Single-incision hysterectomy

Finding out you need a hysterectomy can bring a lot of questions and mixed emotions. For many women, it’s just as much a medical decision as it is a personal one tied to comfort, identity, long-term health and quality of life.

The good news is that advances in minimally invasive hysterectomy surgery have changed what this procedure can look like today. In many cases, surgeons can use smaller, more precise techniques that help reduce incision size and visible scarring. Some approaches, like a single-incision hysterectomy, are designed to limit external incisions by placing them in less noticeable areas like the belly button.

Knowing what options are available – and how a single-incision hysterectomy compares to other options – can help you feel more at ease as you think through your next steps.

What is a single-incision hysterectomy?

A hysterectomy removes the uterus, which means periods stop and pregnancy is no longer possible. In a single-incision hysterectomy, the uterus is removed using minimally invasive tools placed through one small incision, often hidden inside the umbilicus (belly button). The surgeon will insert specialized laparoscopic instruments and a small camera through this single opening to perform the procedure.

Also known as single-incision laparoscopic surgery (SILS) or laparoendoscopic single-site surgery (LESS), this procedure is similar to other laparoscopic hysterectomies in that it allows surgeons to operate with precision while limiting disruption to surrounding tissue.

What makes a single-incision hysterectomy different than regular hysterectomies?

The main difference between a single-incision hysterectomy and other approaches is the number and placement of incisions. Traditional laparoscopic hysterectomies require several small incisions across the abdomen to insert surgical instruments and a camera. With a single-incision hysterectomy, all instruments are inserted through one small opening.

Who can have a single-incision hysterectomy?

Not everyone is a candidate for a single-incision hysterectomy. For example, previous abdominal surgeries, including C-sections, can be one of several factors surgeons consider when determining whether this approach is appropriate.

Other factors like the reason for the surgery, anatomy, medical history and overall health can help determine whether this surgical approach is appropriate. Your care team can explain which surgical options may be safest and most effective for your specific situation.

What are the key benefits of single-incision hysterectomy?

Minimally invasive surgeries like a single-incision hysterectomy often lead to less scarring and a faster recovery time, which is why many prefer this procedure over traditional open surgery. Other key benefits include:

• Using laparoscopic instruments allows surgery to be performed with greater precision than open surgery.
• Some people experience less postoperative discomfort and can return to normal activities sooner than with larger abdominal incisions.
• Many people are able to go home the same day or after a brief hospital stay.
• Minimally invasive procedures may result in less blood loss than open surgery.

It’s important to remember that outcomes vary from person to person. A single-incision hysterectomy is one of several minimally invasive options, and your surgeon will recommend the approach that best fits your medical needs, personal goals and overall health.

Other types of hysterectomy surgeries

When people talk about a hysterectomy, they’re often referring to what is removed. But how the surgery is performed can matter just as much. In addition to minimally invasive approaches like single-incision hysterectomies, there are many other surgical approaches your Aurora care team will consider that impact recovery and overall experience.

Understanding the right option for you can help you make sense of how and why one approach may be recommended over another.

Laparoscopic hysterectomy

A laparoscopic hysterectomy is another minimally invasive approach that uses a few small incisions in the abdomen. Through these openings, the surgeon inserts a tiny camera and specialized laparoscopic instruments to guide the procedure.

Similar to single-incision hysterectomy, the incisions are small and involve less disruption to your body than open surgery. Many people prefer laparoscopic hysterectomy because it offers a balance of precision and shorter recovery time while avoiding a large abdominal incision.

Vaginal hysterectomy

With a vaginal hysterectomy, the uterus is removed through the vagina without any incisions on the abdomen. This approach has been used safely for many years and remains a common procedure in certain situations, though recovery time can be longer than other minimally invasive options.

Because there are no external incisions in a vaginal hysterectomy, there is no visible scarring on the abdomen. Not everyone is a candidate, but, when possible, this approach can be an effective and less invasive option.

