Understanding the hysterectomy in Katy, TX

While many women have heard the term “hysterectomy”, or may know someone who has had the procedure performed, there are still many questions: what it is and why it is performed? Most women don’t learn much about hysterectomies until they, or someone very close to them, are dealing with a medical situation that could result in needing one. Dr. Taryll Jenkins of Jenkins Obstetrics, Gynecology & Reproductive Medicine tells his patients that a hysterectomy is a procedure that requires a great deal of thought and is typically a last resort, after non-surgical procedures have been tried first.

While a hysterectomy is not the first route of treatment, there are several medical conditions that may require it at some point. These conditions include uterine or cervical cancer, endometriosis, severe pelvic pain that won’t go away, a thickened uterus, severe or unusual bleeding, or a prolapsed uterus.

Hysterectomy, Jenkins Obstetrics, Gynecology & Reproductive Medicine - Katy, TX

A hysterectomy is a surgical procedure that involves removing some, or all, of a woman’s uterus. In some cases, called a subtotal hysterectomy only the upper part of the uterus is removed, leaving the cervix in place. In other cases, known as a total hysterectomy, the entire uterus and cervix are removed. If a woman has cancer, a radical hysterectomy may be performed. In this case the uterus, cervix, and upper part of the part of the vagina are removed, along with possibly the ovaries.

A hysterectomy can be performed several ways. Traditionally, the surgery involved removing the uterus through an incision in the patient’s lower abdomen. While this is safe and effective there are benefits to the newer, more advanced methods of either laparoscopic or vaginal treatment. These methods are less invasive, require less recovery time, involve less pain, and do not leave the same kind of visible scar as a traditional hysterectomy.

Deciding to undergo a hysterectomy is a big decision and should not be taken lightly. Especially because it means that a woman will no longer be able to have children. Dr. Jenkins will always talk with his patients about their treatment options, the risks, and the benefits of any procedure prior to making the decision. If you have questions about a hysterectomy and live in the Katy area, call the Jenkins Obstetrics, Gynecology & Reproductive Medicine office today.