What Is A Supracervical Hysterectomy?

Women should be aware of the different types of hysterectomies available and their surgical options in the event that they require a hysterectomy. The options may be limited by the medical condition requiring the hysterectomy, or by the general heath of the patient. Most doctors will use the least invasive, least radical procedure available for the treatment of the patient.

The supracervical laparoscopic hysterectomy is a minimally invasive partial hysterectomy that preserves the cervix. It is not an option for patients with cervical cancer, but it may be an option for patients with fibroid tumors endometriosis and certain types of uterine cancer. This surgery leaves the cervix intact while removing the uterus.

The advantages of the supracervical laparoscopic hysterectomy include better sexual function following surgery and better support for surrounding organs in the abdominal cavity. Sexual function is better than with traditional hysterectomy, because the mucous secreting glands, located in the cervix, are left in place. This avoids vaginal dryness, a common complaint following hysterectomy.

Laparoscopic surgery is performed using a tiny camera on a thin tube. The camera is inserted through a small incision just below the navel. This allow the surgeon a view of the abdominal cavity. The surgeon then makes addition small incisions through with special tiny instruments are inserted. The uterus is removed in small pieces through the incisions.

The supracervical laparoscopic hysterectomy takes far less time then other hysterectomies. It requires less time for the operation and the recovery of the patient following surgery. There is less post surgical pain, and less risk of infection. The minimally invasive nature of the surgery means less bleeding and less risk of hemorrhage. The risk of adverse reaction to anesthesia is the same as for any surgery. This procedure is typically done with general anesthesia.

In uterine cancers where there is no involvement of the cervix, this surgery may be an option. When possible, the surgeon will leave the ovaries in place to avoid the need for hormone replacement therapy. Women whose ovaries are removed will suffer from menopausal symptoms. Older patients tend to withstand minimally invasive procedures better than traditional surgeries, so in older patients, doctors will often opt for the least invasive surgery with the smallest amount of tissue removal that is possible.

When malignancy involves the cervix, the supracervical hysterectomy is not an option. The purpose of cancer surgery is to remove the malignancy. Other cervical disease may preclude this surgery. It is usually an excellent option for treatment of fibroid tumors and most cases of endometriosis. It may be an option for the treatment of certain uterine cancers that do not involve the cervix. The doctor and patient must decide if this option is viable.

Any women facing a hysterectomy should discuss all treatment options with her doctor especially if she should want to have children. For some conditions there may be less radical medical or surgical options. When there is uterine malignancy, there are probably no other options, but women should talk to their doctors about the minimum amount of surgery possible to effectively treat their condition.