What you should know about modern hysterectomy

If your mother or older relatives ever talked about having a hysterectomy, your impression of the surgery may be outdated. Modern hysterectomy is a different procedure, thanks to better diagnostic tools and minimally invasive surgical techniques. The highly trained surgeons at Athens ObGyn explain what sets today’s methods apart from the surgeries in the past.

Today’s hysterectomy is not your mother’s hysterectomy

In the past, surgeons performed a hysterectomy as a remedy for a variety of women’s health issues. Modern hysterectomy changed everything about the procedure for the better. If you are talking with your doctor about this procedure, here’s what you should know.

In the past, many women’s health problems were difficult to diagnose. However, today’s diagnostic tools have made it easier for doctors to reach an accurate diagnosis. The physicians at Athens ObGyn employ a variety of techniques to help identify problems, including uterine fibroids, abnormal bleeding and pelvic prolapse issues. Some women’s health issues may require a hysterectomy. However, our surgeons rarely recommend the surgery until they have attempted to solve the problem with other treatments.

If a hysterectomy is recommended, there are different types of procedures. Surgeons can perform hysterectomies in various ways, depending on your needs. Our skilled team can perform the procedure vaginally or abdominally, almost always using minimally invasive techniques. Your condition will determine what type of hysterectomy you need, and which structures your doctor will need to remove.

A modern hysterectomy is almost always minimally invasive

For decades, surgeons performed traditional, open surgery, also known as a laparotomy. This surgery required a long abdominal incision. Now, our surgeons perform the procedure using minimally invasive techniques. Vaginal hysterectomies don’t require any abdominal incisions, while laparoscopic abdominal hysterectomy only requires a few small ones.

The minimally invasive techniques involved in modern hysterectomy provide patients with other advantages.

• Faster recovery time
• Shorter hospital stays
• Fewer complications
• Less pain
• Lower risk of infection

The surgeons at Athens ObGyn have the expertise and the training to provide you with the best diagnostic and surgical experience. Our caring team is always available to answer your questions. Contact us for more information about today’s hysterectomy.