Many women undergo a hysterectomy, what are the reasons for a hysterectomy? What are the ways in which the uterus is removed?

All you need to know about hysterectomy is here

Hysterectomy

It is an operation to remove the uterus and sometimes both ovaries or one of the ovaries and the fallopian tube.

After a hysterectomy, a woman cannot have children, her period will not come again, and if the ovaries and fallopian tubes are removed, this will lead to surgical menopause.

Hysterectomy is done through an incision in the lower abdomen. A partial hysterectomy removes only the uterus and leaves the cervix intact. A total hysterectomy removes the uterus and cervix.

Reasons for having a hysterectomy

Doctors recommend a hysterectomy in the following cases

1. Uterine fibroids

Uterine fibroids are benign tumors that cause persistent bleeding, pelvic pain or other problems.

Uterine fibroids can be treated with non-surgical treatments depending on the size of the tumor and the discomfort.

2. Uterine prolapse

It is the sliding of the uterus from its usual place into the vagina, which leads to problems with urine and intestines, and pressure in the pelvis.

This problem occurs for women who have had many vaginal deliveries, because of obesity, or after menopause.

3. Cervical cancer

A hysterectomy is the treatment of choice for uterine, cervical or ovarian cancer, and other options may include chemotherapy.

4. Endometriosis

Endometriosis is the growth of tissue lining the uterus outside the uterus on the ovaries, causing heavy bleeding between periods and severe pain.

5. Adenomyosis

It is the growth of tissue that lines the uterus within the walls of the uterus, and this causes a thickening of the walls of the uterus, which leads to severe pain and bleeding.

6. Heavy vaginal bleeding (Bleeding)

Changes in hormone levels, cancer, fibroids, or infections can lead to heavy bleeding, heavy bleeding, and irregular periods.

Doctors resort to hysterectomy if the bleeding cannot be controlled with other treatment methods.

7. Pain in the pelvic area

Doctors may resort to a surgical hysterectomy if severe pelvic pain occurs.

Surgical techniques for hysterectomy

There are many techniques and methods for hysterectomy, the appropriate surgeon determines them depending on the reason for the removal and the woman’s health in general, including:

1. Abdominal hysterectomy

The most common method, accounting for 65% of procedures, is where the surgeon makes an incision either up, down or side to side through the abdomen, and then removes the uterus from that incision.

After the operation, the woman spends 2-3 days in the hospital, and a scar appears at the incision site.

2. Minimally Invasive Procedure -MIP

It includes the following

vaginal hysterectomy

The surgeon makes an incision in the vagina and removes the uterus through it. It is often used in the case of a low uterus or when cosmetic vaginal conditions are necessary.

There is no external incision, which means that there is no scar. This method is the least painful after surgery among all hysterectomy procedures, and does not require a long hospital stay.

Laparoscopic hysterectomy

The surgeon s a laparoscope and a thin, flexible tube containing a video camera through a cut in the belly button. Several small incisions are made to place the surgical tools. The uterus is then removed in sections through the laparoscope tube or through the vagina.

Robot-assisted hysterectomy

The surgeon controls a sophisticated robotic system of surgical instruments outside the body.

Four to five small incisions are made in the abdomen to allow slender robotic arms and small surgical tools to access the uterus. Small scars remain on the skin of the abdomen and women need to stay in the hospital for at least one night.

Post hysterectomy

Recovery from a hysterectomy takes time, and most women will need to stay in the hospital for several days. The time it takes to return to normal activities depends on the type of surgery.

Abdominal surgery can take 4-6 weeks, while vaginal or laparoscopic surgery takes 3-4 weeks, and most women are asked to abstain from sex and avoid heavy lifting.

Hysterectomy risks

Hysterectomy involves many risks, including

Pain during intercourse.

Decreased interest in sex and ed pleasure associated with sexual activity.

Injury to the bladder or ureter.

Early menopause if the ovaries are removed.

Increased risk of heart disease if the ovaries were removed before menopause.

severe pain

Vaginal prolapse.