Three Types Of Hysterectomies

Surgery is a frightening prospect. However, women cannot afford to ignore health issues when they arise. If your gynecologist recommends a hysterectomy, you need to consider her advice seriously.

Hysterectomies are a common surgery where the uterus is removed. If you hear your doctor mention an oophorectomy, that is a separate procedure to remove the ovaries. Both can be completed together but they are not necessarily a package deal.

While every hysterectomy involves removing the uterus, how extensive the surgery is can vary widely. Depending on why you need a hysterectomy, your surgeon may decide to take different amounts of tissue. 

There are three types of hysterectomies.

PARTIAL/SUBTOTAL HYSTERECTOMY

A partial or subtotal hysterectomy only removes the upper portion of the uterus. The cervix is left intact. Women who receive a partial hysterectomy are still at risk for cervical and ovarian cancer. Decreased blood flow to the ovaries will impact hormone levels, which can impact bone density and may result in emotional problems. In some cases, the change in hormone levels can cause the symptoms of menopause.

TOTAL/COMPLETE HYSTERECTOMY

A total or complete hysterectomy removes the uterus and cervix entirely. This is the most common type of hysterectomy. The risk of cervical cancer is removed, but ovarian cancer is still possible.

RADICAL HYSTERECTOMY

A radical hysterectomy, as the name implies, is the most extensive, removing the uterus, cervix, ovaries, fallopian tubes, upper vagina, lymph nodes, and some surrounding tissue. The risk of cervical and ovarian cancer is completely removed with this procedure.

You may also hear about a hysterectomy with bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy. This procedure is when the surgeon takes the whole uterus, cervix, fallopian tubes, and ovaries.

If you are high risk for ovarian cancer, this procedure is incredibly helpful for avoiding developing this disease.However, if you are not high risk, an oophorectomy is not recommended. A hysterectomy obviously impacts your ability to get pregnant but removing ovaries also removes alterative reproductive options, like in vitro fertilization (IVF) and surrogacy. The change in your body’s hormones without ovaries causes surgical menopause to begin. Women without ovaries are also at higher risk for heart disease and osteoporosis.

With or without an oophorectomy, a hysterectomy can be overwhelming, as the changes impact every aspect of a woman’s health and life. Don’t feel alone! The medical professionals at the Institute for Women’s Health in San Antonio can help you make informed decisions about which hysterectomy may be the best option for you.