A vaginal hysterectomy is performed through an incision in the vagina rather than the abdomen
When patients come to our North Dallas office, Dr. J. Kyle Mathews uses his experience and expertise to both diagnose problems and offer alternatives to hysterectomy; however, some problems ultimately do require a hysterectomy. In these cases, one of the options may be a vaginal hysterectomy, which is the type of hysterectomy that the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) recommends as their first choice for hysterectomies.
During a vaginal hysterectomy, Dr. Mathews makes an incision in the vagina and removes the uterus, and may also remove the cervix, fallopian tubes and ovaries as well, depending on the patient’s diagnosis.
Dr. Mathews may decide to perform a laparoscopically-assisted or robotic vaginal hysterectomy. The laparoscope, a slender, lighted tube, allows Dr. Mathews to visualize the pelvic organs in the surgical field. A robotic hysterectomy is performed using the da Vinci® Robotic Surgical System.
What are the benefits and risks of a vaginal hysterectomy?
Dr. Mathews and the outstanding staff at our North Dallas office will sit down with you and discuss both the benefits and the risks of a vaginal hysterectomy to be certain that you understand the procedure, as well as answer all of your questions.
There are several reasons that a vaginal hysterectomy is preferable to a traditional, open abdominal hysterectomy, including: shorter hospital stays, less time recovering from surgery, and fewer complications.
Surgical risks include: problems with anesthesia, infection, blood clots, excessive bleeding and the possibility of damage occurring to surrounding organs in the pelvis and/or abdomen.
What to expect with surgery
Your vaginal hysterectomy will take place in a hospital under general anesthesia or possibly spinal anesthesia with sedation. Normally, you will need to stay in the hospital for one to two days. After your hospital stay is over, we encourage you to begin gradually resuming normal activities. Activity helps you recover because it helps prevent post-surgical problems like gas pains, blood clots and even pneumonia.
Most women recover in about three or four weeks; however, we do advise patients not to lift anything heavier than 20 pounds and not to have sexual intercourse for six weeks after surgery.
To ensure your best recovery, Dr. Mathews and the caring staff at our North Dallas office will provide you with complete post-operative instructions, as well as important follow-up visits to our office. For more information about vaginal hysterectomy or to make an appointment, contact us.
