Fighting For Justice And Your Best Interests

Why do doctors so often perform unnecessary hysterectomies?

On Behalf of | May 29, 2022 | Medical Malpractice |

A hysterectomy, which involves the removal of the uterus, is not just major surgery. It is life-altering. 

A woman may spend months recuperating from a hysterectomy. If the ovaries are also removed, it will cause her to go into early menopause, with all the unpleasant effects that can involve. Of course, it also makes her unable to carry a pregnancy.

Numerous advancements have been made in the treatment of conditions for which hysterectomies once were the only solution. Often, less invasive treatments can be used. Estimates vary widely on the percentage of hysterectomies that aren’t medically necessary. They range from 16% to 70%.

Hysterectomies and uterine fibroids

One doctor says, “The antiquated concept that the uterus is a disposable organ needs to be put to bed.” However, many doctors still recommend hysterectomies for uterine fibroids. These growths, although generally not cancerous, can be very painful and are often accompanied by heavy bleeding. However, they can be effectively treated by non-surgical methods.

If a doctor recommends a hysterectomy for noncancerous uterine fibroids – or any other noncancerous condition — it’s wise to get a second opinion on both the diagnosis and recommended treatment from a doctor who has experience with non-surgical treatments.

Even if a hysterectomy is the best choice, it’s important to know that there are ways to perform hysterectomies that are less invasive than they were back in your mother’s or grandmother’s day. One OB-GYN recommends that anyone considering this surgery “make sure that the gynecologic surgeon she chooses is experienced in these newer techniques.”

Any surgery – even one that doesn’t have the kind of life-altering effects as a hysterectomy – can be a risk. If you suffered harm or a loved one died as the result of an unnecessary or botched hysterectomy, it’s crucial to determine what legal options you have to seek justice and compensation.