Dr. Rachel M. Cullifer, MD is an obstetrician and gynecologist in Pittsburgh, PA specializing in obstetrics & gynecology, gynecology and general practice. She graduated from West Virginia University School of Medicine in 2015 and has 9 years of experience. Dr. Rachel M. Cullifer, MD is affiliated with Allegheny Health Network (AHN), ALLEGHENY CLINIC and Western Pennsylvania OB/GYN Multispecialists.
4815 Liberty Avenue Suite GR-50
Pittsburgh, PA 15224
12311 Perry Highway Third Floor
Wexford, PA 15090
12311 Perry Highway Third Floor
Pine, PA 15090
Hysterectomy (Uterus Removal)
A hysterectomy is an extremely common surgery performed to remove the uterus. Sometimes the fallopian tubes, ovaries, or cervix will be removed as well. A woman who has had a hysterectomy will no longer have periods and cannot get pregnant.
There are a variety of reasons that women have hysterectomies, including:
It is important to note that having any of these conditions does not necessarily mean that a hysterectomy is necessary. There are other available treatment options in most cases.
Although the uterus is responsible for a period, it is the ovaries that control the hormonal changes that women go through every month. So if a woman has a hysterectomy but keeps her ovaries, she might still experience hormonal swings every month even if she no longer has a period. Alternately, if a younger woman has a hysterectomy where her ovaries as removed, she will essentially be in immediate menopause.
A hysterectomy can be performed traditionally through one large cut in the abdomen, laparoscopically using tiny incisions and small tools, or through the vagina. Full recovery may take four to six weeks. After a hysterectomy, patients might experience sexual changes such as vaginal dryness or a change in libido. It is common to experience strong emotions after a hysterectomy, including both grief and relief. If a patient's ovaries were removed, they may be at higher risk for certain diseases, such as heart disease and osteoporosis. Taking hormonal birth control might reduce this risk.
Robotic Surgery
Robotic surgery is a type of minimally invasive surgery, using a tiny opening to get inside the body instead of making a large cut. It uses small tools attached to a thin robotic arm, which is controlled by the surgeon. Robotic surgery may be referred to by the specific kind of robot that is used. The most advanced robot currently in use is called the da Vinci, and surgery using it is sometimes called da Vinci surgery.
There are many benefits to robotic surgery, both for the patient and the surgeon. Robotic surgery allows for more precise movements and increased control during very delicate surgical procedures. This makes performing surgery accurately much easier for surgeons and reduces fatigue. The smaller 'hand' of the robot can enter the body via a much smaller opening, which reduces the risk of infection and scarring and leads to a faster recovery. The robotic hands also contain tiny moveable cameras among their tools, giving surgeons a much closer view of the procedure than would be possible with traditional surgery.
Dr. Rachel M. Cullifer, MD graduated from West Virginia University School of Medicine in 2015. She has a state license in West Virginia.
Medical School: West Virginia University School of Medicine (2015)
Licensed In: West Virginia
Dr. Rachel M. Cullifer, MD is associated with these hospitals and organizations:
Dr. Rachel M. Cullifer, MD has an exceptional overall rating with an average of 4.9 out of 5 stars based on 51 ratings. We collect ratings and reviews of Dr. Rachel M. Cullifer, MD from all over the web to help you find the right in Pittsburgh, PA.
These charts describe general payments received by Dr. Rachel M. Cullifer, MD. Doctors may receive payments for a number of reasons, including meal compensation, travel compensation, and consulting.
Ethicon US, LLC |
$154
VISTASEAL $138 |
SURGIFLO Hemostatic Matrix $17 |
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Intuitive Surgical, Inc. |
$87
Da Vinci Surgical System $87 |
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Teleflex LLC |
$67
PERCUTANEOUS SOLUTIONS: PERCUVANCE & MINILAP BRANDS $67 |
Food and Beverage | $309 |
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Dr. Rachel Cullifer is a physician who specializes in general practice, general obstetrics & gynecology, and gynecology. These areas are among her clinical interests: menstrual disorders, contraception (birth control), and chronic pelvic pain. Her average patient rating is 5.0 stars (out of 5). Dr. Cullifer studied medicine at West Virginia University School of Medicine. She is affiliated with Allegheny Health Network (AHN). Unfortunately, according to Yext, she is not currently accepting new patients.