You’re having a hysterectomy surgery, or you’re considering getting one. Tons of questions may be popping up in your mind, such as “what is a hysterectomy surgery?” and “are there any side effects of hysterectomy?”. Fortunately, we researched for you and presented our findings in this article on hysterectomy surgery. This comprehensive guide will help you find out everything you need to know about having a hysterectomy, including what to expect, recovery time, and more.
We also recommend reaching out to a reliable professional such as Dr. David Adel for expert diagnosis and guidance. This way, you’ll ensure the procedure goes smoothly and the healing time is faster.
If all of this sounds good to you, let’s jump into the facts on having a hysterectomy.
What is a Hysterectomy Surgery?
A hysterectomy surgery refers to a procedure where the patient’s uterus and, in some cases cervix, is removed. Depending on why you are having a hysterectomy, you may also need surrounding tissue and organs (such as the ovaries and the fallopian tubes) surgically removed.
As a reminder, the uterus is where the fetus develops and grows during pregnancy. When menstruating, you shed the uterus’s lining. Therefore, if you’re having a hysterectomy, you won’t be able to get pregnant in the future. This happens due to the uterus removal, preventing you from conception.
What are the Different Hysterectomy Surgery Types?
There are four main types of outpatient hysterectomy. These include:
- Full hysterectomy
- Supracervical hysterectomy
- Total hysterectomy with bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy
- Radical hysterectomy with bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy
The type of outpatient hysterectomy will depend on your condition and the reason why you require the procedure. For example, if you need uterus removal but the ovaries will remain intact, you are eligible for a total or full hysterectomy. However, if you need to remove the upper part of your uterus, leaving the cervix, you require a supracervical hysterectomy. Talk to your doctor about your possible options and what you can expect from each surgery.
Total hysterectomy with bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy refers to uterus removal, the removal of the fallopian tubes, cervix, and ovaries. Following this surgical procedure, women who haven’t begun menopause will experience menopausal symptoms.
Finally, radical hysterectomy with bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy also refers to uterus removal. During this operation, the patient’s fallopian tubes, cervix, ovaries, and the vagina’s upper portion are also removed. In some cases, the lymph nodes and surrounding tissue also require removal. This type of outpatient hysterectomy is best for cancer patients.
I Am Having a Hysterectomy: What to Expect
You probably feel nervous and hesitant whether you’re getting a full hysterectomy or the supracervical type. Here are some facts and helpful tips to help you prepare for your possible upcoming procedure.
Firstly, you’ll want to consult a trusted medical expert for guidance on properly preparing for a hysterectomy. Your doctor will help answer your questions and concerns. The professional may ask you to provide a urine and a blood sample.
As mentioned, the type of hysterectomy will depend on your condition. For instance, cancer patients may require a radical hysterectomy with bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy, while others may need a full hysterectomy. Your doctor will provide you with your options.
During an outpatient hysterectomy, you will wear a hospital gown and have your heart rate tracked via monitors. To provide you with nourishing fluids and medications, you will receive an intravenous line in a vein in the arm.
Since this procedure is performed under general or regional anesthesia, you won’t experience pain.
There are four different surgical approaches your surgeon may utilize for this procedure.
Laparoscopic Hysterectomy
Your doctor may want to perform a laparoscopic hysterectomy with the help of a thin tube called a laparoscope. The surgeon will insert the laparoscope and other surgical tools into the lower abdomen via tiny incisions. Finally, the expert will remove the uterus in pieces through the vagina or the incisions. A laparoscopic hysterectomy is reasonably simple, and patients are usually free to go home after a night in the hospital or, in some cases, the same day. In addition, the recovery time is typically short and less painful than other methods.
Robotic Hysterectomy
A robotic-assisted laparoscopic hysterectomy, or a robotic hysterectomy for short, is when the surgeon operates with the assistance of a machine. First, with the help of a laparoscope, the surgeon will check your pelvic area. Then, small surgical tools are inserted into incisions around your belly button. Robotic hysterectomy is very similar to the previous method, and the recovery is usually problem-free.
Vaginal Hysterectomy
One of the most common methods surgeons use when removing the uterus is making an incision at the top part of the vagina. No external incision is required with this method. Instead, the doctor will place dissolvable stitches inside your vagina, resulting in a complication-free and speedy recovery. Usually, healing time is up to four weeks, making the vaginal hysterectomy the preferred approach of both surgeons and patients.
Abdominal Hysterectomy
The abdominal hysterectomy is also a widely popular method for this procedure. With this method, the doctor will remove the uterus through a small incision in the abdomen. The expert will make this incision either across the top of the public hairline or from the belly button to the pubic bone. Staples or stitches will be used to ensure the incision is closed.
Abdominal hysterectomy is the preferred method when cancer patients are involved. Moreover, in cases where the disease spreads to various pelvic areas or when the uterus is abnormally large, doctors use abdominal hysterectomy.
Possible Side Effects of Hysterectomy
Typically, a hysterectomy is a major surgery requiring substantial healing time. The complexity of the procedure and the recovery period will depend on your condition, age, type of procedure, and method used.
Naturally, like any other surgical procedure, there may be some side effects of hysterectomy. Choose a reliable healthcare professional in a trusted clinic to ensure a seamless recovery and maximum results.
One of the biggest side effects of a hysterectomy is that you won’t be able to get pregnant due to uterus removal. However, not all women see this as a disadvantage.
Choosing a surgeon with years of experience and tons of positive feedback won’t run into problems. However, you potentially put your life at risk if you choose a “dodgy” clinic. In that case, here are some of the possible side effects of hysterectomy:
- Bowel blockage
- Bleeding
- Severe infection
- Blood clots
- Urinary tract injury
- Anesthesia-related issues
To stay safe, be mindful and cautious about choosing your healthcare provider.
Who May Need a Hysterectomy?
Hysterectomy is a serious operation, and it is the last resort for women suffering from:
- Pelvic pain
- Heavy periods
- Uterus prolapse
- Cancer of the cervix, womb, or the ovaries
Fibroids sometimes cause abnormally heavy periods, which can wreak a woman’s quality of life. In some instances, womb removal can be the only way to stop abnormal menstrual bleeding.
Moreover, women with endometriosis are eligible candidates for this surgical procedure. It is possible to remove pain-causing endometrial tissue via a hysterectomy.
Finally, this operation may be the last option if a woman has advanced-stage cancer.
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A hysterectomy can potentially save your life. If you’re looking for the best professionals in healthcare, we’re at your service. So prioritize your health today and give us a call. Results guaranteed.