Debunking Myths About Hysterectomy (NAPSA)—Whoyouare today hasless to do with your anatomythanit did when previous generations insisted on defining genderroles. In modernlife, genderfluidity, particularly whenit comestoa child’s development, has also joined the conversation. Whatit meansto be a woman is constantly being redefined. Whenit comes to needing surgery to treat fibroids, adenomyosis or other complex GYN conditions, however, old-fash- ioned misunderstandings still abound. Part of the problem is not knowing just howthe female reproductive system affects a womans overallhealth. WhatIs A Hysterectomy? Hysterectomyis simply the removal of the uterus. The uterus does not affect hormone production. That is the func- tion of the ovaries, which are removed by a different type of procedurecalled an oophorectomy. In too many instances, even members of the medical community conflate the two procedures without explanation. Radical hysterectomy, full hysterectomy and total hysterectomy are terms used for removing uterus, ovaries, fallopian tubes and cervix. The trouble is, hysterectomy is the only surgical term used. This has led hysterectomy to incorrectly be associated with enforced menopause, decreased sex drive, personal climate changes(hot flashes), and increased risk of heart disease and bone loss. Those symptoms can occur with the removal of the ovaries, the primary source of estrogen in a woman's body. However, hysterectomy does not always include an oophorectomy. Paul MacKoul, M.D. discusses this confusion frequently with his patients. “Conditions like fibroids or adenomyosis can be cured by having a hyster- ectomy performed, helping a patient live an active, full life. In many cases, it is not always necessary to perform an Many women mayberelieved to know that doctors today can perform hysterectomies without causing early menopause. Choosing The Best Hysterectomy Technique & Specialist Matters “Surgeons should betrained in powerful techniques that enhance surgical outcomes for their patients, said Dr. MacKoul. “We always recommend the most minimally invasive procedure that has patient safety at the forefront and also hasstellar results?” A DualPortGYN hysterectomy uses just two tiny 5mm incisions, one at the belly button and one just above the pubic bone. The procedure averages less than an hour, and patients return home the same day, recovering in a week or less. Com- pared to other open or robotic procedures performedby generalpractitioners or OB/ GYNsthat require four to eight weeks for recovery, the DualPortGYN shorter surgery and recovery timesoffer patients the benefits of less anesthesia and faster mobility to minimize therisk of bloodclots. “Any physician recommending hysterectomy needs to be sympathetic to the pervasive fears that women have about the procedure,’ said Natalya Danilyants, M.D. “Take the time to explain all the options available, what the terms meanat oophorectomy, unless the ovaries are length, and be able to offer an exception- ian cancer. Once a womanis no longer for the patient, even if that meansrefer- laparoscopically-” Forfurther facts andto find a doctor who performs the DualPortGYN, go to https://innovativegyn.com/techniques/ dualportgyn/. diseased or there is a high risk of ovar- able to have or interested in having children, the benefit of a hysterectomy outweighs the risks of performing other, more invasive types of surgery, like a myomectomy, evenif it is performed al procedure that minimizes the recovery ring them to a specialist.” Learn More
