What is a hysterectomy?
A hysterectomy is the surgical removal of the the womb (uterus).
Hysterectomy for non-cancerous reasons is usually considered only after all other treatment approaches have been tried without success.
This surgery may be done for different reasons, including:
Uterine fibroids that cause pain, bleeding, or other problems
Uterine prolapse, which is a sliding of the uterus from its normal position into the vaginal canal
Cancer of the uterus, cervix, or ovaries
Endometriosis
Abnormal vaginal bleeding
Chronic pelvic pain
Adenomyosis, or a thickening of the uterus
What are the different kinds of hysterectomy?
Total hysterectomy: Removing your uterus and cervix, but leaving your ovaries.
Supracervical hysterectomy: Removing just the upper part of your uterus while leaving your cervix.
Total hysterectomy with bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy: Removing your uterus, cervix, fallopian tubes (salpingectomy) and ovaries (oophorectomy).
Radical hysterectomy with bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy: The removal of your uterus, cervix, fallopian tubes, ovaries, the upper portion of your vagina and some surrounding tissue and lymph nodes.
Surgical Techniques for Hysterectomy:
Vaginal hysterectomy:
The uterus is removed through an incision at the top of vagina. There isn’t an external incision.
Dissolvable stitches are placed inside vagina.
Most commonly used in cases of uterine prolapse and other nonmalignant (or noncancerous) conditions.
Fewest complications and fastest recovery (up to four weeks) and considered the preferred approach.
People often go home on the same day of surgery.
Laparoscopic hysterectomy:
A laparoscope (a thin tube with a video camera on the end) is inserted in patient’s lower abdomen through a small incision in belly button.
Surgical tools are inserted through several other small incisions.
Uterus can be removed in small pieces through the incisions in abdomen or through your vagina.
Some people go home the same day or after one night in the hospital.
Full recovery is shorter and less painful than an abdominal hysterectomy.
Robotic-assisted laparoscopic hysterectomy
The procedure is done with the help of a robotic machine.
A laparoscope is inserted in patient’s abdomen so the pelvic area can be viewed.
Small, thin surgical tools are inserted through three to five incisions around patient’s belly button. Robotic arms and instruments are controlled by the surgeon.
The recovery is similar to a laparoscopic hysterectomy.
Abdominal hysterectomy:
Uterus is removed through a six- to eight-inch-long incision in abdomen.
The incision is made either from patient’s belly button to pubic bone or across the top of patient’s public hairline. The surgeon will use stitches or staples to close the incision.
Most commonly used when cancer is involved, when the uterus is enlarged or when disease spreads to other pelvic areas.
It generally requires a longer hospital stay (two or three days) and a longer recovery time.
Benefits of Hysterectomy:
A hysterectomy is a common procedure that can improve symptoms caused by many different medical conditions. In some cases, the surgery can be lifesaving.
Risks of Hysterectomy
Most people who get a hysterectomy have no serious problems or complications from the surgery.
Still, a hysterectomy is major surgery and is not without risks. Those complications include:
How long does it take to recover from a hysterectomy?
Most people recover from a hysterectomy in about four to six weeks. Patient’s recovery depends on the type of hysterectomy had. Recovering from a vaginal and laparoscopic hysterectomy takes less time than recovering from an abdominal hysterectomy.
Patient should increase activity gradually and pay attention to how the patient is feeling. If anything causes pain, you should stop and consult doctor immediately.
Vaginal and laparoscopic recovery take about two to four weeks. It may take up to six weeks to recover from abdominal hysterectomy.
What are alternatives to a hysterectomy?
When a hysterectomy isn’t medically necessary, some alternatives to try could be:
Dr. Sneha Trivedi is known for her vast knowledge and experience with Hysteroscopy & Laparoscopy procedures, as well as for her success rate.
To learn more about how Dr. Sneha Trivedi can perform your hysterectomy procedure with unsurpassed expertise, book your appointment today!
Relief is closer than you think.