by Dr. Margaret Aranda
Removal of the uterus is called a hysterectomy. There are various indications for a hysterectomy, and I'm going to outline the different types of hysterectomies. In 2010, it was estimated that 600,000 women per year were getting a hysterectomy. At this rate, 40% of all USA women over age 45 would be in Surgical Menopause. This is a relevant discussion that affects many women.
In a 2004 study by the Hysterectomy Education and Resource Services wherein a second opinion and counseling were sought before hysterectomy, 98% if the hysterectomies were determined to be unnecessary.
Today, a hysterectomy can be performed by one of three methods: 'open', 'laparoscopic', or 'vaginal'. With the open hysterectomy, a large surgical incision is made in the lower abdomen and the surgeon can openly visualize the pelvic floor. In the laparoscopic method, carbon dioxide gas is infused through the abdomen and small slits are cut instead of a large incision. The uterus can be pulled out of the vagina. In a vaginal hysterectomy, the entire procedure is done through the vagina.
Additionally, there are three approaches to hysterectomy with respect to what structures are removed. In the Total Hysterectomy, the uterus and cervix are removed. In the Partial or Subtotal Hysterectomy, the upper cervix is not removed. In the Radical Hysterectomy, usually performed for cancer, the following structures are removed: uterus, cervix, upper vagina, Fallopian tubes, ovaries, and surrounding adnexal tissue.
Removal of the ovaries is called an oophorectomy. If both the ovaries, adnexae and both Fallopian tubes are removed, it is called a bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy, or BSO. Therefore, if the uterus and a BSO occurs, it is called a total abdominal hysterectomy, bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy (TAH-BSO).
Should you get your ovaries removed if you are having a hysterectomy anyway?
That's the next subject. Many women have already undergone surgical menopause, and we direct our attention here in the next article. You can read more here:
Surgical Menopause and Testosterone Therapy
Surgical Menopause and Testosterone Therapy
There are many blogs to help with information and education about hysterectomies. For example, you can visit The Hysterectomy Information Blog, the H Word, or Hysterectomy procedures and aftereffects.
__________________________________
To Order Dr. Aranda's books, please click here:
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Dr. Margaret Aranda's Books:
Face Book Page: No More Tears: A Physician Turned Patient Inspires Recovery
No More Tears en Espanol
Face Book Page: Stepping from the Edge
Little Missy Two-Shoes Likes to go to School
Face Book Page: Little Missy Two-Shoes Likes a Ladybug
From Menarche to Menopause: A Journey through Time
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Additional Free Articles by Dr. Margaret Aranda
Medical Disclaimer: Nothing on this website is meant to diagnose, treat, or practice medicine. You must be seen in person by a physician for appropriate and individual medical treatment. If you have an emergency, call 9-1-1 in the USA.
Link Disclaimer: We are not responsible for any links that go outside of this website.
Full Disclosure: Margaret A. Ferrante, M.D. is an Institute Physician with Cenegenics Medical Institute. She receives no monetary compensation for hosting this website you are on, which is independent and not affiliated with Cenegenics. The information presented is for education and awareness. Dr. Ferrante currently sees patients out of the Cenegenics office in Beverly Hills, CA.
To book an appointment for a free Consultation, please email her at: mferrante@cenegenics.com
This is good information for women to understand the different types of hysterectomies. Many of us who have faced the diagnosis of ovarian cancer have had the TAH-BSO PROCEDURE, myself included. Because I was 68 at the time, I had already gone through menopause.
ReplyDeleteI encourage women who read this blog to ask you questions for clarification or information; or leave a comment re: their experiences with hysterectomies.
You are so right, Karen. It is good that you had already gone through menopause but I can't help but wonder if you were worked up for hormone replacement therapy (HRT) with your symptoms. Did you get hot flashes, dryness? So many women go through a huge decrease in quality of life without knowing there is the possibility of some help. Thanks for all you do ~ you are one amazing lady!
ReplyDeleteMost of the women in my family have had hysterectomies. And considering the size of my family, that is saying a lot. I was told ten years ago to prep for one, but refused and instead opted for the Lupron shot with 12 doses. Most of the symptoms - excessive bleeding, severe cramping (often leaving me screaming in pain on the floor), etc - disappeared for eight years afterwards. They are returning and the PMDD is getting worse. Personally, I'd do the Lupron again before a hysterectomy. I am kind of attached to my body parts and unless it is life threatening, would rather keep them all.
ReplyDeleteYou bring up a great point. If the uterus is anatomically intact and benign, without cancer, that is one case. If it has cancer, it has no come out.
DeleteIt strikes me that if the recurring issues are bleeding and PMS, these may be Estrogen Excess states. Instead if removing the uterus, why not institute hormone therapy? With hormone therapy, the cycle (or having no cycle) can perhaps be controlled. Isn't that a better thing?
It's important to remember that your reproductive organs are your SEX organs. So, there will never be a time when you won't need them. Please visit my web site for information about hysterectomy and the consequences. www.hysterectomyconsequences.com
ReplyDeleteI was a victim of the hysterectomy industry. Decades of trust in my gynecologist caused me to fall for his deception and scare tactics. The loss of my organs has transformed my once taken for granted happy, productive life into endless days of despair. The uterus and ovaries have lifelong functions - anatomical, skeletal, hormonal/endocrine, and sexual. Just as a man's prostate and testicles are for much more than reproduction, so are a woman's SEX organs. It's time society sit up and take notice of this injustice against women.
ReplyDelete