Hysterectomy Specialist

What is a hysterectomy?

A hysterectomy is a surgical procedure where Dr. Robins removes your uterus. Depending on the reason you’re having a hysterectomy, he may also need to remove your ovaries and fallopian tubes. After a hysterectomy, you’re no longer able to get pregnant and may start menopause early.

What conditions does a hysterectomy treat?

Dr. Robins uses hysterectomies to treat a variety of conditions that affect your reproductive organs, including:

Uterine fibroids

Uterine fibroids are one of the most common reasons you might need a hysterectomy. If these abnormal growths are too large or deeply embedded in your uterine wall, a hysterectomy is a better option for removal than a myomectomy, a procedure to remove fibroids without taking out the entire uterus or otherwise healthy tissue.

Uterine prolapse

Uterine prolapse is a condition where your uterus slides out of place and descends into your vaginal cavity. It’s more common in women who’ve vaginally delivered several babies. Uterine prolapse can also occur following menopause and is linked to obesity.

Endometriosis

Endometriosis is a condition where your endometrium, the tissue that builds up to line the inside of your uterus each month, develops outside your uterus. The tissue is often found in the fallopian tubes, ovaries, and bladder, but can develop anywhere in your body. It causes severe cramping and heavy bleeding.

Cancer

If you have cancer of the uterus, cervix, ovary, or endometrium and other cancer treatments such as chemotherapy or radiation aren’t effective, a hysterectomy is another option.

What happens during a hysterectomy?

Whenever possible, Dr. Robins uses laparoscopic or robotic surgery techniques to perform a hysterectomy. The primary difference between the two is that Dr. Robins performs laparoscopic surgeries manually using specially designed surgical tools, and he uses the DaVinci® robotic surgery system, which is known for its extreme precision, for robotically assisted procedures.

Both laparoscopic surgeries and robotic surgeries are performed while you’re under general anesthesia. Dr. Robins makes a couple of small incisions in your abdomen and inflates your body with gas or a saline solution.

He then inserts a laparoscope, a thin, flexible tube with a camera mounted on its tip, which sends images back to a monitor in the treatment room, allowing Dr. Robins to see the inside of your body. Aided by these images, he inserts other surgical tools to carefully detach and remove your uterus, ovaries, and fallopian tubes.

Once your hysterectomy is complete, Dr. Robins closes your incisions with a stitch or two. Typically, once you’ve recovered from anesthesia and can walk unaided, you can return home.

Call or schedule an appointment online today to discuss your hysterectomy options with Dr. Robins.