Minimally Invasive Hysterectomy
A hysterectomy can resolve many gynecologic problems when other treatments haven’t worked. The experienced surgeons at Marina OB/GYN always consider conservative options first and, when surgery is the right choice, favor minimally invasive robotic and laparoscopic techniques that often allow patients to go home the same day.
Book OnlineWhat Is a Hysterectomy?
A hysterectomy is surgery to remove the uterus. Depending on your condition, the cervix, fallopian tubes, and ovaries (oophorectomy) may also be removed. A partial hysterectomy removes only the uterus, while a total hysterectomy removes the uterus and cervix. Your provider will recommend the type that best fits your needs.
When Is a Hysterectomy Needed?
- Chronic pelvic pain
- Endometriosis
- Uterine fibroids
- Heavy vaginal bleeding
- Pelvic organ prolapse
- Pelvic inflammatory disease
- Cancer of the uterus, cervix, or ovaries
Before recommending surgery, our providers explore conservative treatments such as medication, a hormonal IUD, or fibroid-sparing myomectomy. During your consultation, we explain what the procedure involves and what the permanent removal of these organs means for you, so you can make a confident decision.
Types of Hysterectomy
Robotic hysterectomy: Using da Vinci robotic surgery, your surgeon operates through a few very small incisions with enhanced precision and 3D visualization. This is the most technologically advanced approach, offering less pain, fewer complications, and faster recovery. It is usually performed as an outpatient procedure, so you can recover at home the same day.
Laparoscopic hysterectomy: Your surgeon uses slender instruments through small abdominal incisions. Like robotic surgery, it is minimally invasive and usually allows same-day discharge.
Vaginal hysterectomy: The uterus and cervix are removed through an incision at the top of the vagina, with no abdominal incision. Recovery typically takes three to four weeks, though this approach isn’t right for everyone.
Abdominal (open) hysterectomy: An incision similar to a C-section scar provides access to the pelvic organs. This approach may be needed for a very large uterus or certain cancers, and typically requires a one- to two-night hospital stay and up to six weeks of recovery.
Life After Hysterectomy
After a hysterectomy, you will no longer have periods or be able to become pregnant. If your ovaries are removed, you will enter menopause, and hormone replacement therapy can help manage symptoms. Explore conditions we treat and all OB/GYN services.
Hysterectomy FAQs
How long is recovery after a hysterectomy?
Robotic and laparoscopic hysterectomy recovery is typically two to four weeks. Vaginal hysterectomy takes three to four weeks, and abdominal surgery up to six weeks.
Can I go home the same day?
Many robotic and laparoscopic hysterectomies are performed as outpatient procedures with same-day discharge.
Will I go into menopause after a hysterectomy?
Only if your ovaries are removed. If they are left in place, they continue producing hormones.
Will I still need Pap smears?
If your cervix is removed for noncancerous reasons, you usually no longer need Pap tests. Your provider will confirm.
Are there alternatives to hysterectomy?
Yes. Medication, hormonal IUDs, endometrial ablation, and myomectomy may be options depending on your condition.
What is the difference between partial and total hysterectomy?
A partial hysterectomy removes the uterus only. A total hysterectomy removes the uterus and cervix.
Is robotic hysterectomy safe?
Yes. Robotic hysterectomy is a well-established, minimally invasive technique with fewer complications and faster recovery than open surgery.