Hysterectomy
Hysterectomy is a surgery in which a woman's uterus is removed.After a hysterectomy, you will no longer have a menstrual cycle and you will not be able to conceive.
Hysterectomy is recommended in the following conditions:
- Cervical cancer, cervical or ovarian cancer
- Chronic pelvic pain
- Severe and uncontrollable vaginal bleeding
- Pelvic inflammatory disease: One of the most serious infections of the genitals.
- Uterine fibroids are benign tumors that grow in the uterus.
- Adenomyosis: A condition in which the lining of the uterus grows into uterine muscles.
- Uterine prolapse: The prolapse of the uterus into the cervix and its protrusion from the vagina.
- Endometriosis: A disorder in which the lining of the uterus grows inside the uterine cavity, causing pain and bleeding.
Types of hysterectomy:
Total hysterectomy: In this surgery, the entire uterus, including the cervix, is removed and is the most common type of surgery. The ovaries may be removed depending on the condition.
Subtotal hysterectomy: Only the upper part of the uterus is removed. The cervix remains intact. The ovaries may be removed depending on the condition.
Radical hysterectomy: In this surgery, the entire uterus, cervix, tissue on both sides of the cervix and the upper part of the vagina are removed. Extensive hysterectomy is often performed to treat certain types of cancer, such as cervical cancer. The fallopian tubes and ovaries may be removed depending on the condition.
Hysterectomy surgical procedures:
Abdominal hysterectomy:
This type of surgery gives the surgeon the best view of the pelvic area and is done by making an incision in the abdomen that can be vertical or horizontal and the wound will remain. This type of surgery is performed in cases where there is adhesions or the uterus is very large. The disadvantages of this method are its risk of side effects compared to less invasive methods. Risks include infection, bleeding, blood clots, and damage to nerves and tissues, and you will need to stay in the hospital longer and have a longer recovery time.
Laparoscopic hysterectomy:
This surgical procedure is the least invasive hysterectomy performed using a laparoscopic device. Surgical instruments are inserted either through the vagina or through small incisions in the abdomen. The uterus is removed in pieces either through incisions or through the vagina.
Vaginal hysterectomy:
This type of hysterectomy is performed completely through the vagina and does not cause any incisions or wounds on the abdomen and is usually the first choice for hysterectomy unless there are other reasons for using more invasive methods, including The uterus may be sticky or large. With this surgical procedure, you will have a shorter recovery time and return to your activities faster.
What is the recovery time after hysterectomy surgery?
The recovery period after a hysterectomy is long. Most women stay in the hospital for one to two days after surgery. However, if you have cancer, you may have to stay in the hospital longer.
After a hysterectomy, your doctor will probably ask you to get out of bed and walk as much as possible.
The time to return to normal activities depends on the type of surgery:
- Recovery from abdominal surgery can take four to six weeks.
- In vaginal or laparoscopic surgery, the recovery time is between three and four weeks.
You should get adequate rest and avoid lifting heavy objects for four to six weeks after surgery. After this time you can resume sex. Exactly how long it takes for you to recover depends on the surgery and your pre-surgery health. Talk to your doctor about this.