About one-third of American women undergo hysterectomy by the age of 60. At Virtuosa GYN, our esteemed OB/GYN surgeon, Dr. Susan Crockett, has more than two decades of experience performing hysterectomies using the most advanced minimally invasive techniques, like robotic surgery.
She’s also highly experienced in treating patients with nonsurgical approaches and minimally invasive procedures in the office.
Dr. Crockett and our dedicated team of specialists provide complete care for our patients, and we always strive to give you the very best treatment options for your specific situation, whether it’s hysterectomy or a nonsurgical approach.
There are two main reasons that Dr. Crockett performs hysterectomies: benign conditions and cancer. We explore when it’s the best option for each below.
Benign conditions of the uterus
One thing that surprises many people is that 90% of hysterectomies are performed for benign (noncancerous) conditions. Some of the conditions that may lead to hysterectomy include:
- Uterine fibroids, growths inside the uterus
- Endometriosis, uterine tissue growing outside the uterus
- Adenomyosis, uterine thickening
- Uterine prolapse, uterus slipping downward into the vagina
“Benign” simply means that these conditions aren’t uterine cancer. In many cases, they can still cause serious and disruptive symptoms like severe pelvic pain, abnormal bleeding, and difficulty having an active sex life.
But when is a hysterectomy the best choice for a benign condition? Dr. Crockett evaluates this on a case-by-case basis. Every woman is unique, and Dr. Crockett believes in tailoring individualized treatment approaches.
Usually, treatment starts with lifestyle changes, medication, and noninvasive measures. If those aren’t helpful, Dr. Crockett may recommend a minimally invasive procedure, such as Acessa® radiofrequency ablation for uterine fibroids or endometrial ablation for endometriosis.
But if noninvasive or minimally invasive treatments don’t provide long-term symptom relief, a hysterectomy could be the best option. A hysterectomy removes the source of your symptoms (the uterus), so it can offer permanent relief and a greatly improved quality of life.
Uterine cancer
Treatment of uterine cancer depends on what kind of cancer it is (either endometrial cancer or uterine sarcoma) and whether it’s localized to the uterus, along with other individual factors. For example, whether you want to have children (or additional children) can play a role.
Hysterectomy (cervix and uterus removal) is the most common treatment for uterine cancer. Usually, both ovaries and the fallopian tubes are removed at that time too.
After your surgery, Dr. Crockett determines the stage of your uterine cancer by examining the uterus and other tissue. Depending on the stage of the cancer, she may recommend other treatments like radiation and chemotherapy.
In general, hysterectomy is usually the best option to treat uterine cancer in the most aggressive and complete way. But each woman has different needs, and Dr. Crockett and our team can work with you to get you the care that’s best for you.
Hysterectomy can provide immediate relief of symptoms that have been making your life difficult. If you’re ready to learn more about it, call our office in San Antonio, Texas, today.
