Personal Care for Hysterectomy in Central California

Hysterectomy is the surgical removal of the uterus. Doctors use it to treat a range of gynecologic conditions. Once a woman has had a hysterectomy, she will no longer have periods and can’t get pregnant. 

Dignity Health Central California offers the latest advances for gynecologic care. Our specialized surgical suites are designed with the most up-to-date technologies. Our doctors are skilled in minimally invasive surgical techniques, including da Vinci^® Robot. Find a Doctor who performs hysterectomy in Central California with humankindness at one of our hospitals:

• St. Joseph’s Medical Center
• Memorial Hospital
• Mercy Hospital Southwest

When Do Doctors Recommend Hysterectomy?

Common reasons for hysterectomy include: 

• Cancer of the uterus, cervix, or ovaries
• Persistent and abnormally heavy periods
• Uterine fibroids
• Chronic pelvic pain
• Endometriosis
• Uterine prolapse

What to Expect During a Hysterectomy Procedure at Dignity Health Central California

We offer several surgical options for hysterectomy. All of them are performed in a hospital operating room and require general anesthesia. Your experience will depend on how your hysterectomy is performed:

• Vaginal hysterectomy removes the uterus through the vagina.
• Abdominal hysterectomy uses an incision in the lower abdomen to remove the uterus.
• Laparoscopic hysterectomy is performed through a few tiny incisions in the abdomen, using a special camera and surgical instruments. 

According to the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology, vaginal and laparoscopic hysterectomies are the preferred surgical options. Because they use much smaller incisions, they offer shorter hospitals stays and recovery periods.

During a hysterectomy your doctor may remove several organs:

• Subtotal or partial hysterectomy is the removal of the the uterus but not the cervix.
• Total hysterectomy is the removal of both the uterus and the cervix.
• Oophorectomy is the removal of the ovaries, which may or may not be performed during a hysterectomy.

Average Hysterectomy Recovery Time

The type of hysterectomy will determine how long it will take you to recover. Recovery from abdominal hysterectomy takes longer than laparoscopic or vaginal hysterectomy.

After your surgery, you will need a tube in your bladder (catheter) to drain urine. It will be removed as soon as possible. You will be encouraged to walk around to decrease the risk of blood clots. You will receive pain medication as needed. Some women go home the day after surgery, but others need to stay in the hospital a few days. 

Full recovery usually takes three to six weeks. If your ovaries were removed during the surgery, you will be in menopause. Hormone replacement surgery may be an option to ease symptoms. Talk to your doctor about whether or not it is right for you.