What is hysterectomy?
A hysterectomy is a surgical procedure that removes the uterus. Once a female undergoes a hysterectomy, she will no longer menstruate or have the ability to become pregnant. A female may undergo a hysterectomy due to abnormal bleeding, uterine fibroids, uterine prolapse, adenomyosis, and uterine cancer.
What happens in Hysterectomy?
As stated above, in a hysterectomy, the gynecologist removes the uterus and other parts of the female reproductive organs, including the cervix, fallopian tubes, and sometimes even the ovaries.
Before hysterectomy is performed, the doctor will ask the patient to change into a hospital gown and track her heart rate.
The surgeon will insert an intravenous line to inject injections and medicinal fluids.
An anesthesiologist will sedate the patient with general, local, or spinal anesthesia, to ‘block’ pain during the surgery.
Depending on the reason for the hysterectomy, a surgeon may remove only the uterus or other parts of the reproductive organs. Depending on the organs that are removed, hysterectomy can be of the following types:
1. Total hysterectomy : The whole uterus and cervix is removed in this procedure, leaving the ovaries.
The mother can spend early labour at home. However, the doctor should be informed.
2.Supracervical : The upper part of the uterus is removed, leaving the cervix.
3.Radical hysterectomy : The whole uterus, tissues on the sides of the uterus, the cervix, and the top part of the vagina are removed.
Depending on the patient’s health problem, the gynecologist will discuss which type of hysterectomy needs to be performed.
The gynecologist may adopt different surgical approaches to perform hysterectomies.
Vaginal hysterectomy -
No external incision is made in the procedure. The uterus is removed through an incision made at the top of the vagina.
The hysterectomy doctor will use dissolvable stitches placed inside the vagina.
It is a daycare treatment and the patient can go home the same day.
Vaginal hysterectomy is performed mainly for uterine prolapse and to treat any non-cancerous conditions.
Laparoscopic hysterectomy -
A small incision is made in the belly button through which the doctor inserts a laparoscope to the lower abdomen.
A few small incisions are also made through which the doctor inserts surgical tools.
The uterus is removed either through the incision made in the abdomen or the vagina.
The procedure does not require more than one day of hospitalization.
Abdominal hysterectomy (Open hysterectomy) -
A 6-8 inches long incision is made in the abdomen either from the belly button or the pubic bone.
The uterus is removed through this incision.
Once the organs are removed, the incisions are closed with stitches or staples.
The procedure requires a longer hospital stay (2-3 days) than the above-mentioned methods.
Robotic hysterectomy -
The procedure is performed with the help of a robotic machine.
A laparoscope is inserted into the abdomen to view the internals.
Approximately 3-5 incisions are made around the belly button through which the surgeon controls the robotic instruments.
How to prepare for a hysterectomy?
Here are a few tips that can help you ease your worries and seamlessly undergo hysterectomy.
Gather information – The best way to prepare for a hysterectomy is to gather as much information as possible before the surgery. Make sure you understand the procedure and how it will impact your overall health in the coming days.
Stop smoking and drinking alcohol – Reducing smoking and alcohol consumption can prevent adverse reactions from anesthesia and ensure a smooth recovery.
Discuss your medical health and medications with your doctor – If you are taking any medication, discuss with your doctor whether you need to change your routine medication before a hysterectomy. If you have any underlying disease that may adversely affect the outcome of your hysterectomy, discuss with your doctor.
Drink lots of healthy fluids before the hysterectomy – – Drinking a lot of fluids shall keep you hydrated and prevent constipation, a common discomfort associated with the surgery.
Plan your recovery ahead of the surgery – Plan and prepare for your recovery in advance. Get somebody to drive you home after the surgery or help you with the household tasks as you rest post-surgery.
Eat light and relax a night before the hysterectomy – Limiting consumption of a heavy diet can help you before and after the hysterectomy. Don’t panic. The anticipation of getting the uterus removed can be stressful for many women. But you need to understand that stress can adversely affect the immune system and in turn delay the recovery process.
When is hysterectomy required?
Hysterectomy could be a feasible treatment for any female who suffers from any of the following health conditions:
Severe menstrual pain that cannot be controlled by medicines or any other treatment methods.
Abnormal vaginal bleeding that is not controlled by other treatment methods.
Uterine fibroids (non-cancerous uterine tumors)
Unusual increased pelvic pain associated with the uterus
Uterine prolapse that causes urinary incontinence or difficulty passing a bowel movement.
Cervical or uterine cancer
How can hysterectomy benefit you?
A hysterectomy can improve your overall quality of life.
For females dealing with uterine fibroids, abnormal periods, endometriosis, and adenomyosis, a hysterectomy can be a beneficial procedure to eliminate the chronic pain associated with the conditions.
Hysterectomy can also provide relief from unexpected and heavy vaginal bleeding.
Hysterectomy can be a very significant part of the treatment plan for women undergoing surgery due to cancer.
How will I feel after getting a hysterectomy?
You are likely to experience physical and emotional changes after the uterus removal. After a hysterectomy, you will stop having periods. You may experience bloating, abdominal cramps, and other symptoms similar to menstruation. Occasionally, you may experience vaginal bleeding and vaginal discharge for a few weeks after the surgery.
For the next few weeks after the hysterectomy, you may feel swelling, redness, itching, and a burning sensation around the incision site. There may be slight scarring, internally and externally as well. However, in case the hysterectomy surgery is performed via a laparoscopic approach, the size of the scars will be much smaller.
You will not experience any mood swings or hormone-related effects if the ovaries remain intact. In case the ovaries are removed, the woman might experience symptoms that occur with menopause, such as hot flashes and trouble concentrating.
There might be an outburst of emotional changes, too, but that depends on how you have prepared yourself before the surgery. If you know the changes and reactions before the surgery, the emotional changes shall be short-termed. This also depends on your reason for undergoing hysterectomy. If you choose to get the uterus removed to treat any severely painful conditions, the surgery can improve your health and well-being to a great extent. In that case, the emotional changes are likely to be positive.
