the abdomen, and surgery is performed with the help of a special camera inserted through the incisions. 
• Vaginal hysterectomy. The uterus is removed through the vagina.

Like any procedure, hysterectomy has benefits and risks. Your doctor will help you weigh your options and explain ways to minimize risks.

Recovery After Hysterectomy

Full recovery after hysterectomy takes three to six weeks. You may go home the day after surgery or stay in the hospital for a few days.Recovery from vaginal or laparoscopic hysterectomy is faster than recovery from an abdominal hysterectomy.

After your hysterectomy, you will have a tube in your bladder to drain urine. It will be removed as soon as possible. You will be given medication if you have pain, and your health care team will encourage you to walk often. Walking after surgery helps decrease the risk of blood clots. 

If your ovaries are removed, you will be in menopause. Your doctor will continue to partner with you to understand any menopause symptoms you have and recommend additional treatment such as replacement hormones.