Hysterectomy

Dr. Arrington specializes in laparoscopic and robotic approaches to hysterectomy. He has received special fellowship training in these procedures and performs even the most complex hysterectomies without a large incision on the abdomen. Over the last 6 years, Dr. Arrington has performed over 99% of hysterectomy procedures without a large "open" incision.

Hysterectomy is the surgical removal of the uterus. Sometimes patients also choose to have the ovaries removed at the time of hysterectomy. The safest and most cost effective approach to hysterectomy is to perform the surgery vaginally when appropriate.

In Utah, nearly 65% of hysterectomies are done through a large incision on the belly similar to a cesarean section. This results in longer hospital stays, more pain, and 4-6 weeks off work for recovery.

Performing these surgeries with laparoscopy or robotic assistance makes a dramatic difference to patients. Hospital stay is usually less than 24 hours and some patients even go home the same day. Time off work or normal activity is anywhere from 3 days to two weeks in most cases. There is less blood loss. In fact, in Utah there is a 2.5 times lower risk of blood transfusion than with abdominal hysterectomy. There is less risk of scarring and adhesions and incisions are about 1 cm in size. Total hospital cost of the surgery is also lower.

With the marked growth in gynecologists trained to perform minimally invasive hysterectomy, The American Association of Gynecologic Laparoscopists (AAGL) issued a statement regarding the approach to hysterectomy. They stated that in most cases, an abdominal or open hysterectomy can and should be avoided. There are very few cases that a vaginal or laparoscopic/robotic hysterectomy cannot be provided.

Evidence strongly shows the benefits of a laparoscopic or robotic approach to hysterectomy over abdominal hysterectomy. These benefits are so remarkable, that the AAGL has called on gynecologists who to do not perform laparoscopic or robotic hysterectomies to refer their patients to someone who is trained to offer this superior approach.