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What is a hysterectomy?
A hysterectomy, a surgical procedure, involves the elimination of the uterus, and possibly the cervix. Depending on the purpose of the surgery, additional organs and tissues like the fallopian tubes and ovaries may be removed. The uterus is the location where a fetus develops during pregnancy and its lining is what is shed during menstruation. After undergoing a hysterectomy, pregnancy is no longer possible and menstrual periods will cease.
Types of Hysterectomies
There are various kinds of hysterectomies available. Your doctor will talk to you about the advantages, disadvantages, and possible side effects of each procedure. It is crucial to inquire whether it is advised to have your ovaries and fallopian tubes removed during the hysterectomy. Different types of hysterectomies consist of:
- The most common type of total hysterectomy is a procedure that removes both the uterus and the cervix entirely.
- A partial hysterectomy, also known as supracervical hysterectomy, involves the removal of just the uterus while keeping the cervix intact. The risks and benefits of keeping the cervix in place are currently being researched.
- A radical hysterectomy is a surgical procedure that involves the removal of the uterus, cervix, and upper portion of the vagina, typically performed as a treatment for cancer.
Reasons for having a hysterectomy
There are several circumstances that might necessitate a hysterectomy. Specifically, if you experience any of the following:
- Fibroids are a medical condition that leads to excessive and severe bleeding.
- a medical condition that results in intense agony and unease – for example, adenomyosis or endometriosis
- A prolapse refers to a condition where the tissues that support the uterus and vaginal walls become weak.
- chronic pelvic inflammatory disease
- cervical, uterine, ovarian, or fallopian tube cancer or pre-cancer.
Before the operation
The doctor will provide you with instructions on how to get ready for your surgery. For instance, if you are a smoker, they will request that you quit. Smoking raises the chances of encountering complications during and after the procedure. It can also delay your healing process.
Before your operation, it may be necessary for you to undergo certain examinations, including blood tests and an electrocardiogram (ECG). The purpose of these tests is to ensure that you are in good enough health for the planned operation to proceed.
The duration of your stay at the hospital will vary based on the specific type of hysterectomy you undergo and the method used for the surgery. Typically, it is a period of one to four days, although it may be extended if you are undergoing a hysterectomy for cancer removal. Your surgeon will provide you with guidance beforehand. It is important to make arrangements for someone to drive you home after the operation.
How is a hysterectomy performed?
There are various methods of carrying out a hysterectomy, which are determined by the purpose of the surgery, your medical background, and overall wellbeing.
For example:
- Laparoscopic surgery, also known as keyhole surgery, is a minimally invasive procedure where small incisions are made in the abdomen. It involves using a special tube called a laparoscope, which contains a camera.
- The surgical procedure is done by accessing the vagina.
- Abdominal surgery is carried out by making an incision in the lower part of your abdomen.
Typically, hysterectomies are carried out while the patient is under the influence of a general anaesthetic.
Aftercare for hysterectomy
After your surgery, you will be taken to a recovery room where you will need to rest until the effects of the anesthesia have subsided. It is common to feel drowsy and have difficulty with mental clarity after a general anesthesia, but this should improve within a day. You may experience some discomfort as the anesthesia wears off, but you will be provided with medication to manage any pain.
After the surgery, a catheter will be inserted in your body for approximately 24 hours. It is responsible for the drainage of urine into a bag through a tube. Once you are able to walk and be active, the nurse will remove the catheter. Additionally, you may be given fluids and pain medication through a drip. Following a vaginal hysterectomy, there may be a gauze pack placed in your vagina to manage bleeding within the initial 24 hours. The nurse will remove this before you leave the hospital.
Once you feel prepared, you can begin consuming food and beverages. Engaging in eating and drinking can assist in restoring your normal state and creating a sense of readiness to leave and go back home.
What are the benefits of undergoing a hysterectomy?
Undergoing a hysterectomy can greatly improve your quality of life, especially if you experience persistent pelvic pain or suffer from heavy and unpredictable menstrual bleeding. Additionally, if you have an increased likelihood of developing uterine cancer, a hysterectomy can significantly lower this risk and potentially even save your life.
What can I expect after a hysterectomy?
For certain individuals, undergoing a hysterectomy can be emotionally challenging, as they may be concerned about the impact on their sexuality or ability to conceive. Conversely, some individuals experience a significant improvement in their well-being post-surgery, particularly if they were experiencing pain or distressing symptoms prior to the procedure.
A hysterectomy will prevent menstrual periods, but it will not cause menopause as long as your ovaries continue producing hormones. However, if your ovaries are also removed, menopause will occur abruptly. In such cases, your doctor may recommend menopausal hormone therapy (MHT), which is also referred to as hormone replacement therapy (HRT).
If your cervix remains intact, you will have to keep getting cervical screening tests. However, if your cervix is removed, your doctor will assess your specific situation and inform you if further screening is necessary.
Treatment in Türkiye:
The medical staff of surgical teams, doctors, and consultants at REHABTÜRK can provide the best treatment options and free consultations, striving to stay up-to-date on the latest medical technologies and methods.
