Hysterectomy in Leesburg

Midatlantic OBGYN

Obstetrics & Gynecology located in Centreville, VA & Leesburg, VA

A hysterectomy is a surgical procedure to take out part or all of a person's uterus. The uterus is the pear-shaped female reproductive organ where fertilization and development of a fetus take place. After a hysterectomy, menstruation ends, and biological pregnancy is no longer possible.

A hysterectomy can be a life-saving surgery for women diagnosed with certain cancers, including cancer of the uterus, cervix, or ovaries. This surgery can also treat chronic pain and bleeding conditions such as fibroids. Undergoing this type of procedure can be emotionally overwhelming and stressful. Fortunately, the caring medical professionals at Midatlantic OBGYN are here to support you through this process. If you are considering receiving a hysterectomy in Leesburg, get informed about your options and work with a knowledgeable doctor you trust.


Why is a Hysterectomy Performed?

A hysterectomy can treat health problems involving the uterus, cervix, and ovaries. It is the second-most common female reproductive surgical procedure following cesarean section. When using hysterectomy to treat cancer of the reproductive organs, the amount of tissue removed will depend on how far cancerous cells have spread. In most cases, doctors will try to leave as much healthy tissue as possible intact. There are many other conditions that this operation can treat:

  • Fibroids
  • Pelvic inflammatory disease
  • Uterine prolapse
  • Endometriosis
  • Adenomyosis
  • Uncontrolled vaginal bleeding
  • Chronic pelvic pain that has not responded to other treatment

For many of these conditions, surgery is not necessarily the first step in treatment. However, for women in Leesburg and Centreville whose disease has not responded to other forms of treatment, having a hysterectomy can provide significant relief from suffering.

Total vs Partial Hysterectomy

Hysterectomies vary based on the extent of organs removed. In a total hysterectomy, the entire uterus, including the cervix, is removed. In a partial hysterectomy, only the cervix may be left intact. This procedure is also sometimes combined with a salpingo-oophorectomy. This surgery removes one or both ovaries and the fallopian tubes. Patients who have both ovaries removed will usually need hormone replacement medications following surgery.

Methods of Removing the Uterus

Our gynecological surgeons in Leesburg and Centreville may use a variety of different methods to perform a hysterectomy. During an abdominal hysterectomy, the surgeon will remove the uterus through a single incision in the lower belly. These procedures usually require a more extended hospital stay and recovery time.

In a vaginal hysterectomy, the surgeon removes the uterus through the vaginal canal. This makes for less scarring and quicker recovery, but not everyone is a candidate for this procedure, depending on their medical history and current condition. Both vaginal and abdominal hysterectomies may be performed laparoscopically. In a laparoscopic hysterectomy, the surgeon uses a long thin instrument with a camera attached called a laparoscope. The procedure is then performed through several small incisions instead of a single larger one. This method is less invasive and typically has a shorter recovery time.

Robotic-Assisted Hysterectomy

A newer, state-of-the-art option for this procedure in Leesburg is a robotic hysterectomy. Robotic hysterectomy also uses a laparoscope, with the surgeon controlling the surgical instruments from a computer inside the operating room. Most of these surgeries are done in a hospital while the patient is under general anesthesia.

This method allows for a magnified, three-dimensional view of the uterus during the operation. Operating robotically also allows the surgeon to ensure steady, exact movements in even the smallest areas. This precision may further reduce post-operative pain, shorten recovery time, and reduce the risk of complications.

Contact a Leesburg OBGYN to Learn Your Hysterectomy Options

As with any surgery, it is important to understand the potential risks along with its benefits. Working with a skilled and experienced OBGYN can reduce anxiety and lead to better outcomes. If you are wondering whether you should undergo a hysterectomy in Leesburg, schedule a consultation with us to discuss your options today.