Hysterectomy

TriState OBGYN PC

Stephen Ehiremen, MD

OBGYN located in Memphis, TN

If you’ve finished having children and want a solution to fibroids, pelvic pain, or abnormal menstrual cycles, a hysterectomy might be right for you. Stephen Ehiremen, MD, provides minimally invasive robotic hysterectomies at TriState OBGYN PC in Memphis, Tennessee. If you’re considering a hysterectomy and want a team of compassionate, dedicated providers on your side, book an appointment online or over the phone today.

Hysterectomy Q & A

What is a hysterectomy?

A hysterectomy is a surgery to remove a woman’s uterus or womb. You can get a hysterectomy if you have finished having children and are experiencing uncomfortable pelvic symptoms.

In some cases, hysterectomies also involve removing your fallopian tubes and ovaries. The extent of your procedure will be determined by Dr. Ehiremen based on your overall health, symptoms, and desired outcome.

Why is a hysterectomy performed?

A hysterectomy can be an elective or medically necessary procedure for the following conditions:

  • Uterine fibroids
  • Heavy or unusual vaginal bleeding
  • Uterine prolapse
  • Endometriosis
  • Adenomyosis
  • Cancer or precancer of the uterus, cervix, ovary, or endometrium

Since a hysterectomy is a major surgery, Dr. Ehiremen may recommend alternative treatments or fertility-sparing surgeries first.

How is a hysterectomy performed?

Dr. Ehiremen has advanced training in performing minimally invasive robotic hysterectomies. These type of hysterectomies allow for a faster recovery and have less risk of infection than traditional open hysterectomies.

While you are under general anesthesia, Dr. Ehiremen makes a few small incisions on your abdomen and guides laparoscopic cables, which have tools and a miniature camera, through the incisions into your pelvis.

Using the camera to visualize the area, Dr. Ehiremen uses the tools to cut the ligaments that attach your uterus to your pelvis. Then Dr. Ehiremen removes your uterus — and other structures, as needed — and the laparoscopic tools and cables through the same incisions. Your incisions are then closed with surgical tape.

What is recovery like after a hysterectomy?

Depending on the extent of your surgery and your overall health, you may need to stay in the hospital for one to two days to recover.

Once you’re ready to leave the hospital, you’ll need 4-6 weeks to recover at home. During your recovery, you’ll need to focus on resting and avoid picking up heavy objects.

Once Dr. Ehiremen determines you have healed sufficiently, you can return to your normal activities, including exercise and sexual intercourse. Since your ovaries are removed, you may experience menopause symptoms if you haven’t yet gone through menopause.

If you’re interested in a minimally invasive hysterectomy, book an appointment with TriState OBGYN PC online or over the phone today.