Hysterectomy, a serious but fairly common procedure to remove a woman’s uterus, offers a safe, effective treatment option for various conditions. In some cases, a hysterectomy also includes removal of the fallopian tubes, ovaries, and/or cervix.
At Virtuosa GYN in San Antonio, Texas, Susan Crockett, MD, and our team specialize in performing hysterectomies and determining whether a hysterectomy is the right choice for our patients.
Dr. Crockett has extensive experience with advanced surgical techniques and minimally invasive procedures that provide the best possible results.
She would like to share important information with you about some of the conditions for which you might consider a hysterectomy.
Reasons to have a hysterectomy
If you have any of the following conditions, Dr. Crockett may recommend a hysterectomy. Keep in mind that these conditions may have other treatment options aside from a hysterectomy.
Because a hysterectomy is a serious procedure, and because you cannot get pregnant after a hysterectomy, Dr. Crockett recommends it only when it is the best treatment option.
Uterine fibroids
Uterine fibroids are muscular growths that develop in the uterine walls. In some women, fibroids cause significant pain and bleeding. Uterine fibroids are the most common reason to have a hysterectomy, according to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.
Endometriosis
Endometriosis is a condition in which uterine tissue grows in places where it shouldn’t, such as the outside of the uterus, other pelvic organs, the intestines, or bladder. It can cause severe pain and heavy bleeding.
Pelvic support problems
You may be diagnosed with pelvic support problems when your uterus, vagina, bladder, or other organs held in place by pelvic muscles slip out of place. Surgical removal can provide relief from pressure and pain.
Abnormal bleeding
More than just heavy periods, abnormal uterine bleeding can cause anemia, fatigue, and other symptoms and can seriously affect your quality of life.
Adenomyosis
Similar to endometriosis, adenomyosis is a condition in which uterine tissue grows where it doesn’t belong. It can cause heavy bleeding, severe pain, and thickening of the uterine walls.
Gynecologic cancers
Gynecologic cancers include cancer of the uterus, cervix, ovary, or endometrium. Depending on the diagnosis, Dr. Crockett may recommend surgery along with chemotherapy, radiation, and/or other cancer treatments.
What to expect with a hysterectomy
Dr. Crockett and her team are proud to offer patients minimally invasive laparoscopic hysterectomy using the da Vinci® robotic-assisted surgical system. This system uses advanced robotic technology to augment a doctor’s surgical skills.
Compared with open surgery, which requires larger cuts, minimally invasive surgery with the da Vinci system provides a range of benefits, including:
- Less pain
- Less need for pain medication
- Quicker recuperation time
- Smaller incisions
- Smaller scars
Dr. Crockett is proud to hold the qualification of master level da Vinci surgeon. She and her team have extensive training using the da Vinci system and offer same day surgery for most hysterectomy patients.
Schedule your evaluation today
If you’re considering a hysterectomy, Dr. Crockett would like to help. She and her all-female team of gynecology care providers are happy to meet with you for a consultation. To schedule an appointment, contact us today at our San Antonio, Texas, office.
