A Less Invasive Approach To Hysterectomy

By Monique R. Farrow, M.D. and Adrian Quesada-Rojas, M.D.

The most common reason for a woman to have a hysterectomy is fibroids, which are noncancerous growths in the uterus that can cause pain, bleeding, pelvic pressure and difficulty emptying the bladder. Endometriosis, a painful condition caused when the lining of the uterus grows outside the womb, is another reason.

A hysterectomy can also improve the quality of life for women with uterine prolapse, in which the uterus drops from its normal position into the vaginal canal.

Due to advances in treatment, the number of hysterectomies in the United States has been steadily declining. But there are still a number of women who benefit from a hysterectomy, defined as the surgical removal of all or part of the womb (uterus) – often leaving the ovaries in place to avoid early menopause in younger patients.

Hysterectomies have greatly advanced in recent years. In the past, most women had an operation to remove the uterus through a 5-inch to 7-inch cut in the lower abdomen, often leaving a large scar.

Today’s minimally invasive techniques allow our patients to recovery quickly after a hysterectomy and get back to normal activities, generally in a few weeks instead months. This is a significant consideration for many women who don’t want to take additional time off from work, or who are worried about child care.

Advances in surgical techniques

At Christiana Care Health System we will explore the options with you and help you choose a treatment that works best for you and your lifestyle. For example, many women benefit from medications to treat endometriosis and avoid surgery all together. Women who experience the heavy periods and pain associated with fibroids, may opt to manage the pain medically until menopause when fibroids shrink.

If a hysterectomy would benefit you, we will discuss all of the available options and find the time and method that will meet your needs.

To make an appointment with Monique R. Farrow, M.D., or Adrian Quesada-Rojas, M.D., contact a convenient Christiana Care location:

Christiana Hospital

Women’s Health Practice

Suite 1900

4755 Ogletown-Stanton Road

Newark, DE 19718

302-733-6510

Wilmington Hospital

Wilmington Health Center

Women’s Health Office

501 W. 14th Street

Wilmington, DE 19801

302-320-4414

Smyrna Women’s Health Practice

100 S. Main Street

Smyrna, DE 19977

302-659-4520