Gone are the days when women had only one option when facing a hysterectomy. Rather than having to surgically remove the cervix with the problematic uterus, doctors can now take out the uterus without harming the cervix. The cervix is the protective neck between the uterus and the vagina that provides both lubrication to the vagina and stability to the pelvic organs. While not every woman is a candidate for a partial hysterectomy, it is a valid and beneficial choice for those who are.
Identification
A partial hysterectomy is a surgical procedure that removes the uterus, but leaves the cervix. The doctor cuts the uterus away from the body, detaching ligaments and tissue, but leaves the cervix intact. The doctor then removes the uterus.
Benefits
Compared to a total hysterectomy, a partial hysterectomy has a shorter recovery time. The cervix is responsible for vaginal lubrication, so leaving the cervix prevents dryness and related sexual function problems. Since the cervix holds up the ligaments to many pelvic organs, its removal may cause inadequate support and the organs may shift downward. Saving the cervix keeps the pelvic support intact.
Types
There are two types of partial hysterectomies. The first is the traditional abdominal hysterectomy, where the doctor makes an incision across the belly and essentially pulls out the uterus through the cut. The other option is a laparoscopic supracervical hysterectomy. This is a less-invasive surgery in which three small cuts allow the surgeon to insert a tiny camera (laparoscope) into the abdomen and use the other two holes to pull out the uterus in sections. This surgery requires less recovery time and has less scarring than the abdominal hysterectomy.
Considerations
If the uterus is diseased or enlarged, laparoscopic supracervical hysterectomy is not an option. Abdominal hysterectomy is necessary in these cases. Sometimes a doctor intends to do a laparoscopic , but once inside the abdomen realizes that an abdominal hysterectomy is necessary. The doctor may also have to remove the cervix if the surgery reveals problems. Retaining the cervix may not be the best choice for women with a history of cervical disease or cervical cancer.
Warning
A partial hysterectomy is a surgical procedure. As with any surgical procedure, there are risks. Anesthesia carries the highest risk, with reactions varying from minor itching and hives to death. Other risks of surgery include accidental cuts on surrounding organs, nicking of veins or arteries and infections after the surgery. Doctors may have to perform a full hysterectomy instead of a partial if they encounter problems with the ovaries.
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