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Hysterectomy

What is hysterectomy? A hysterectomy is a procedure done to remove the uterus through an incision in the lower abdomen. A partial hysterectomy is done to remove just the uterus, whereas a total hysterectomy is done to remove both the uterus and the cervix. A total hysterectomy with salpingo-oophorectomy means the removal of one or both ovaries and fallopian tubes. Other than these types Read More

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Why is hysterectomy done or needed?

A hysterectomy can treat one or many of the following disorders.

Gynecologic cancer – Hysterectomy is done when a patient is diagnosed with cancer of the uterus or cervix. Other options include chemotherapy and radiation based on the type and advancement of the cancer.
Endometriosis - Endometriosis is a condition in which the tissue that lines the inside of the uterus (endometrium) grows on the ovaries, fallopian tubes, or other pelvic or abdominal organs outside of the uterus. If medicine and conservative surgery doesn’t help, a hysterectomy, which includes the removal of your ovaries and fallopian tubes, will be needed.
Fibroids - Fibroids, which are benign uterine tumors that typically cause recurrent bleeding, anemia, pelvic pain, or bladder pressure, can be treated through a hysterectomy. Fibroid nonsurgical therapies are an option, depending on the level of discomfort and tumor size. Many women with fibroids experience only minor symptoms and do not require treatment.
Uterine prolapse – When the ligaments and tissues weaken the descent of the uterus into the vagina happens. This leads to difficulty in bowel movements and pelvic pressure. Thus, a hysterectomy is done to treat the condition.
Vaginal bleeding – To treat intense, irregular or prolonged periods, a hysterectomy is done to relieve patients from pain.

A hysterectomy once done can result in a woman losing the ability to become pregnant. If the woman wants to become pregnant, then she has to consult with her doctor about alternatives to this surgery.

What are the types of hysterectomy?

There are three types of hysterectomy:

Supracervical hysterectomy – This procedure is done to remove the upper part of the uterus, while keeping the cervix as it is.
Total hysterectomy – This procedure removes both the uterus and cervix.
Radical hysterectomy – This procedure is done only when cancer is present. It involves removal of the uterus, a tissue on the sides of the uterus, cervix and the vagina’s top part.

How is a hysterectomy procedure carried out?

A general anesthesia is given to the patient undergoing hysterectomy. To empty the bladder, a urinary catheter is passed through the urethra. This catheter is removed only post-surgery. A sterile solution is used to clean the abdomen and vagina, and a cut is made in the lower abdomen.

Two approaches are followed to make the cut. They are:

Vertical incision – This slit runs from the middle of the abdomen to just below the navel and above the pubic bone.
Horizontal bikini-line incision – This cut is made just a little above the pubic bone.

Open surgery hysterectomy

Abdominal hysterectomy needs open surgery that requires 5-to-7-inch incisions, which are used to remove uterus.

Minimally invasive procedure hysterectomy

The following are the different approaches for a MIP hysterectomy:

Vaginal hysterectomy – An incision is made in the vagina, through which the uterus is removed. This procedure leaves no visible scar when the incision site is sealed.
Laparoscopic hysterectomy – A laparoscope in the form of a tube with a camera and surgical tools is inserted into the belly with the incisions. Hysterectomy is performed by the surgeon while viewing the inside of the body on a video screen.
Laparoscopic-assisted vaginal hysterectomy – Surgical tools are used along with a laparoscopy procedure to remove the uterus through an incision in the vagina.
Robotic-assisted laparoscopic hysterectomy – This is a similar procedure to the laparoscopic hysterectomy, where the surgeons remove the uterus by controlling a robotic system which consists of surgical tools. This technology allows the surgeon to have a 3D view of the organs, and use natural wrist movements to perform the surgery.

What are the possible complications of hysterectomy?

Though hysterectomy does not have many risk factors, it can cause the following complications:

Unintentional passage of urine
A vaginal prolapse
The formation of vaginal fistula
Chronic pain

The risks involved with hysterectomy are

Blood clots
Hemorrhage
Injury to the surrounding organs
Infections

What can you expect during post-surgical care for hysterectomy?

Post-surgery, the patient is required to stay in the recovery room for a few hours and healthcare team will check for signs of pain, prescribe medicines to prevent infection and for pain, and helps the patient stand and walk by themselves

Hysterectomy requires the patient to stay in the hospital only for a few hours, whereas abdominal hysterectomy will require the patient to stay for a period of one or two days in the hospital. A bloody vaginal discharge is usually noticed for a few days after a hysterectomy. The incision or cut made during the surgery will heal gradually, but a scar will be visible.

Here are few guidelines or precautionary measures to be followed during the recovery period.

Take plenty of rest
Avoid lifting heavy items
Avoid physical activity for five to six weeks

Why Choose Apollo Healthcare?

Established By Dr Prathap C Reddy In 1983, Apollo Healthcare Has A Robust Presence Across The Healthcare Ecosystem. From Routine Wellness & Preventive Health Care To Innovative Life-Saving Treatments And Diagnostic Services, Apollo Hospitals Has Touched More Than 120 Million Lives From Over 120 Countries, Offering The Best Clinical Outcomes.