Is a vaginal hysterectomy an option for cancer patients?
Karen, Alberta, Canada: I asked my doctor about having a vaginal hysterectomy instead of an abdominal one; vaginal hysterectomy is a faster and less serious surgery, and the recovery time is much quicker and easier. My doctor did not recommend it – he said he preferred the abdominal approach so that he could take a better look around. However, as my cancer was diagnosed at a very early stage, he felt that a horizontal “bikini line” incision was adequate, and that he didn’t need to do a larger, vertical incision. Since then, though, I have heard of other women with early cancer having a vaginal hysterectomy – so I know that some doctors will consider it. As always, the more questions you ask, the better – and it’s always a good idea to get a second medical opinion (and even a third), if that’s what it takes to get all your questions answered.
