Single incision hysterectomy

A hysterectomy is a surgical procedure to remove a woman's uterus. Depending on the condition, your doctor may also remove your fallopian tubes and ovaries during a hysterectomy surgery. You may choose to have a hysterectomy for a variety of reasons including:

• Uterine fibroids
• Uterine, cervical or ovarian cancer
• Urinary prolapse
• Endometriosis
• Chronic uterine or pelvic pain
• Prolapsed uterus
• Heavy periods

A hysterectomy by itself is not likely to cause menopause. However, a hysterectomy surgery where the ovaries are also removed may contribute to early-onset menopause.

Minimally invasive hysterectomy offers less pain, fewer complications, less noticeable scarring and shorter recovery times than traditional abdominal hysterectomy.

Minimally invasive hysterectomy

Aurora Health Care offers minimally invasive gynecological surgery (MIGS) options for hysterectomy procedures. With minimally invasive hysterectomy, patients tend to have:

• Smaller incisions
• Less tissue damage
• Shorter hospital stays
• Shorter recovery times
• Smaller, less noticeable hysterectomy scars

Minimally invasive hysterectomy offers a higher level of accuracy than traditional hysterectomy because of the use of video-assisted equipment during surgery.

Types of hysterectomy surgery

The following types of minimally invasive hysterectomy are available at Aurora:

• Laparoscopic hysterectomy - During this procedure, your surgeon will make a small incision in your abdomen. They’ll then insert a thin video camera and surgical instruments into the incision so they can perform the procedure while viewing the surgical site on a video monitor.
• Robotic hysterectomy - During this procedure, your surgeon will combine laparoscopic techniques with the dexterity and precision of robotic arms. These arms mimic the surgeon’s movements on a smaller scale, allowing for more detailed, precise surgical procedures.
• Vaginal hysterectomy - During this procedure, the uterus is removed by making small incisions in the vagina.

Hysterectomy recovery

Hysterectomy recovery times will vary depending on your overall health and the type of procedure you choose. With minimally invasive hysterectomy, many patients achieve full recovery in 2 weeks or less. With a traditional abdominal hysterectomy, recovery can take 6 weeks or more. It is normal to experience some pain or discomfort during the recovery process – talk to your doctor about pain relief options that are right for you.

Locations

Aurora Health Care offers single incision hysterectomy surgery at Women’s Health Care clinics and hospitals throughout Wisconsin, with locations in:

• Brookfield
• Burlington
• Delavan
• Elkhorn
• Germantown
• Grafton
• Green Bay
• Kenosha
• Mequon
• Milwaukee
• Oshkosh
• Racine
• Sheboygan
• Slinger
• St. Francis
• Summit
• Two Rivers
• Wauwatosa
• West Allis

If you’re ready to learn more about hysterectomy, you can view the nearest clinic or find a women’s health care specialist near you.