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From a cute little cartoon uterus to the intricate details of surgical techniques, let’s embark on a journey through the captivating world of hysterectomies! Learn about the various types of hysterectomy procedures and their historical significance. Discover how pioneering physicians like Soranus of Ephesus and Charles Clay paved the way for modern gynecological surgeries, overcoming challenges and refining techniques along the way. Join us as we unravel the rich tapestry of hysterectomy history, shedding light on its vital role in women’s health care! 

Feminist Corner:

• How can we reconcile that the beginnings of a surgery (the hysterectomy), that is integral to the specialty of OB/GYN today and beneficial to so many women, was pioneered in such a painful way?
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Listen to the episode, discuss these questions with friends and family, let us know what you think!

Show Notes:

• Hysterectomy, the removal of the uterus, is performed through various methods including vaginal, abdominal, radical, and minimally invasive techniques.
• The historical journey begins with mentions of early hysterectomies by Soranus of Ephesus in the first century, addressing prolapsed uterus cases.
• Surgeons in the 16th/17th century saw an uptick in hysterectomies due to the prevalence of cervical cancer, necessitating surgical interventions.
• Early hysterectomies were fraught with risks, often leading to fatal outcomes due to hemorrhage, compounded by the absence of anesthesia until the mid-1800s.
• Despite the advancement of surgical techniques over time, the history of hysterectomy is also marked by instances of misuse and mistreatment:
  • Forced sterilization campaigns in the 20th century targeted marginalized groups, including women of color, exacerbating disparities in healthcare access and outcomes.
  • Hysterectomies were performed on women in asylums without their consent, under the guise of mental illness treatment, reflecting a troubling chapter in medical history.
• The evolution of hysterectomy mirrors broader societal attitudes towards women’s health and autonomy, underscoring the need for ethical considerations and patient-centered care.
• Today, hysterectomy remains a pivotal procedure in gynecology oncology, offering life-saving interventions for conditions such as cancer.

Sources:

Thomas F. Baskett MB, Hysterectomy was mentioned in Greek manuscripts 2000 years ago, Sutton, C., Richardson, R. E., Heaney, N. S., Dicker, R. C., Brölmann, H. A., McKay, W. J. S., Garrison, F. H., Langenbeck, C. J. M., Baskett, T. F., Mathieu, A., Willughby, P., Benrubi, G. I., Ricci, J. V., Blundell, J., McDowell, E., Shaw, W. F., Clay, C., … Storer, H. R. (2004, December 30). Hysterectomy: Evolution and trends. Best Practice & Research Clinical Obstetrics & Gynaecology. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1521693404001816

Bower, J. K., Schreiner, P. J., Sternfeld, B., & Lewis, C. E. (2009, February). Black-white differences in hysterectomy prevalence: The Cardia study. American journal of public health. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2622766/#:~:text=At%20the%20year%2D15%20examination,and%204%25%20among%20White%20women.

Bucke, R. M. (1898). Surgery among the insane in Canada. American Journal of Psychiatry, 55(1), 1–19. https://doi.org/10.1176/ajp.55.1.1

The history of radical hysterectomy. (n.d.). http://www.reneparejaginecologooncologo.com/images/ANZGOG/Rad_hyst_HISTORY_Polat-.pdf

The Hysterical Female. Restoring Perspective: Life & Treatment at London’s asylum. (n.d.). https://www.lib.uwo.ca/archives/virtualexhibits/londonasylum/hysteria.html

Themes, U. (2019, March 19). The evolution of uterine surgery and hysterectomy. Obgyn Key. https://obgynkey.com/the-evolution-of-uterine-surgery-and-hysterectomy/Understanding racial disparities for women with uterine fibroids. [Home]. (n.d.). https://www.michiganmedicine.org/health-lab/understanding-racial-disparities-women-uterine-fibroids

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