Nezhat Medical Center: Patients - Treatments & Procedures

Treatments & Procedures > Alternatives to Hysterectomy

TREATMENTS & PROCEDURES

Alternatives to Hysterectomy

Although a hysterectomy (removal of the uterus) is necessary to treat certain gynecologic cancers, many alternatives exist to treat the various other indications. These alternatives range from medical or hormonal therapy, to hysteroscopic procedures and other laparoscopic procedures that allow women to maintain their uterus. Some specific indications for hysterectomies and their alternative treatments are listed below.

Uterine Fibroids: Hormonal/medical therapy, myomectomy (laparoscopic or hysteroscopic depending on myoma location), myolysis, or embolization (radiologic procedure)

Endometriosis: Hysterectomies are often performed around the world to treat endometriosis and associated pelvic pain. However, if the endometriosis itself is left untreated, the symptoms that led to the surgery will not improve postoperatively. Alternate therapies consist of medical/hormonal treatment, surgical removal of endometriotic lesions, or a combined medical/surgical approach.

Uterine Prolapse: Pessaries, pelvic floor exercises, or vaginal estrogen therapy.

Abnormal Uterine Bleeding: Hormonal/medical therapy, hysteroscopy/D&C, or endometrial ablation.