Gynecologic Surgery
Sometimes, surgery is the best treatment option for a gynecologic condition. A VHC gynecologic surgeon will be by your side every step of the way in Arlington and the DC metro.
Who Needs Gynecologic Surgery?
Choose a skilled gynecologic surgeon at VHC Health to help treat:
- Gynecologic cancers, like uterine (endometrial), ovarian, or cervical cancer
- Heavy periods or bleeding
- Infertility (trouble getting pregnant)
- Pelvic organ prolapse (when pelvic organs, like the womb, drop out of place)
- Uterine fibroids (growths in the uterus)
Learn What to Expect
Get help preparing for surgery. Find out what happens the day of surgery, and plan for a smooth recovery. Being informed helps you feel more at ease about your surgical experience.
Less Invasive Care
Your surgeon will use small incisions or no incisions whenever possible. That means less pain, scarring, and recovery time. Ask if your treatment will use:
During robotic surgery, your surgeon controls a robot's "arms," which can move and bend more precisely than human hands. To learn more or schedule an appointment, visit VHC Health's page about less invasive gynecologic surgery.
Hysterectomy
A hysterectomy removes the uterus. Your doctor will try other options first, but you may need surgery if those don’t work.
Types of Hysterectomies
Depending on your diagnosis, you may need:
- Total hysterectomy – Removes the uterus and cervix
- Subtotal or partial hysterectomy – Removes the uterus but leaves your cervix in place to reduce the chance of pelvic support problems and urinary incontinence (leaks) later in life
- Radical hysterectomy – Removes the uterus, cervix and some pelvic lymph nodes to treat cancer
Your surgeon can also remove the ovaries and fallopian tubes at the same time, if needed.
Ways to Do a Hysterectomy
Talk to your surgeon about which method is right for you.
Abdominal Hysterectomy (Open Surgery)
This method removes the uterus and cervix through a cut in the belly that is about 4 to 6 inches long. You will be under:
This surgery usually requires:
Your doctor may recommend this if you have:
Vaginal Hysterectomy (Less Invasive)
Your surgeon takes out the uterus and cervix through the vagina. This can treat uterine-vaginal prolapse or early cervical or uterine cancer.
Benefits include:
Laparoscopic Vaginal Hysterectomy (Less Invasive)
This method uses small cuts in the belly and vagina, plus a laparoscope (a thin tool with a light and camera). Recovery and hospital stay are about the same as a vaginal hysterectomy.
Supracervical Hysterectomy (with Robot)
Your surgeon removes the uterus using small cuts near the belly button and abdomen. The surgeon separates the uterus from the cervix and removes it through one of the small openings.
