Is Hysterectomy a right decision? know important aspects about Hysterectomy

29.04.2019 / Rg Stone Hospital / Urological Treatment

hysterectomy surgery & treatment procedure

A hysterectomy is a surgery to remove a woman's uterus or The Surgical removal of the uterus from the woman's body is called hysterectomy. There are various reasons like the presence of fibroids, cysts, prolapse, cancer, etc. for which doctors suggest Hysterectomy.

What are The Types of Hysterectomy?

Vaginal Hysterectomy :

In this, the uterus is taken out via the Vaginal route. It is the least invasive surgery for the removal of the uterus. With this procedure, there are no visible scars.

Laparoscopic Supracervical :

In this method, small slits are made in the abdomen of the patient. A surgeon inserts a very thin duct with the help of a camera and light (laparoscope) inside the pelvis through these slits. The surgeons cut the uterus into pieces. These are then taken out through the slits in the abdomen.

Laparoscopically Assisted Vaginal Hysterectomy :

A laparoscope is inserted in the abdomen through the slits. The uterus is removed through the vagina. This procedure requires both abdominal slits and vaginal slits.

Robotic-Assisted :

The computer and robots help in this hysterectomy, which involves small slits in the abdomen.

Abdominal Hysterectomy (Open Surgery) :

This is the old-fashioned approach. It is the maximum invasive surgery and leaves the patient with a scar. The uterus is removed through the large slit made in the abdomen. Though this mode of treatment is still the choice of treatment for gynaecological cancers.

What are the aftercare and other aspects of this surgery?

After hysterectomy, the patient has to stay in the hospital for 2 to 3 days. During this time, medications such as pain killers are given to the patient.
Depending on the type of Hysterectomy one has to take rest and care. 90% of the women, who undergo an operation for the removal of the Uterus, do not have any side effects.
In case of a Vaginal Hysterectomy, the recovery time is shorter. With this procedure, one can carry on with the usual activities within 2 -3 weeks.
In case of an Abdominal (open) Hysterectomy, the time taken for recovery from the surgery takes around 4–5 weeks. There might be heavy bleeding in a week of the hysterectomy though not a very severe. Similarly, in the following weeks after the surgery, some people have pain accompanied by swelling, redness, at the operation site. Some of them also experience burning and itching in the slits area.
If the ovaries are removed during the procedure, then the woman might experience symptoms of menopause such as hot flashes, dryness in the vagina, and night sweats.

Are there any emotional effects of uterus removal surgery?

The uterus is an organ that is very important for pregnancy. In case, the woman undergoing the uterus removal operation wants to conceive, then it might cause emotional issues for the woman.

The effects on the woman, who stop menstruating after the operation, might differ from person to person. Long-term effects:

As the vagina is now not connected to the uterus and cervix, after the surgery, the vagina can contract down on itself, or even come outside the body. This is called prolapse.

Sometimes the organs like the bladder or the bowel can also come down to the place of the uterus and additionally create pressure on the vagina. To prevent these issues, women have to do proper pelvic floor exercises.

Conclusion:

There may be some long term and short-term effects of hysterectomy. At the same time, it is the best option if you are going through severe symptoms like heavy bleeding or pain as it may be life-threatening as well sometimes. One has to decide what step is best for them and go ahead.