Hysterectomy
Every year, about 600,000 Americans have hysterectomies, making it one of the most commonly performed gynecological surgeries. With offices in Napa, St. Helena, and Hidden Valley Lake, California, John H. Kirk, MD, and his team provide minimally invasive, robotic-assisted hysterectomies to treat a variety of women’s reproductive health issues. If you need a hysterectomy and are looking for an expert physician, call Dr. Kirk or schedule a consultation online today.
What is a hysterectomy?
A hysterectomy is a surgical procedure to remove a woman’s uterus and other reproductive organs. There are several types of hysterectomy. A partial hysterectomy only removes the uterus, while a total hysterectomy extracts the uterus and cervix. A radical hysterectomy removes the uterus, cervix, fallopian tubes, and ovaries.
Dr. Kirk provides minimally invasive hysterectomies using state-of-the-art robotic-assisted surgery techniques. This approach allows him to remove the reproductive organs through tiny keyhole incisions, which minimizes the risk of damage to the other pelvic organs and tissue, and optimizes recovery.
Dr. Kirk can make incisions in the abdomen to perform a hysterectomy, or he can perform a vaginal hysterectomy, and remove the womb through the vaginal canal.
Why would I need a hysterectomy?
Dr. Kirk offers hysterectomies to treat several women’s health issues. For example, abnormal bleeding is one of the most common complaints that lead to hysterectomies. Health issues like uterine fibroids, endometriosis, polyps, hyperplasia, or cancer of the uterus or cervix can cause abnormal bleeding. If other treatments don’t resolve the condition, Dr. Kirk recommends a hysterectomy.
You might also need a hysterectomy if you experience chronic pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), uterine prolapse, or delivery complications like placenta accreta, uterine rupture, or severe bleeding.
How do I know if a hysterectomy is right for me?
In most cases, a hysterectomy isn’t a first-line treatment for reproductive health issues. Dr. Kirk provides thorough exams, consultations, and second opinions to identify the best method to treat the condition and restore health.
Whenever possible, Dr. Kirk tries to use less invasive procedures. He often tries other nonsurgical treatments or minimally invasive surgeries that leave a woman’s reproductive organs intact. For example, he offers robotic-assisted myomectomy to remove fibroids without damaging the integrity of the womb.
If Dr. Kirk thinks that a hysterectomy is the best option, he discusses the procedure with you and answers questions so you can make the best choices for his patient’s health and wellness. He reviews their aftercare instructions and ensures that you receive the best possible care before, during, and after a hysterectomy.
Call Dr. Kirk today or make an appointment online if you need a hysterectomy or are living with a disruptive reproductive health issue.