Hysterectomy
What is hysterectomy?
A hysterectomy is a surgery that involves the removal of the uterus (womb), meaning you are no longer able to get pregnant post-surgery. There are different types of hysterectomy, and the type that would be recommended would depend on why you require the procedure.
The procedure is a big operation using general anaesthetic with extensive recovery periods, and is usually recommended after other treatments have been tried.
Why would you have a hysterectomy?
There are a number of different reasons why a woman would have a hysterectomy including:
- Endometriosis
- Cancer of the cervix, uterus or ovaries
- Non-cancerous tumours (fibroids)
- Chronic pelvic pain
- Heavy periods
- Uterine prolapse – when the uterus moves from its correct position into the vaginal canal.
What types of hysterectomy are there?
The most common types of hysterectomy are :
- Radical hysterectomy : this is the most extensive type of hysterectomy. It is performed if the patient has cervical, ovarian, fallopian tube or uterine cancer.
- Total hysterectomy : the uterus and cervix is removed.
- Subtotal or partial hysterectomy : This type of hysterectomy is where the uterus is removed but the cervix remains in place. If the cervix is kept intact, regular screening is still necessary.
What does a hysterectomy involve?
There are three ways for a hysterectomy to be carried out:
- Open surgery : the lower abdomen is cut open across the belly, and uterus is removed via this incision.
- Vaginal hysterectomy : the uterus is removed via a cut made in the vagina. This cut is closed and rarely results in scarring.
- Laparoscopic (keyhole) hysterectomy : the the uterus is removed via a number of very small incisions in the abdomen.
Compared to open surgery, vaginal and laparoscopic hysterectomy require shorter hospital stays and result in less pain and scarring, as well as decreased chance of infection.
How should I prepare for a hysterectomy?
Prior to undergoing a hysterectomy it is important to make sure that you are well-hydrated, have eaten lightly the day before, and usually have stopped consuming food and water after midnight the night before the surgery. Most hysterectomies will require a stay in the hospital, but it is recommended that transport home is pre-arranged as you would be unable to drive for up to two weeks post-surgery.A hysterectomy is a big procedure, it is important that you feel comfortable and have asked as many questions as possible to address concerns you might have. The doctor will have set expectations and given a thorough explanation of the procedure too.
See more here : https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/hysterectomy/what-happens/