What is Hysterectomy?
In simple words, a hysterectomy is a surgical procedure that is carried out to remove the womb or uterus. As the uterus is removed, you will no longer be able to conceive. While all women go through the phase of menopause, some can be faced with symptoms of menopause after undergoing a hysterectomy surgery if the ovaries have also been removed; no matter what their age is. A hysterectomy surgery is commonly recommended by healthcare experts for women with conditions such as multiple fibroids or prolapsed uterus. The extent of this fibroid surgery varies widely, depending on the reason for surgery. In some cases, doctors remove the uterus completely, while in others, they remove both, the ovaries and the fallopian tubes. The fallopian tubes are the structures that help in the safe transportation of eggs from the ovary to the uterus. Leaving the ovaries behind prevents the onset of menopause after the hysterectomy surgery in younger women.
Why is Hysterectomy Carried Out?
A hysterectomy surgery is commonly suggested by doctors when other treatment options are not available or have been unsuccessful. Depending on your case history, a hysterectomy operation is needed if you have:
- Cervix, uterus or ovary cancer
- Multiple uterine fibroids
- Heavy periods
- Endometriosis
- Uterine prolapse
- Adenomyosis
Are There Any Types of Hysterectomy?
There are different types of hysterectomy, which include:
- Partial Hysterectomy – As the name suggests, in a partial hysterectomy, only a portion of the uterus is removed. The cervix is left intact.
- Total Hysterectomy – In a total hysterectomy, the uterus is removed entirely, including the cervix by a health care professional.
- Hysterectomy and Salpingo- Oophorectomy – In this procedure, the uterus along with one or both the ovaries and even the Fallopian tubes are removed. In case both ovaries are removed, you may need to consider hormone replacement therapy.
How is Hysterectomy Performed?
A hysterectomy surgery can be performed by a qualified gynaecologist by three different methods. Irrespective of how it is performed, general or regional anaesthetic (spinal or epidural anaesthesia) is necessary.
- Vaginal Hysterectomy – In this type of surgery, a small incision is made inside the vagina to remove the uterus.
- Laparoscopic Hysterectomy – A tiny instrument, which is a long and thin tube, having a high-intensity light and high-resolution camera called a laparoscope is used. Incisions are made in the abdomen, through which, the health care expert cuts the uterus into small pieces to remove it.
- Abdominal Hysterectomy – In an abdominal hysterectomy, an incision is made in the abdomen through which the surgeon performs the removal of the uterus.