Abdominal (open) hysterectomy

An abdominal hysterectomy, sometimes called open surgery, is performed through a larger incision in the lower abdomen. This approach provides the surgeon with direct access to the pelvic organs.

Open surgery is typically used when other approaches aren’t appropriate. For example, in more complex cases or when minimally invasive surgery isn’t the safest option. Recovery may take longer than with other approaches, but it can be the right choice depending on individual circumstances.

Symptoms that could lead to a hysterectomy

A hysterectomy doesn’t cause symptoms, but it may be recommended when certain symptoms become severe, ongoing or disruptive to daily life and can’t be treated with medications or other options.

Symptoms that can prompt further evaluation or discussion about surgery include:

• Heavy or prolonged menstrual bleeding
• Pelvic pain that doesn’t improve with other treatments
• Painful periods
• Pelvic pressure or a feeling of fullness
• Symptoms that interfere with daily activities, sleep or overall quality of life

Experiencing one or more of these symptoms doesn’t automatically mean a hysterectomy is needed, but they may signal the need for additional testing or treatment.

Conditions treated with a hysterectomy

A hysterectomy is used to treat certain gynecologic conditions, especially when symptoms are difficult to manage or continue to return. The specific condition and how it affects your health play a key role in determining whether surgery is appropriate.

Some conditions that may be treated with a hysterectomy include:

• Uterine fibroids
• Endometriosis
• Adenomyosis
• Uterine or pelvic organ prolapse
• Gynecologic cancers, such as cancer of the uterus or cervix

Not everyone with these conditions needs surgery. Many people explore less invasive options first, depending on the condition and its severity.

Deciding when a hysterectomy is the best treatment plan

A hysterectomy is usually a last resort when other treatment options haven’t provided enough relief or aren’t ideal. The decision is rarely based on a single factor and is usually shaped by how symptoms affect daily life and long-term health.

A hysterectomy may be discussed when:

• Symptoms continue despite medication or other therapies
• A condition worsens or returns over time
• Quality of life is significantly affected
• Cancer or precancerous changes are present
• Other treatments aren’t medically recommended

Your Aurora care team can help weigh the options and explain which approach makes the most sense for your situation and goals.

What happens when a woman has a hysterectomy?

A hysterectomy is major surgery that brings a lot of physical and hormonal changes. Though every woman’s experience is slightly different, menstrual periods will stop and pregnancy is no longer possible.

If ovaries are removed during the hysterectomy, hormonal changes like menopause will begin right away. Your care team will walk you through that and help you know what to expect.

Hysterectomy recovery time

Recovery time after a hysterectomy depends on the surgical approach and individual healing. A single-incision hysterectomy often has a shorter recovery period than open surgery.

For more invasive surgeries, the recovery time is usually longer, potentially taking a few weeks or more. Your surgeon will provide guidance on resuming work, exercise and other routines based on how you’re healing.

Hysterectomy side effects

The side effects after the surgery often look different from person to person. In the short term, it’s common to experience fatigue, mild discomfort or changes in digestion as the body recovers from surgery. These are all normal after surgery.

Long-term effects depend on whether the ovaries were removed. If they were removed, this will trigger menopause to begin. Some women notice hormonal changes right away, while others may not experience noticeable differences at all. Talking with your provider can help you understand which side effects are likely based on your procedure.

How long does it take for stitches from the incision of a hysterectomy to heal?

How long it takes for stitches to heal depends on how the surgery was performed. With minimally invasive approaches like laparoscopic hysterectomies or single-incision hysterectomies, the incision is typically small and often heals within a few weeks.

The incision area will feel tender at first. It’s important to keep the area clean, follow activity guidelines and watch for signs of infection to help support proper healing.

Research & innovations in hysterectomy surgery

Hysterectomy surgery has seen a lot of advances over the last decade, and ongoing research continues to focus on making procedures less invasive, more precise and easier for recovery.

Innovations in laparoscopic instruments and technology have expanded our options and helped limit visible scaring and support smoother recovery. Our Aurora surgeons stay updated on these advances to ensure you benefit from the latest surgical expertise.