Cost of hospital admission for uterine procedures by state

Is uterine prolapse an emergency?

Uterine prolapse is not an emergency. Uterine prolapse happens when the muscles and ligaments in the pelvic floor weaken. This allows the uterus to sag, and it may protrude out of the vagina. While not an emergency, this condition can become uncomfortable and require treatment to correct it.

What are the signs of a prolapsed uterus?

If the prolapse is mild, there may not be any signs at all, but moderate to severe prolapse can cause:

• A heavy feeling in the lower abdomen
• Pulling sensation in the lower abdomen
• Leaking urine
• Problems emptying the bladder
• Trouble having a bowel movement
• The sensation of something coming out of the vagina
• Sexual concerns, loss of tone in the vaginal area

Sometimes symptoms aren’t bad in the morning but seem to worsen as the day goes on.

How long does uterine prolapse surgery take?

On average, uterine prolapse surgery takes about three to five hours. However, some factors can change the length of the surgery. For instance, the patient’s weight, anatomy, the shape of their pelvis, any scarring from prior surgeries, and presence of inflammation or infection.

Is hysteroscopy major surgery?

Hysteroscopy is not considered major surgery. A small lighted tube with a camera is inserted through the vagina, then through the cervix, and into the uterus during the hysteroscopy procedure. Hysteroscopy can be performed to diagnose problems or to perform procedures. Generally you’ll be able to return home the same day as a hysteroscopy.

How painful is hysteroscopy?

How much discomfort you experience during a hysteroscopy will depend on the kind of anesthesia you receive. If the procedure is performed in an outpatient office you may have only local anesthesia. This can be mildly painful. Most patients describe a cramping sensation. You may be given intravenous or even general anesthesia at a hospital or surgery center. With this type of anesthesia, you will not feel anything during the procedure. As you wake up you might feel some cramping. Your healthcare provider will work with you to make sure you remain as comfortable as possible during and after your procedure.

Is a myomectomy inpatient or outpatient surgery?

It will depend on the technique used for myomectomy and if your surgery will be inpatient or outpatient. A myomectomy is a surgical procedure used to remove fibroids in the uterus. An abdominal myomectomy or laparotomy usually requires an inpatient admission of a day or two. However, laparoscopic myomectomy can be done outpatient or with just one overnight stay. Hysteroscopic myomectomy is usually done completely outpatient. 

Is a myomectomy like a c-section?

Only an abdominal myomectomy or laparotomy is like a c-section. During an abdominal myomectomy, a low abdominal or “bikini line” incision is most often used. Occasionally a surgeon will need to make a vertical (up and down) incision.

During a laparoscopic myomectomy, your surgeon will make a small incision near your belly button and a few small abdominal incisions. This procedure is considered minimally invasive as it uses very small tools and cameras to perform the procedure.

Finally, a hysteroscopic myomectomy doesn’t require any incisions at all. In this procedure, the hysteroscope is inserted through the vagina and cervix into the uterus to complete the procedure.