Supracervical Hysterectomy
Hysterectomy, a widely performed surgery worldwide, is conducted for various reasons, including fibroids, excessive menstrual bleeding, and pelvic pain. A supracervical hysterectomy is a surgical procedure in which the upper part of the uterus is removed while leaving the cervix intact. This type of hysterectomy is often chosen for specific medical reasons or patient preferences. During the surgery, the surgeon detaches and removes the upper portion of the uterus, but the cervix is left in place. This can be beneficial for some women as it preserves the cervix, which may have a role in sexual function and maintaining pelvic support.
One advantage of a supracervical hysterectomy is that it may result in a shorter recovery time and less postoperative pain compared to a total hysterectomy, which involves removing the entire uterus, including the cervix. However, it’s important to note that some women may continue to experience cyclic vaginal bleeding after this procedure.
Image Source: Cleveland Clinic
Common Reason for Supracervical Hysterectomy
A common reason for a supracervical hysterectomy is the presence of benign conditions or disorders of the uterus that necessitate the removal of the upper part of the uterus while preserving the cervix. Some of these conditions include:
- Fibroids (Uterine Leiomyomas): Non-cancerous growths in the uterus that can cause pain, heavy menstrual bleeding, and other symptoms. If the fibroids are primarily located in the body of the uterus rather than the cervix, a supracervical hysterectomy may be considered.
- Adenomyosis: A condition where the uterine lining grows into the muscular wall of the uterus, causing pain and heavy menstrual bleeding.
- Chronic Pelvic Pain: Women who experience chronic pelvic pain that is localized in the upper part of the uterus may opt for a supracervical hysterectomy to relieve their symptoms.
- Endometriosis: In cases where endometriosis affects the uterus but not the cervix, a supracervical hysterectomy may be performed to alleviate symptoms.
- Abnormal Uterine Bleeding: When excessive or irregular menstrual bleeding is a problem and other treatments have been ineffective, a supracervical hysterectomy might be considered.
What are the effects of removing the uterus in a Supracervical Hysterectomy?
In a supracervical hysterectomy, only the upper part of the uterus is removed, while the cervix is left intact. This procedure can have different effects compared to a total hysterectomy, where the entire uterus, including the cervix, is removed.
Women who undergo a supracervical hysterectomy will no longer experience menstruation, as the upper part of the uterus responsible for shedding the uterine lining during periods is removed. However, because the cervix is preserved, some women may experience less disruption in terms of pelvic support and sexual function compared to those who have had a total hysterectomy. It’s important to note that individual experiences can vary, and some women may still experience changes in sexual sensation or comfort.
A supracervical hysterectomy generally has a shorter recovery time and less postoperative pain compared to a total hysterectomy. This can be beneficial for women who want to return to their regular activities more quickly.
Additionally, routine cervical screening is still necessary after a supracervical hysterectomy to monitor for any cervical issues that may arise in the future.
How Long Does a Supracervical Hysterectomy Take?
A Supracervical Hysterectomy typically takes approximately 1 to 2 hours to complete, as it involves removing only the upper part of the uterus while preserving the cervix. On the other hand, a Total Hysterectomy involves the removal of the entire uterus, including the cervix, and may take longer, typically around 1.5 to 2.5 hours.
Laparoscopy in Supracervical Hysterectomy: A Minimally Invasive Surgical Approach
Laparoscopy plays a significant role in a Supracervical Hysterectomy (LSH), a minimally invasive surgical procedure aimed at removing the upper part of the uterus while preserving the cervix.
During an LSH, small incisions are made in the abdominal wall through which a laparoscope, equipped with a camera and surgical instruments, is inserted. This laparoscopic approach provides our surgeon Dr Pankaj Singhal with a clear and magnified view of the pelvic region, allowing for precise and controlled movements throughout the procedure.
With the laparoscope’s assistance, the surgeon carefully detaches the upper section of the uterus from its surrounding structures, such as ligaments and blood vessels. This detached uterine tissue is then typically removed in pieces through one of the small laparoscopic incisions. Importantly, the cervix is left untouched and preserved, as it is a distinguishing feature of a Supracervical Hysterectomy. The benefits of laparoscopy in this procedure include smaller incisions, reduced postoperative pain, shorter hospital stays, and quicker recovery times, making it a preferred choice for many patients and surgeons.
NYGS Approach
We understand that facing a Supracervical Hysterectomy can be a challenging and emotionally charged experience. At NYGS, our commitment is to deliver personalized care that caters to your specific needs. Our team comprises experienced gynecologists and healthcare professionals who will stand by you throughout this journey, offering unwavering support, addressing your questions, and ensuring your comfort at every stage.
Your well-being remains our utmost priority, and we are dedicated to surpassing your expectations by providing top-quality care and individualized attention. If you or someone you care about is contemplating or has a scheduled Supracervical Hysterectomy or has any concerns related to this procedure, please do not hesitate to contact us. We are here to offer guidance and assistance as you navigate this crucial decision-making process and embark on your treatment path.
Pankaj Singhal, MD, MS, MHCM
- Industry expertise with over 12 years of experience in both academic & private health care settings, physician practice management and executive leadership.
- Trained over 45 gynecologic surgeons along with training fellows in minimally invasive gynecologic surgery and gynecology oncology, and has developed cutting edge, new surgical techniques for endometriosis and laparoscopic surgeries.
- One of the very few surgeons who have completed over 5,718 robot-assisted gynecologic surgeries in the entire United States.
- Known for taking on the most challenging surgery cases that other doctors/centers turn away.
Hear From Our Clients
Joetta Simonette
On May 3, 2018 at Good Samarital Hospital, due to cancer, you performed ovarian surgery on me.
It is now 5 years since that date – 5 years of wellness that has been accomplished through the grace of God guiding your hands and the support of your team and my loving family.
You are an excellent, compassionate and caring doctor who was confident of a good outcome, and so it is!
Thank you, thank you for these past wonderful years. May God continue to bless you. You are in my prayers!
RG Petkos
Power couple Dr. Singhal & Dr. Mclean are amazing!! My experience with them has been absolutely wonderful. I highly recommend either of them for so many reasons mainly for helping me get back some quality of life with my successful full hysterectomy being better than I expected.
The process from the beginning with them was a pleasure and I had quite a challenge beforehand so I’m very grateful that quality, professional, caring doctors still exist!!
I especially appreciate their proactive approach and feel the combination of the care and expertise they provide make for successful outcomes!!
Kimberly Quinde
Dr. Singhal was the doctor who took care of my mother Ivonne Guevara. My mother had gone to 2 other doctors who refused to take care of her fibroid. She was in pain for years and her fibroid had grown really big without her knowing. When my mom went to Dr Singhal she was met with calmness and reassurance that everything will be ok and he would help her get better. Dr. Singhal was so kind and caring all throughout the process.
He took all her worries away and my mom highly recommends him. She hopes every doctor can be as great as Dr. Singhal.
Everyone in his office was so nice to my mom and it was a great experience given the circumstances.
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