Hysterectomy Health Article

Normal results

Although there is some concern that hysterectomies may be performed unnecessarily, there are many conditions for which the operation improves a woman's quality of life. In the Maine Woman's Health Study, 71% of women who had hysterectomies to correct moderate or severe painful symptoms reported feeling better mentally, physically, and sexually after the operation.

BOOKS

Carlson, Karen J., Stephanie A. Eisenstat, and Terra Ziporyn. "Hysterectomy." In The Harvard Guide to Women's Health, Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press, 1996, pp. 308-313.

Griffith, H. Winter. "Hysterectomy." In The Complete Guide to Symptoms, Illness and Surgery, 3rd ed. New York: Berkeley Publishing, 1995, pp. 818-825.

ORGANIZATION

American Cancer Society. (800) 227-2345. <http://www.cancer.org>.

National Cancer Institute. (800) 4-CANCER. <http://www.nci.nih.gov>.

OTHER

Parker, William H. "A Gynecologist's Second Opinion." <http://www.gynsecondopinion.com>.

Debra Gordon

KEY TERMS

Cervix—The lower part of the uterus extending into the vagina.

Fallopian tubes—Slender tubes that carry eggs (ova) from the ovaries to the uterus.

Lymph nodes—Small, compact structures lying along the channels that carry lymph, a yellowish fluid. Lymph nodes produce white blood cells (lymphocytes), which are important in forming antibodies that fight disease.

Prolapsed uterus—A uterus that has slipped out of place, sometimes protruding down through the vagina.