A Rundown On Supracervical Hysterectomy

Supra-cervical hysterectomy can be done either thru an abdominal incision or with a laparoscope. In a supracervical hysterectomy, only the uterus is removed thru either an abdominal incision or thru a laparoscope with a uterine morcellator. The cervix and possibly even the ovaries are kept.

Considerations Before Undergoing a Supracervical Hysterectomy

To determine if you are a candidate for supracervical hysterectomy, you must provide your doctor with a complete medical history. You must also undergo a physical exam, vaginal ultrasound, and Pap smear. You may also need to undergo testing for high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV). If you have other conditions that may have an effect on the hysterectomy, separate tests will be conducted for these.

You may not be a candidate for supracervical hysterectomy if you have any of the following conditions: endometrial hyperplasia or cancer; current or previous cervical dysplasia or cancer; or any other gynecologic cancer.

Thorough tests must be performed to exclude cancer precursors, or uterine and cervical cancer.

Does Supracervical Hysterectomy Get the Thumbs Up or the Thumbs Down?

Advocates of supracervical hysterectomy claim that this technique of hysterectomy preserves the sexual function of a woman because the cervix is preserved along with the mucous-secreting glands, which prevent vaginal dryness. Vaginal dryness is a common complaint of women who have undergone hysterectomy.

Supracervical hysterectomy also results in better pelvic support, as the ligaments that support the vagina and cervix are not severed. In addition, this type of hysterectomy causes less pain than other types of hysterectomy. It requires a shorter recovery period because of the small incisions that are made through the laparoscopic approach. Moreover, hormone replacement therapy may no longer be needed since the ovaries are left intact. This hysterectomy appears to have the shortest operating time as well as the shortest hospital stay when utilized by an experienced Gynecologist. Women who undergo this hysterectomy can also resume their sexual activity sooner.

However, a recent research conducted by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists showed that there is no real advantage with the supracervical hysterectomy compared to the other types of hysterectomy. A woman who has undergone a supracervical hysterectomy may even be exposed to more risks from the cervix that is kept. This can lead to further treatments in regards to cervical pathology in the future.

Just as with total hysterectomy, supracervical hysterectomy patients still experience bladder emptying, urinary frequency, and urinary incontinence. In addition, the study showed that women who underwent a supracervical hysterectomy reported no difference in the quality and frequency of sexual activity when compared with other types of hysterectomy.

In deciding whether to undergo a supracervical hysterectomy or not, it is best to thoroughly discuss the pros and cons with your doctor. This will enable you to better evaluate whether this type of hysterectomy is right for you.