Gynecology

A hysterectomy is the surgical removal of the uterus and/or other reproductive organs. Our surgeons perform this procedure to treat various uterine conditions.

Our doctors perform three main types of hysterectomy to address specific gynecological conditions:

• Supracervical hysterectomy - removal of the uterus and cervix remains in tact
• Total hysterectomy - removal of the uterus and cervix
• Radical hysterectomy or modified radical hysterectomy - removal of the uterus and cervix and, in some cases, part of the vagina, fallopian tubes, ovaries and lymph nodes to determine how far gynecological cancer has spread

We offer these three approaches to hysterectomies:

Open hysterectomy

Surgeons perform the majority of hysterectomies using an "open" approach, which is through a large abdominal incision. When cancer is present, the conventional treatment has always been open surgery. This is so the surgeon can fully view and, if necessary, remove related structures, such as the cervix or the ovaries.

Vaginal hysterectomy

The vaginal hysterectomy approach involves removing the uterus through the vagina. This minimally invasive approach needs no external incision and causes no subsequent external scarring.

A vaginal hysterectomy is typically used when a patient's condition is benign (noncancerous), the uterus is a normal size and the condition is limited to the uterus.

Laparoscopic hysterectomy

In a laparoscopic hysterectomy, the uterus is removed either vaginally or through small incisions made in the abdomen. With a miniature camera tool inserted through the incisions, the surgeon can see the anatomy on a video monitor. A laparoscopic approach can offer surgeons better visualization of affected bodily structures than the vaginal or abdominal hysterectomy.

A myomectomy is a surgical procedure to remove uterine fibroids. With minimally invasive robotic myomectomy, our surgeons can remove uterine fibroids through smaller incisions. A robotic myomectomy usually also allows the opportunity for future pregnancy, unlike some other approaches.

A sacrocolpopexy is a procedure to treat uterine or vaginal vault prolapse. Prolapse (falling) of any pelvic floor organ — the vagina, uterus, bladder or rectum — occurs when the connective tissues or muscles become weak and can no longer support the pelvis in its natural position.

The weakening of connective tissues accelerates with age, childbirth, weight gain and strenuous physical labor. Women with pelvic organ prolapse typically have problems with urinary incontinence, vaginal ulceration, sexual dysfunction and/or having bowel movements.

During sacrocolpopexy, mesh is used to hold the vagina in the correct anatomical position. This procedure can also be performed following a hysterectomy to treat uterine prolapse and to provide long-term support of the vagina.

Open sacrocolpopexy

Sacrocolpopexy has traditionally been performed as an open surgery. A 15- to 30-centimeter horizontal incision is made in the lower abdomen to manually access the uterus and other organs.

Robotic sacrocolpopexy

A robotic sacrocolpopexy procedure uses a state-of-the-art surgical system designed to help your surgeon perform a minimally invasive surgery through small incisions. For most women, this procedure offers numerous potential benefits over a traditional open approach.