Size matters in planning hysterectomy approach

Abstract

Hysterectomy is the second most common gynecologic surgery; approximately 600,000 women undergo hysterectomies each year in the United States. Estimated uterine size, either by bimanual examination, ultrasonography, or both, is one of the major factors in evaluating the need for hysterectomy and in selecting the surgical approach. In this article, we review how physician-estimated uterine size can be confidently used in providing optimal hysterectomy care, as data indicate estimation is closely correlated with actual post-surgical pelvic specimen weight.