Hysterectomy in Arlington

Surgical Treatment of Gynecologic Conditions

Hysterectomy is a surgical procedure used to remove a woman’s uterus and cervix. This surgery is often used as a means of treating severe conditions of the uterus, including uterine fibroids, endometriosis, uterine prolapse, abnormal vaginal bleeding, and uterine cancer.

The highly trained gynecologic surgeons at Waldorf Women’s Care have extensive experience diagnosing and treating gynecologic conditions using minimally invasive techniques. If you have been diagnosed with a gynecologic condition and require surgery, contact our gynecology office in NOVA & Maryland.

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Types of Hysterectomies

At Waldorf Women’s Care, we understand that every patient is entirely unique, which is why our specialists may recommend a variety of different hysterectomy types, such as:

• • • A partial hysterectomy: Also known as a subtotal or supracervical hysterectomy, this procedure only removes the upper portion of the patient’s uterus, leaving the cervix in place.
    • A total hysterectomy: A majority of hysterectomies performed will belong to this category, which is the standard for removing both a woman’s uterus and cervix.
    • A radical hysterectomy: Individuals may also elect to remove more than just their uterus and/or cervix. A radical hysterectomy is used remove these organs in addition to the upper part of the vagina, tissue surrounding both sides of the cervix, and possibly even the ovaries or fallopian tubes if desired.

  Different Surgical Approaches

  There are also a few different ways to perform a hysterectomy. The method chosen will depend upon the patient’s particular case, as well as the surgeon’s training and experience with various techniques. At Waldorf Women’s Care, our specialists are able to utilize the following surgical techniques to perform a hysterectomy:

  • • • Open surgery: Traditionally, hysterectomies are completed as an open surgery, also known as an abdominal hysterectomy. This particular procedure involves making a 5-7 inch incision in the lower abdomen, which the surgeon will use to access the uterus and remove it entirely.
      • Vaginal hysterectomy: Instead of making an incision in the abdomen, this approach involves a cut in the vagina that widens the opening to allow the uterus through.
      • Laparoscopic hysterectomy: In order to minimize the size of the patient’s incision and give them a shorter recovery period, your specialist can guide laparoscopic tools within the abdomen and remove the uterus through the vagina.
      • Robotic hysterectomy: The da Vinci Surgical System was created to allow surgeons to complete a variety of minimally invasive surgeries by utilizing small instruments and a three-dimensional screen to lower the patient’s risk for potential complications.

  Important Considerations

  Your Fertility

  It is important to thoroughly discuss any sort of surgery with your physician so that you can be fully informed and educated before making a final decision on which option is best for you and your health. In regards to hysterectomy, many women will spend a substantial amount of time reflecting on how this procedure will affect their ability to have children.

  Once the uterus is removed, it will be impossible for the patient to conceive. Those wishing to preserve their fertility are not candidates for a hysterectomy, and should consider alternative methods of treatment.

Making a Decision

It may seem a bit overwhelming with all of the possibilities regarding a hysterectomy. The best solution is to consult with a specialist on the subject. Our providers have extensive experience in treating a wide range of uterine conditions using multiple types of hysterectomy procedures.