Hysterectomy is a surgical procedure used to remove the cervix or uterus or both to treat several issues in women. Based on the condition to be treated, the procedure involves removing the uterus, and cervix, along with tissues such as ovaries and fallopian tubes. During pregnancy, the fetus grows in the uterus. After a hysterectomy, you do not have menstrual cycle and you cannot become pregnant anymore as the uterus is removed.
Different Types of Hysterectomy Procedures
There are different types of hysterectomy procedures. The doctor will determine the right type of hysterectomy after reviewing your condition. The different types include:
- Total hysterectomy: The total hysterectomy involves removing the uterus, and cervix. But the ovaries are left intact if there is a low risk of developing ovarian cancer. Ovaries release some hormones that can help for promoting bone health.
- Partial hysterectomy: In this procedure, only the uterus is removed but not the cervix and ovaries.
- Total hysterectomy with removal of ovaries: In this method, ovaries are also removed along with the uterus and cervix. This type of hysterectomy is performed to ensure that there are no cancerous cells left.
When is Hysterectomy Recommended?
Hysterectomy is the best treatment option for several non-cancerous issues that affect the uterus. Once the hysterectomy is performed, you do not need any further therapies for your uterus. Hysterectomy is suitable for people who do not find any results with other treatment options.
Hysterectomy procedure is performed in the following cases:
- Uterine fibroids: These are the non-cancerous tumors that grow in the uterus and it is the common reason for undergoing hysterectomy. A hysterectomy is performed when the other treatment options do not help.
- Heavy periods: Heavy and painful periods can greatly have an impact on your quality of life. However, heavy periods and pain can be treated with less invasive medications such as medications. If those methods do not work, a hysterectomy can give great relief.
- Endometriosis: It is a condition where the tissue lining the uterus grows outside the uterus and causes heavy and painful periods. To treat this condition with a hysterectomy, both ovaries and fallopian tubes need to be removed along with the uterus and cervix.
- Cancer: Hysterectomy is highly suitable for treating uterus or cervical cancer.
- Chronic pelvic pain: A bacterial infection such as Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID) can cause severe pelvic pain. Surgery is considered as the last choice of treatment if medications do not work.
- Uterine prolapse: If the uterus slips from its position and moves into the vagina due to weak ligaments and tissues, it is called uterine prolapse.
Before deciding on a hysterectomy, you should discuss your other treatment options as you cannot become pregnant after a hysterectomy procedure. You should consider a hysterectomy only after trying other treatment methods.
How is Hysterectomy Performed?
The hysterectomy procedure is performed under general anesthesia. There are different ways of performing a hysterectomy and the doctor will determine the right one for you based on your condition. The following are the different ways:
- Vaginal hysterectomy: This procedure makes a small incision in the vagina. The uterus is removed through this incision and it is closed using dissolvable stitches. You can go home on the same day of surgery. The recovery can take up to four weeks.
- Laparoscopic hysterectomy: A thin tube called laparoscopic is inserted in the stomach by making a small incision in the belly button. The doctor also inserts other surgical instruments through other small incisions. The uterus is removed through incisions using imaging techniques. The recovery time is shorter and less painful.
- Robotic-assisted laparoscopic hysterectomy: In this approach, the doctor makes use of a robotic system and it is similar to laparoscopy. The surgeon inserts a laparoscope and other instruments through incisions in the belly. The robotic arm will be controlled by the surgeon. The recovery time is the same as a laparoscopic hysterectomy.
- Robotic assisted laparoscopic hysterectomy: This involves removing the uterus from an incision in the vagina using laparoscopic tools in the stomach.
- Abdominal hysterectomy: In this method, a six to eight inches cut is made in the stomach to remove the uterus. The incisions will be closed using stitches or staples.
How About Recovery After a Hysterectomy?
It takes around four to six weeks to recover from a hysterectomy procedure. However, the recovery is based on the type of hysterectomy you had and the type of procedure used. Recovery from abdominal hysterectomy is longer than vaginal and laparoscopic hysterectomy. If your work involves minimal physical exertion, you can get back to work within two weeks.
Many people who had hysterectomy experience less pain and find a reduction in their symptoms such as heavy bleeding and cramps.
Want to Know More About Hysterectomy? Contact Angels Fertility Today
If you are looking for the best hospital to undergo a hysterectomy, then Angels Fertility is your go to place. We have a team of experienced fertility specialists and gynaecologists to treat several fertility issues in men and women. We are well equipped with updated infrastructure to ensure the procedures are painless for our patients. To discuss about your condition, call us and schedule an appointment today.