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About Hysterectomies:
Hysterectomies are generally performed for four main reasons:
- To treat pain or heavy bleeding
- To treat uterine prolapse
- To treat cancer
- In rare emergencies to save the woman's life
Most hysterectomies are done when the woman feels that the quality of her life is
affected by pain or heavy and/or irregular bleeding. Often, the
pain and bleeding is caused by fibroids, which are non-cancerous
smooth muscle tumors of the uterus. When discomfort results from
endometriosis, the woman may consider hysterectomy. Endometriosis
is a condition when groups of cells from the uterine lining attach
themselves to other organs, which may cause pain.
Loss of muscle tone of the pelvis, vagina, and/or anus may result prolapse of
the pelvic organs. The symptoms of prolapse are discomfort and
irritation with some activities, such as standing, sitting, or
sexual intercourse. Occassionally the woman finds it difficult
to empty her bladder completely, leaks urine, or finds bowel movements
difficult.
Alternatives to Hysterectomy
The Alternatives to Hysterectomy Program offers several conservative,
creative, and highly technical options for women:
- Hormonal Therapy
- Medical treatments to help manage heavy and/or irregual bleeding.
- Fibroid Embolization (by Dotter Institute Procedure)
- New procedure to shrink the fibroids with tiny particles that block the blood
flow to the fibroid. Fibroid Embolization consists of inserting
a tiny catheter through the groin to the artery that feeds the
uterus, and injecting microscopic particles into this vessel,
which cut off the blood flow to it. 80% of women treated with
this technique have relief of symptoms from the fibroids.
- Thermal Balloon Endometrial Ablation
- Recently available treatment for heavy bleeding, where a small liquid-filled
balloon is inserted into the uterus. The balloon is then gently
heated, which makes the endometrium (inner lining of the uterus)
less likely to bleed during menstrual periods.
- Hysteroscopic Resection of the Endometrium
- Minimally
invasive non-hysterectomy treatment for abnormal bleeding, where
a small instrument is inserted through the vagina, into the
cervix, and is able to look at and remove the uterine lining.
- Hysteroscopic Resection of Fibroids
- Minimally invasive non-hysterectomy surgery for uterine fibroids. A small
instrument is inserted through the cervix to look at the uterine
lining, and through which fibroids can be specifically identified
and removed.
- Myomectomy for Fibroids
- Uterine-saving surgery that removes the fibroids, and maintains fertility, menstrual cycling, and sexual responsiveness.
- Surgeries for Uterine Prolapse with Uterine Conservation
- Surgeries to correct pelvic floor problems that cause discomfort, pelvic pressure with activities, urine
leakage, and/or problems with urination and bowel movements.
Copies of Hysterectomy: Questions Every
Woman Should Ask may be available for $2 through the Oregon Medical
Association (503 226-1555).
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