Hysterectomy Specialist
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Gary Harvey, MD
Urogynecologist located in Missoula, MT
If you have a gynecologic condition, such as uterine fibroids, that affects your quality of life and doesn’t improve with treatment, it may be time to consider a hysterectomy. Board-certified OB/GYN and experienced robotic surgeon Gary Harvey, MD, performs hysterectomies, including minimally invasive da Vinci® procedures, at his practice in Missoula, Montana. For more information about your hysterectomy options, call the office or book an appointment online today.
Hysterectomy Q & A
What is a hysterectomy?
A hysterectomy is a surgical procedure to remove your uterus. Hysterectomy is the second-most commonly performed women’s surgical procedure in the United States, with cesarean section being the most common.
Why would I need a hysterectomy?
You may need a hysterectomy if you suffer from a gynecologic problem that persists despite nonsurgical treatments. Common women’s health conditions that may require a hysterectomy include:
- Severe and chronic pelvic pain
- Abnormal uterine bleeding
- Uterine fibroids
- Endometriosis
- Pelvic organ prolapse
- Gynecologic cancer
Dr. Harvey always explores the most conservative options for treatment before recommending a hysterectomy. If a hysterectomy is necessary, he performs the least invasive surgical technique possible.
How are hysterectomies performed?
Getting a hysterectomy is a major decision, but Dr. Harvey is a skilled and compassionate surgeon who helps you understand your best options. He has extensive experience with the most advanced hysterectomy techniques, including:
Robot-assisted hysterectomy
As a certified robotic surgeon, Dr. Harvey performs hysterectomies with the da Vinci® Surgical System whenever possible. Robotic hysterectomy with the da Vinci is the leading minimally invasive hysterectomy procedure in the United States.
Using cutting-edge robotic technology, a da Vinci hysterectomy involves less risk, fewer complications, and shorter recovery time than any other technique.
Dr. Harvey is 100% in control of the procedure at all times. The da Vinci system assists by providing enhanced, 3D images of the inside of your body as well as superior surgical precision.
Laparoscopic hysterectomy
This minimally invasive procedure uses a thin, flexible instrument called a laparoscope. Dr. Harvey inserts the laparoscope through tiny, buttonhole-sized incisions in your abdomen.
The laparoscope has a camera lens that projects images of your reproductive organs onto a screen and allows Dr. Harvey to remove your uterus in small pieces.
Vaginal hysterectomy
A vaginal hysterectomy is even less invasive and causes fewer complications than laparoscopic surgery. This technique involves removing the uterus through your vagina with no abdominal incision.
Open abdominal hysterectomy
This is the most traditional method, which involves removing your uterus through a large, open incision across your abdomen. In cases where minimally invasive surgery isn’t possible, abdominal hysterectomy may be the best approach.
If you think you may need a hysterectomy, call the office of Gary Harvey, MD, or book an appointment online today.
