Hospital Procedures New Braunfels OB/GYN

Hysterectomy

A hysterectomy is the surgical removal of the uterus. Hysterectomies are performed for a wide variety of reasons including:

Abnormal vaginal bleeding unresponsive to medical management
Fibroid tumors that are symptomatic
Endometriosis
Pelvic organ prolapse

Thankfully, technological advances have decreased the discomfort, risk of infection and recovery time for patients who must undergo hysterectomy. Our physicians have years of experience using these technological advances. There are four types of hysterectomies (listed in order of preference): robot-assisted transvaginal hysterectomy, trans vaginal hysterectomy, laparoscopic assisted hysterectomy, and total abdominal hysterectomy. A brief description of each is below. Please note that we only perform hysterectomies on patients who have completed childbearing. Ovary removal or sparing will be discussed prior to surgery.

Robot-Assisted Total Hysterectomy (RATH)

This procedure involves the use of a robot to assist in the surgical removal of the uterus. The surgeon uses a console to control robotic arms and instruments that offer maximum flexibility of movement superior to human hands while looking through a 3D microscope that offers up close viewing and impeccable precision. Due to less injury to surrounding tissues and organs, patients report decreased post-operative pain and scaring.

Da Vinci Robotic-Assisted Surgery

Recovery: 4-6 weeks

Trans Vaginal Hysterectomy (TVH)

This procedure is a minimally invasive removal of the uterus and is considered the most minimally invasive with removal of the uterus accomplished through the vagina. As such, the procedure does not require an abdominal incision.

Recovery: 4-6 weeks

Laparoscopic-Assisted Hysterectomy

This procedure involves the use of laparoscopic instruments to assist in the surgical removal of the uterus through the vagina much like the TVH, but it requires two to three small incisions in the abdomen to assist in the removal.

Recovery: 4-6 weeks

Total Abdominal Hysterectomy

This procedure involves the removal of the uterus through an abdominal incision.

Recovery: 6-8 weeks

Dilation and Curretage (D&C)

Dilation and curettage is an outpatient procedure during which the cervix is dilated (opened) and uterine contents are removed under general anesthesia. This procedure is indicated for abnormal pregnancy evacuation as well as abnormal menstrual bleeding refractory to medical management during the reproductive or menopausal years.

Recovery: 7 to 10 days to resume normal activities

Cold Knife Conization (CKC)

Cold knife conization is an outpatient procedure during which a cone shaped specimen of the cervix is removed under general anesthesia. This procedure is indicated for treatment of cervical dysplasia to prevent progression to cervical cancer.

Recovery: 7 to 10 days to resume normal activities

Myomectomy

This procedure involves the removal of one or more fibroid tumors without a hysterectomy and is intended for patients that desire uterine preservation. It can be performed hysteroscopically, laparoscopically, or with an abdominal incision.

Recovery: 6-8 weeks

Laparoscopic Adnexal Surgery

Pelvic pain can sometimes be caused by ovarian/tubal cysts or other abnormal pathology. Dr. Reddy and Dr. Graebe use this surgery as a minimally invasive technique to remove pathologic ovarian cysts, ovaries, or tubes by introducing a camera through the belly button to visualize the abnormal structures. The structures are then removed through a secondary incision.

Recovery: 7-10 days

Ectopic Pregnancy Removal

This procedure is used to remedy a pregnancy implanted outside the uterus, most commonly in the fallopian tubes. If not treated, ectopic pregnancy poses a significant risk of maternal hemorrhage and can prove fatal. The procedure can be performed laparoscopically or with an abdominal incision. Your physician will assess the patient’ medical status before discussing the method and course of the procedure.

Recovery: 2-4 weeks

Ovarian Torsion

The procedure remedies the rotation of the ovary, which often results in the impingement of the blood supply to the ovary. In rare cases, the ovary must be removed. Typically, ovarian torsion is caused by an ovarian cyst or abnormal pathology. The procedure can be performed laparoscopically or with an abdominal incision.

Recovery: 2-4 weeks

Laparoscopic Bilateral Tubal Ligation

BTL is a permanent method of birth control. When performed laparoscopically, an instrument is inserted through a small incision made in or near the navel. Another small incision may be made for an instrument to close off or remove the fallopian tubes.

Recovery: 7-10 days