What is a Hysterectomy?

A hysterectomy is a surgical procedure that extracts the uterus from a woman's body. The surgery may be performed via a large abdominal incision, by laparoscope, or by robotics.

Does a Hysterectomy Leave the Ovaries Intact?

Yes, hysterectomies leave the ovaries intact. However, it is not unusual for one or both ovaries to be removed simultaneously with the hysterectomy. This ovary removal procedure is known as an oophorectomy.

What is an Open Hysterectomy?

An open hysterectomy is a surgical hysterectomy that is done through a large incision. These incisions typically span the lower abdomen horizontally, measuring six to eight inches in length. The open hysterectomy is a major surgery, and there is a significant recovery period from this surgery.

What is Laparoscopically-Assisted Hysterectomy?

A laparoscopically assisted hysterectomy is a surgery that is done using only very small (dime sized) incisions in the abdominal area. These small incisions are used to place surgical devices as well as a very small video camera. The laparoscope is placed through a small navel area incision and it lights and magnifies the surgical area for the doctor to perform the surgery. The small incisions are also used to remove the uterus in the least invasive way possible. This type of hysterectomy has reduced blood loss, reduced pain, reduced scarring, and shorter time in the hospital than an open hysterectomy does.

What is a Robotic Hysterectomy?

A robotic hysterectomy uses the da Vinci surgical system to help the doctor perform a minimally invasive hysterectomy. This system utilizes robotic arms that are precisely directed by the surgeon as they sit at a nearby console. The robotic arms can help prevent fatigue in long procedures and will reduce or eliminate the potential issue of hand tremors. The incisions in a robotic hysterectomy are slightly bigger than those in laparoscopic hysterectomy but are still dramatically smaller than those of an open hysterectomy. The doctors at Mid-Kansas Women's Center PA have hospital affiliations at the two area hospitals, Via Christi St. Joseph Hospital and Wesley Medical Center, that have the da Vinci system.