Hysterectomy
Surgery, Types, Benefits & Recovery
Hysterectomy is practiced at many gynecologist clinics in India. There can be several reasons for hysterectomy due to lifestyle changes, or complications with female reproductive system.
What is hysterectomy exactly?
The process of uterus removal surgery is called as hysterectomy. It is the surgical process that removes uterus from female body. There are various reasons that makes hysterectomy to come true. After removal of uterus female, who has gone through hysterect0my cannot become pregnant and has no longer menstruation and menstrual periods.
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Reasons for hysterectomy-
- Abnormal bleeding,
- Uterine or cervical cancer,
- Fibroids,
- $exual infections in the uterus,
- Uterine prolapse.
Percentage of female going through reproductive procedures in India.
In India, hysterect0my is a fairly common procedure, with the latest data from the National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5, 2019-2021) indicating that approximately 3.3% of women aged 15-49 has undergone this surgery. This prevalence shows only a slight increase from the NFHS-4 survey in 2015-2016, which reported a rate of 3.2% for the same age group.
Types of hysterectomy performed
Depending on the condition of the uterus, doctor will monitor and examine the affected part of the uterus, cervix and accordingly type of hysterectomy will be recommended to the patient. In some cases, along with uterus, fallopian tube, cervix and even ovaries are also removed from the female body.
There are several types of hysterectomy, depending on what is removed-
- Total hysterectomy
In this process uterus and cervix are removed from the female body leaving behind ovaries. These ovaries are off least use now. In this procedure menstrual bleeding does not stops completely, and patient does not go to menopause phase immediately after surgery.
- Subtotal(partial) hysterectomy
In this surgery only uterus is removed from female reproductive body leaving behind cervix and ovaries. In this kind of surgery only uterus is removed which in turn limits the functions of uterus like pregnancy, holding and growth of baby, menstruation periods that maintains hormonal balance in the body.
- Radical hysterectomy
This kind of surgery is mostly used in cancer cases. It removes the uterus, cervix, surrounding tissue, and a part of the vagina. Many cases of cancer are growing on pace in the India. Rate of cervical cancer is continuously increasing all over the world so radical hysterectomy is most commonly performed in India. Risk associated with this procedure is high as compared with other types of hysterectomy.
- Hysterectomy with Salpingo-Oophorectomy
It removes the uterus, cervix, fallopian tubes, ovaries, the upper portion of your vagina. In this surgery menopause will starts immediately after surgery is performed. Because ovaries are removed in this process.
Benefits of hysterectomy
Hysterectomy gives better option to the patients suffering from uterus disorders, especially when other treatments have not provided relief. Key benefits include –
- Relief from chronic pain
A hysterectomy can alleviate chronic pelvic pain and heavy bleeding, leading to improved quality of life. Most of the time infection in uterus can cause acute or chronic pain in the abdominal area. for women with endometriosis, adenomyosis or sever menstrual disorders hysterectomy can be useful.
- Prevention from life threatening diseases
Hysterectomy can be life-saving for the patients with cervix or uterus cancer. Removing the cancerous organ can be helpful to prevent its spread all over the body. This can prevent the spread of disease; it can also be a preventive option for those at high genetic risk of gynecologic cancer.
- Treatment from Uterine Prolapse
When the uterus drops from its usual position a hysterectomy can resolve related symptoms like urinary incontinence, pelvic pressure, and pain, offering stability to other pelvic organs.
- Resolution of fibroids
In uterine fibroids there can be heavy bleeding. This bleeding is often painful disturbing the normal menstrual cycle in the females. This method can also provide relief from symptomatic as well as asymptomatic fibroids. Symptomatic uterine fibroids cause heavy bleeding, pain, and other issues. Removing the uterus eliminates fibroids related symptoms permanently.
- End to menstrual symptoms
In most of the female’s menstrual cycles are highly irregular with heavy, painful, prolonged menstrual bleeding often find hysterect0my beneficial as it ends menstruation entirely, which can lead to elimination of painful bleeding, painful crams of periods. This process can provide physical as well as mental relief to the patient.
Recovery from Hysterectomy
Recovery from hysterect0my surgery depends on the physical and mental health of the patient. Sometimes mental health can also be a bone to boast immunity of the patient to recovery from the surgery. Here is a general over view of what to expect during the recovery process,
- Hospital stay and immediate post- operative period-
Most females stay in hospital for about 2- 3 days after the surgery. In some cases, females can also stay for longer time than this. Patients are monitored for any post-operative complications.
- Rest and limited activity at home-
Patient is supposed to not do home activities for some days after the surgery, it is advised to take 2 months complete rest after the surgery. Limited activity for 4 to 6 weeks for an abdominal hysterect0my and about 2 to 4 weeks for a minimally invasive procedure is allowed.
During this time, avoid heavy lifting, bending, and vigorous activity, as the body needs time to heal internally.
- Pain and fatigue-
Fatigue, abdominal pain and light vaginal bleeding is common after the surgery. Walking is encouraging to increase the motility and movements in the body. But heavy exercises are avoided.
- Return to normal activities-
After 6- 8 weeks, most patients can normally shift on to their daily activities, but heavy weight lifting is still avoided until doctor gives approval.
$exual activities should also be postponed until gull internal healing is confirmed, usually after six weeks from surgery.
- Follow up and care-
Follow up routine is fixed on the fix day, where doctor will monitor the patient for recovery and healing process, so as to ensure patient about normal healing process after the surgery. Certain medications are prescribed to the patients in case of pain and discomfort to the patient if any.
Conclusion
Overall, a hysterect0my can lead to significant health improvements and increased comfort for those suffering from severe gynecological issues. However, it’s a major surgery with long term effects, so it’s essential to consider all treatment options and discuss with healthcare provider.
In this article hysterect0my is explained in detail along with its types and procedure. This article will be helpful for you as it will guide you entirely before going to the surgery.
It is advised to take recommendation from specialized doctors and such surgeries should be performed by specialized, experienced and trained doctors only.
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FAQs
Why might someone need a hysterectomy?
Hysterectomies are commonly performed for conditions like fibroids, endometriosis, uterine prolapse, chronic, pelvic pain, abnormal bleeding, and cancer of uterus, cervix, or ovaries.
Will hysterectomy cause permanent menopause?
If both ovaries are removed, menopause will occur immediately, known as “surgical menopause”. If the ovaries are left intact, hormonal function may continue until natural menopause, though some women may experience menopause earlier.
Can I get pregnant after a hysterectomy?
Pregnancy is not possible after a hysterectomy, as the uterus that is needed to carry pregnancy is removed. However, in rare cases, assisted reproductive options might still allow biological children using a surrogate.
Can a hysterectomy affect $exual function?
$exual function may change after a hysterectomy, especially if the ovaries are removed, which can affect lubrication and libido. For many, there’s also a positive improvement in &exual function if the hysterectomy relieves painful symptoms.
Will I need hormone replacement therapy after hysterectomy?
If the ovaries are removed, HRT may be recommended to manage menopausal symptoms. The decision depends on individual factors, like age and personal health history.
