Don’t Go for a Uterus Removal Surgery (Hysterectomy) Without Reading This!

Hysterectomy Overview

An abdominal hysterectomy refers to the surgical procedure of removing the uterus. In this process, a surgeon makes an incision in the lower abdominal region for the surgery of the uterus. As regards the surgical process, it can be either partial or full. In the case of a partial hysterectomy, only the uterus is removed and the cervix is kept intact. On the other hand, a total hysterectomy involves the removal of both these organs.

In some cases, a surgeon may also remove the fallopian tubes or ovaries while performing a hysterectomy. In the case of a vaginal hysterectomy, an incision is made in the vaginal region.

An abdominal hysterectomy is recommended if:

• The size of your uterus is large.
• Your doctor advises it for your health and welfare.
• Your doctor wants to examine or detect any pelvic disease.

The Rationale behind a Hysterectomy

A hysterectomy becomes essential for the treatment of the following:

• Gynaecologic cancer: If you have not gotten desired results after chemotherapy or radiation for the treatment of gynaecological cancer (such as cervix or uterus cancer), a hysterectomy can be a helpful option for the treatment of cancer.
• Fibroids: Some women develop benign uterine tumours that take the form of fibroids at the subsequent stages. Due to fibroids, a female individual may face several complications. These include bladder pressure, pelvic pain, anaemia, and persistent bleeding. A hysterectomy can help treat fibroids permanently.
• Endometriosis: Endometriosis is a medical condition in which the lining of the tissue in the interior part of the uterus grows on the external part of the uterus and the abdominal organs. Some such organs include pelvic organs, fallopian tubes, and ovaries. Though medications or conservative surgery can help treat the condition, they may not always produce the expected outcomes. A hysterectomy can be useful in such a situation.
• Uterine prolapse: When the supporting tissues and ligaments of the uterus become weak, they may descend into the vagina. In medical terms, this condition can be termed uterine prolapse. Along with making bowel movements difficult, this condition also increases pelvic pressure and causes urinary incontinence.
• Abnormal vaginal bleeding: Oftentimes, a prolonged, heavy, or irregular menstrual cycle causes abnormal bleeding. While there are some simple methods to control it, a hysterectomy is the most effective one among them.
• Chronic pelvic pain: A hysterectomy can be helpful in the case of chronic pelvic pain. But given its possible risks, it is best to opt for it only after proper consultation with a healthcare provider.

After a hysterectomy, you will not be able to become pregnant in the future. If you wish to treat conditions like uterine prolapse, endometriosis, or fibroids without losing the ability to become a mother, you can talk to your doctor about the other possible alternatives to hysterectomy.

What are the Risks of a Hysterectomy?

This surgery, to a large extent, is safe for women. But just like other surgeries, it also has certain risks. The surgery has the following associated risks:

• Adverse anaesthesia reaction
• Profuse bleeding
• Damage to the organs of the urinary system
• Infection
• Blood clots
• Early menopause even without the removal of ovaries
• Rarely, death

How to Prepare Yourself for a Hysterectomy

A hysterectomy is essentially a surgery. It’s natural to feel anxious before undergoing it. To minimize the fear in your mind or prepare yourself mentally for it, you can take the following steps:

• Collect information: It is natural on your part to feel anxious before undergoing surgery such as a hysterectomy. However, you can get to know about its benefits by gathering precise information about it. This way, you will remain confident and stay positive.
• Take medications according to doctor’s prescription: A hysterectomy introduces many changes to the body. Sometimes they turn into complications, especially if you use over-the-counter medications. It can also happen if you take herbal preparations or dietary supplements. If you take either medication or supplements, it is usually best to communicate about it with your doctor and follow their advice. Also, you will need to take any medication they prescribe.
• Find out the details of anaesthesia: You will need to have anaesthesia before the start of the surgery. Following it, you will remain unconscious for some time. Usually, it will take a while before you can become conscious all over again. Knowing the details will help you calm your nerves.
• Plan your stay in the hospital: Different individuals have distinct requirements for a hysterectomy. Your requirements for the surgery will determine the duration for which you must remain in a hospital. At the minimum, you would need to remain there for a day or two. Planning your stay in the hospital will help you avoid any inconvenience.
• Get help at home: At the time of recovery, your doctor may ask you to avoid driving or lifting a heavy load. You may need to follow it for weeks. To avoid inconvenience or any changes to your life due to it, you can have someone to help you at home.

What to Expect from a Hysterectomy?

While performing a hysterectomy, your doctor (or surgeon) will remove the uterus. They will remove it from the connective tissue and all the other organs that provide support to it. If you need to undergo a total hysterectomy, they will also remove the cervix. Additionally, they may also remove some other pelvic tissue organs. The list of such organs may include fallopian tubes or ovaries.

Before the Procedure

Before performing the surgery, your surgeon will perform different tests to decide their course of action. The tests they will perform include the following:

• Pap test or cervical cytology - to detect abnormal growth of cervical cells
• Endometrial biopsy - to detect endometrial cancer
• Pelvic ultrasound - to find out more about the size of ovarian cysts, endometrial polyps, and uterine fibroids

Before the morning of the day on which you are to undergo a hysterectomy, your surgeon will provide you with soap to eliminate the chances of any infection. In addition, they may also arrange for the cleansing of the vagina or the rectum.

During the Procedure

Your surgeon will begin the surgery after putting you on anaesthesia. A surgical team member will pass a urinary catheter through the urethra to empty the bladder. It will remain in place throughout the surgery. Your surgeon will use a sterile solution to cleanse the vagina and the abdomen.

Thereafter, your surgeon will either make a vertical incision or a horizontal bikini-line incision, depending on several factors.

After the Procedure

Following the completion of the procedure, you will remain in the surgery room for some time. At this time, your surgeon will monitor you and help you with pain relief if necessary. They will also provide you with medications to help relieve your pain. You may need to stay in the hospital for one to two days at least before getting discharged.

As is the case with most women, it will take about six weeks for you to recover. Your doctor will advise you to take plenty of rest and avoid lifting anything heavy. Also, your doctor will give you instructions to take medicines and advise you to avoid any sexual activity for six weeks.

Takeaway

Hysterectomy can be either whole or partial. It is a safe process with minimal risk for women. It can be done for many reasons. However, it is recommended that you consult your doctor before deciding to go for it.