Every year, approximately 600,000 American women undergo hysterectomies. The procedure to remove a woman’s uterus is the second most common surgical procedure performed in the United States on women of child-bearing age, and one in three women will have had one by age 60.
Hysterectomies can treat a number of medical issues — endometriosis, cancer, excessive uterine bleeding, uterine prolapse, chronic pelvic pain — and can also be performed several different ways. While a traditional abdominal hysterectomy requires a long incision to the abdomen, Doctors Hospital at White Rock Lake also offers a laparoscopic, minimally invasive version of the procedure.
“We are always looking to offer the women we serve some of the best options available. Women may find several benefits from having a minimally invasive hysterectomy,” said Ronald Bristow, M.D., an obstetrician/gynecologist on the medical staff at Doctors Hospital at White Rock Lake. “The laparoscopic procedure involves a much smaller incision than the traditional hysterectomy surgery, and patients also experience less post-operative pain and a faster recovery time.”
Recovery from a hysterectomy will depend on the type of surgery. Most women spend at least one to two days in the hospital. Abdominal surgery recovery takes about four to six weeks, while laparoscopic surgery recovery will last three to four weeks.
“Laparoscopic surgery requires special training, experience and equipment, so not all surgeons are skilled to perform it,” adds James Schermerhorn, M.D., obstetrician/gynecologist on the medical staff at Doctors Hospital at White Rock Lake. “We’re proud that we can offer this important option to our patients — it’s yet another illustration of our strong commitment to quality patient care available at Doctors Hospital.”
For more information on minimally invasive hysterectomies, visit www.DoctorsHospitalDallas.com or call 1-800-887-2525 for a free referral to an obstetrician/gynecologist on the medical staff at Doctors Hospital at White Rock Lake.
Doctors Hospital at White Rock Lake
9440 Poppy Drive
Dallas, TX 75218
214 324-6100
www.doctorshospitaldallas.com