Hysterectomy is the surgical removal of a woman’s uterus. When possible, Dr. Webb can remove the uterus without removing the ovaries, thus avoiding hormone replacement therapy.

There are four types of hysterectomies and Dr. Webb recommends the best course of treatment given the unique needs of each patient.

1. da Vinci® Hysterectomy

A robotic da Vinci Hysterectomy is a variation of laparoscopic surgery using special remotely controlled instruments that provides Dr. Webb with special wrist instruments that bend and rotate at far greater precision than the human wrist. This along with three-dimensional magnified vision, gives him the ability to operate with enhanced vision, precision and control.

Operating through one small incision on the belly button or through a few small incisions, leaves minimal scarring and leads to faster recovery.

2. Laparoscopic Hysterectomy

A Laparoscopic Hysterectomy is a minimally invasive surgery to remove the uterus with less pain and faster recovery time. There are three methods:

  1. Laparoscopic assisted vaginal hysterectomy, during which several small cuts are made in the abdominal wall. Tubes are inserted to provide access for the laparoscope and other small surgical instruments.
  2. Laparoscopic supracervical hysterectomy, which removes the uterus but leaves the cervix in place.
  3. Laparoscopic total hysterectomy, which removes the uterus and other organs in portions through tiny incisions in the abdominal wall.

3. Vaginal Hysterectomy

Vaginal Hysterectomies are performed through the vaginal canal and usually involve shorter hospital stays, less pain and faster recovery.

4. Surgical Hysterectomy

Open Hysterectomies are performed through the abdomen. In a surgical abdominal hysterectomy, an incision is made through the abdominal wall to remove the organs. This technique allows for the greatest access to the reproductive organs and is usually done for removal of all reproductive organs. Recovery time is typically 4-6 weeks.