In recent years, there has been a significant drop in the number of vaginal hysterectomies. Despite the clear benefits of vaginal hysterectomies, a recent study[1] found that only 11.8% of hysterectomies in the U.S. were performed vaginally. 

Instead, surgeons are opting for minimally invasive approaches, such as laparoscopic and robotic assisted procedures. 

This trend is a direct result of the lack of time and resources for adequate resident training, among other factors. 

In this blog, we…

  • Explain why vaginal hysterectomy is the preferred hysterectomy approach
  • And dive into the reasons behind the decline of vaginal hysterectomies

 

Why Authorities Prefer Vaginal Hysterectomy

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), Society of Gynecologic Surgeons (SGS), the American Association of Gynecologic Laparoscopists (AAGL), and other industry authorities support vaginal hysterectomy[2] as the preferred method.

Why is this the case? 

Conducting a hysterectomy vaginally offers…

  • Lower morbidity and mortality rates
  • Less pain for patients
  • A much quicker recovery
  • And reduced costs

Even with all these benefits, a remarkably small number of surgeons currently possess adequate experience and skills to safely perform vaginal hysterectomies. 

 

Reasons For the Vaginal Hysterectomy Decline

Dr. Douglas Miyazaki – creator of the Miya Model – has identified four key factors contributing to the decline of vaginal hysterectomies: 

  1. Heavy marketing of minimally invasive robotic and laparoscopic procedures
  2. The increased use of other non-invasive technologies like endometrial ablation
  3. Less time available for resident training
  4. And fewer skilled surgeons who can perform (and teach) vaginal surgery procedures

Fortunately, Miyazaki Enterprises is taking steps to help foster stronger vaginal hysterectomy experience across the U.S. and other countries. 

With our true-to-life vaginal surgical model, OBGYN instructors now have a cost-effective tool for resident training. And vaginal hysterectomy is only one of the many procedures the Miya Model supports.

 

Miyazaki Enterprises – The Miya Model

At Miyazaki Enterprises, our goal is to elevate surgical training standards in the OBGYN on a global scale. We are already making great progress with our Miya Model, a safe, high-fidelity model for surgical simulation.

Intrigued? Explore how the Miya Model can help your institution today!

Don’t forget to download the FREE Miya Model app for quality training materials, videos, and assessments. 

 

Read More: 

 

References

  1. Wright, Jason D. MD; Huang, Yongmei MD, MPH; Li, Alicia H.; Melamed, Alexander MD, MPH; Hershman, Dawn L. MD. Nationwide Estimates of Annual Inpatient and Outpatient Hysterectomies Performed in the United States. Obstetrics & Gynecology 139(3):p 446-448, March 2022. | DOI: 10.1097/AOG.0000000000004679
  2. Veronikis DK. Vaginal Hysterectomy: The Present Past. Mo Med. 2015 Nov-Dec;112(6):439-42. PMID: 26821444; PMCID: PMC6168092.