What is a hysterectomy?

Hysterectomy is the surgical procedure to remove your uterus /womb. This surgery will be performed only as the last resort of treatment to treat cervix, fallopian tube, or uterine cancers; uterine prolapse; abnormal bleeding during periods; fibroids; and other conditions.

This hysterectomy procedure prevents you from having any children in the future.

Types Of Hysterectomy

There are four main types of hysterectomy based on the removal of the parts, as follows:

Total hysterectomy: the cervix and uterus are removed, leaving out the ovaries and the fallopian tube—the most common type of hysterectomy surgery.
Partial hysterectomy: the uterus is removed, leaving the cervix intact. You would still be able to get pregnant after this surgery.
Radical hysterectomy: the uterus, ovaries, fallopian tube, cervix, lymph glands, and surrounding uterus are completely removed. This is mainly done in cases of cancer.
Total Hysterectomy with Bilateral Salpingo-Oophorectomy: This procedure involves the removal of one of the fallopian tubes and ovary pairs, as well as the uterus and cervix.

Symptoms of Hysterectomy

A hysterectomy is the last step. With no further improvements, surgery is performed to cure and prevent infections. Common symptoms are:

Abnormal bleeding during periods.
Endometriosis, fibroids, adenomyosis, and pelvic inflammatory disease
Severe pelvic pains
Irregular periods
Heavy and painful periods
Pain during intercourse
Frequent urination.
Uterine prolapse
Cancer in the fallopian tubes, ovaries, uterus, and cervix.

Treatments for Hysterectomy

There are various types of surgical methods used as treatments for hysterectomy, as listed below:

Abdominal Hysterectomy

An incision of six to eight inches in the lower abdomen is made vertically from your belly button to your pubic hairline or across it. It involves uterine removal and is common in the case of cancer.

Vaginal Hysterectomy

The incision or cut is made on the top of the vagina to remove the uterus. The surgery is finished with dissolvable stitches and is done in cases of uterine prolapse or any such nonmalignant conditions.

Laparoscopic Hysterectomy (minimally invasive surgery)

Laparoscopic tools and techniques are used to operate. The incisions are small and numerous, near the belly button in the lower abdomen. The uterus is removed in parts through the vagina or incisions in the abdomen.

Robotic Hysterectomy (minimally invasive surgery)

The surgeon would be operating on you from the robotic surgery station. Your surgeon will completely control the robotic arms, making small incisions on your lower abdomen to remove the uterus, the cervix, and the other needed tissues.

After your hysterectomy surgery, you will be provided with painkillers and medicines from doctors, and a drip and a catheter will be placed for urination purposes. You would also be assigned a physiotherapist to help you recover faster and better. Follow-up checkups will ensure you are getting better.

Risk Factors for Hysterectomy

The hysterectomy is indeed one of the safest surgeries. But there are side effects like general anaesthetic complications, fever, infections in the said area, and a few others. Other complications that can arise are:

Blood clot
Early menopause
Heavy vaginal bleeding
An extremely rare case of pregnancy
Lower back pain or pelvic pains
Ovary failure
Bladder damage
Urinary tract infections

But, all these can be solved with basic care and support from the healthcare provider. Aftercare is necessary to avoid these risks and complications.

Conclusion

The vaginal and laparoscopic surgeries heal faster than an abdominal hysterectomy, which requires a hospital stay of two days (maximum). Eight weeks of rest, no extra stress on the body, and relaxation are necessary for a fast recovery. If you are experiencing any of the symptoms listed above, you should consult a doctor.

Request an appointment at Apollo Cradle, Bengaluru - Jayanagar. Call 1860-500-4424 to book an appointment.

1. Are there any alternatives to hysterectomy surgery?

Yes, a few non-surgical processes are available as an alternative to a hysterectomy. Consult your doctor about your condition, and you will know the best process for you.

2. What would happen if I had a hysterectomy before menopause?

You will start experiencing menopause symptoms right after the surgery. So, hormone therapy would be given immediately to help you with your symptoms.

3. Is hysterectomy safe?

A hysterectomy is the safest surgery, other than the common complications of any surgery, like fever and infections, which you can prevent with proper aftercare.

4. Is there any chance of getting pregnant after a vaginal hysterectomy?

It is a rare occurrence, but you will not be able to carry the pregnancy because you don’t have a uterus.

5. What is the best type of hysterectomy surgery?

Vaginal hysterectomy: the simplest and safest type of surgery, with a shorter recovery period.