A vaginal or laparoscopic hysterectomy causes fewer complications than abdominal surgery

Many different women’s health issues may necessitate a hysterectomy. The surgery can treat everything from uterine fibroids and endometriosis to pelvic prolapse and gynecologic cancer. The type of procedure our San Antonio OBGYNs will perform will depend upon the reason for your surgery. In most cases, patients can have vaginal surgery, which may or may not be performed laparoscopically or with robotic assistance. Each of these options offers faster recovery time and fewer complications in removing the uterus.

Vaginal hysterectomy

During a vaginal procedure, the surgeon removes the uterus through the vagina. A vaginal hysterectomy may be performed under general or regional anesthesia. During the surgery, our San Antonio OBGYNs make a small incision inside the vagina to reach the uterus. They then remove the uterus through this incision.

Laparoscopic or robotic hysterectomy

Our San Antonio OBGYNs also perform both laparoscopic and robotic-assisted hysterectomy. During a minimally invasive procedure, the surgeon makes 2-3 small incisions in the abdomen, where she inserts a laparoscope. This instrument has a camera that allows them to see the pelvic organs during the surgery. The surgeon also inserts surgical tools through these small incisions and removes the uterus.

What to expect during recovery

During a vaginal or laparoscopic hysterectomy, you will usually only need to stay in the surgery center for the day. Most women will recover fully in 3-4 weeks.

After the procedure, women take medication to help with post-surgical pain and to prevent infection. Patients should also expect to have a bloody vaginal discharge after the surgery for days or even weeks.

Some women experience post-surgery constipation or issues emptying the bladder.

Our San Antonio OBGYNs have vast experience with the vaginal, laparoscopic and robotic approaches to hysterectomy

Our team believes that women should be involved in their medical decisions. We will always discuss your surgical options, as well as the risks and benefits of each type of procedure. If you are looking for an experienced team of physicians to perform your hysterectomy, contact us.

Dr. Thompson Supports Postpartum Mental Health

San Antonio OBGYN Mallory Thompson MD discusses postpartum mental health

Dr. Mallory Thompson wants to help patients understand how the postpartum period, also known as the fourth trimester, affects both mothers and babies. Women receive a lot of information about preparing for the birth and care of their new baby. However, they don’t always know enough about postpartum mental health.

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Four reasons to not ignore heavy menstrual bleeding

Four reasons NOT to ignore heavy menstrual bleeding.

Bleeding through a pad or tampon every hour for several hours, requiring extra protection for nighttime bleeding or passing blood clots approximately the size of a quarter or larger. Does any of this sound familiar?

Heavy menstrual bleeding, or menorrhagia, shouldn’t be ignored as it can cause other complications or signal another health problem.

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Meet Dr. Mallory Thompson

Get to know Dr. Mallory Thompson, a San Antonio OBGYN

Dr. Mallory Thompson cares about the whole woman. She is interested in both their mental and physical health. Through compassionate care and conversation, Mallory Thompson MD helps patients feel comfortable enough to ask questions about everything from menstruation and PCOS, to pregnancy and birth issues.

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Vaginal or Laparoscopic Hysterectomy