Why would I need a hysterectomy?
Dr. Gotlin might consider you as a candidate for a hysterectomy if you’re suffering from any of the following conditions:
- Uncontrolled vaginal bleeding: This could be caused by cancer, hormonal changes, or other non-cancerous growths
- Cervical, uterine, or ovarian cancer: A hysterectomy might be the best option if your cancer proves unresponsive to chemo or radiation therapy
- Endometriosis: Uterine tissue grows on the ovaries or other organs, causing severe pain and bleeding in between periods
- Uterine Prolapse: Where the uterus has slipped down into the vaginal cavity
- Uterine Fibroids: Non-cancerous growths found within the walls of the uterus
Make sure you’ve thought through all your options before making a final decision: You will no longer be able to have children after the surgery.
What surgical options do I have for a hysterectomy?
Depending on the severity of your issues, Dr. Gotlin will talk you through the following choices:
- Partial Hysterectomy: Only a portion of your uterus gets removed, leaving your cervix intact.
- Full Hysterectomy: You have your entire uterus and cervix removed.
- Full Hysterectomy with a Salpingo-Oophorectomy: Dr. Gotlin removes your uterus and cervix along with your ovaries and fallopian tubes.
He can perform these hysterectomies through various techniques, including:
- Abdominal Hysterectomy: The uterus gets removed via a large cut in your abdomen.
- Vaginal Hysterectomy: Dr. Gotlin makes a small cut in your vagina and removes the uterus that way.
- Laparoscopic Hysterectomy: Dr. Gotlin makes several small incisions then inserts a small instrument called a laparoscope that allows him to view your uterus. It gets cut into smaller pieces that are removed individually.
Dr. Gotlin also specializes in using robotic minimally invasive surgery to perform hysterectomies. He’s one of only two doctors in the Miami Beach area certified to perform this technique. The robotic system offers Dr. Gotlin 3D images of your uterus and greater surgical precision with the use of robotic arms.
Does a hysterectomy cause side effects?
Complications, though rare, can arise from the surgery. Having a hysterectomy carries the risk of damaging other organs in the same area like your bladder or intestines. There’s a chance you might experience heavy bleeding around the surgery site. You might need to have a second surgery if these complications occur.
Let Dr. Gotlin know about any questions or concerns you might have about a hysterectomy. It’s vital that you’re comfortable with any final decision you make.
