An individual that has never had a child vaginally, or has had a child by cesarean section, or has an enlarged uterus will require an abdominal hysterectomy should she need her uterus removed. False.

While it is true that 75% of the 590,000 hysterectomies each year performed in the U.S. used the abdominal approach, multiple studies and the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology state that the majority of hysterectomies should be performed by the vaginal approach. These same studies have shown that the decision to perform a hysterectomy abdominally or vaginally has more to do with the training and experience of the surgeon than the condition for which the procedure is being performed. American College of Obstetrics & Gynecology (ACOG) Committee Opinion #311 April 2005.

Recently, Robotic Hysterectomy has become popular. Proponents state the procedure is less invasive with shorter hospital stays, quicker recoveries, and less blood loss. These benefits are only realized when Robotic Hysterectomy is compared to Abdominal Hysterectomy, not Vaginal Hysterectomy. Vaginal Hysterectomy continues to be the LEAST INVASIVE technique with no incisions into the abdomen. In addition, Vaginal hysterectomy has short hospital stays, (one overnight stay usually), quick recovery times (patients may return to work as soon as 7 days), and minimal blood loss in most cases.

Numerous studies, peer review groups, and professional societies have stated and continue to state that Vaginal Hysterectomy is the PREFERRED method of hysterectomy.

J. Kyle Mathews, MD

Plano OBGyn Associates

Plano Urogynecology Associates

Tags: abdominal approach, Abdominal Hysterectomy, Carrollton, cesarean section, enlarged uterus, frisco, Gynecology, hospital, Hysterectomy, kyle mathews, plano, Robotic Hysterectomy, uterus fibroids, Vaginal, vaginal hysterectomy | Category: Hysterectomies, News & Education |