Hysterectomies

Hysterectomy, the removal of the uterus, is one of the options that the physicians at North Carolina OBGYN and Midwifery employ to treat diseases of the uterus. At North Carolina OBGYN and Midwifery, Hysterectomies through robotic surgery are offered in addition to traditional hysterectomy procedures. Robotic hysterectomies are minimally invasive, no-incision procedures that can be performed in our office. Patients 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.

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, a shorter hospital stay, and faster recovery. The best hysterectomy route (abdominal, vaginal, or laparoscopic) for you 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 uterus or cancer-related medical condition, you may not be a candidate for this type of hysterectomy.

Laparoscopic 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 and decrease blood loss and recovery time when compared to an open surgical procedure.

Abdominal Hysterectomy

Abdominal hysterectomies are the most traditional procedures and the only ones requiring open surgery. Here, the doctor would use one long incision (6 to 12 inches) in the lower abdomen to perform the surgery.

In a total hysterectomy, a doctor removes your uterus, cervix, ovaries, and fallopian tubes if needed. With a partial hysterectomy, they only remove your uterus.

• Vaginal Hysterectomy – Most patients have an overnight stay; total recovery is at four to six weeks with a return to desk duty at two weeks.
• Laparoscopic hysterectomy – This is usually an outpatient procedure; total recovery time is four to six weeks with a return to desk duty in two weeks.
• Robot-assisted laparoscopic hysterectomy – Most patients come home the next day; the total recovery time is four to six weeks with a return to the desk in two weeks.
• Abdominal hysterectomy – Most patients return home within two to three days; complete recovery takes from six to eight weeks.