Overview
A hysterectomy is one of the most common surgeries after C-sections performed in women. The surgery removes the uterus and sometimes other organs of the reproductive system.
Fortunately, with the advancement of technology, there are new innovative and minimally invasive hysterectomy procedures that minimize post-operative pain, recovery time, and risks of developing complications.
Before deciding on the type of hysterectomy procedure, your healthcare provider will:
- Do comprehensive examinations to determine the best possible treatment option
- Evaluate your symptoms and medical history
- Assess your overall health
- Consider your age and your choice of treatment
What are the different types of hysterectomy procedures?
There are several surgical types of hysterectomy.
Abdominal hysterectomy
It is an open surgery where the surgeon makes a long 6-8 inch incision in the abdomen. The incision is either made above the pubic hairline or from the naval to the pubic bone.
The surgery is performed to treat cancers or when the uterus has enlarged or the disease has spread to the other parts of the reproductive system.
The surgeon closes the incision site with stitches and sutures.
The surgery requires a long hospital stay and the recovery period is comparatively longer compared to other less invasive hysterectomies.
Vaginal hysterectomy
An incision is made at the top of the vagina to remove the uterus. It is commonly used to treat noncancerous conditions. There are no abdominal incisions. The procedure is often done in women who had a vaginal delivery. The recovery period is short with fewer complications.
Laparoscopic hysterectomy
Small 3-4 incisions are made in the lower abdomen. A thin tube called a laparoscope with an attached video camera is inserted through one incision. The surgical instruments are inserted through the remaining incisions. The uterus is removed through the small incisions or the vagina.
You can go home the same day or a one-night hospital stay might be needed.
Robotic-assisted laparoscopic hysterectomy
This is a sophisticated procedure that uses a robotic machine. Three to five small incisions are made near the belly button in the abdomen.
The surgeon uses a robotic system to insert the surgical instruments and laparoscope through the incisions. The whole procedure is projected on a three-dimensional screen. Recovery is faster and similar to a laparoscopic surgery.
What are the benefits of hysterectomy?
Hysterectomy can make radical improvements in your quality of life.
Improved quality of life
Some women suffer from heavy menstrual bleeding and abdominal cramps. This can disrupt their normal lives. The procedure can permanently eliminate the symptoms of excessive menstrual bleeding and pain.
Early menopause
Once you undergo a hysterectomy, you will no longer have periods and other associated symptoms. Older women who are close to menopause may find it a relief.
Pain-free sex life
Studies show that after a hysterectomy, some women have reported the same or improved sexual activities.
Improved mental health
Women who have been suffering from painful menstruation or other reproductive health concerns like fibroids or ovarian cancer are relieved after recovery when their symptoms are finally gone.
Treating serious ailments
Hysterectomy is often considered the last resort for certain diseases when all other treatments have failed. The procedure can be life-saving for people who have been diagnosed with advanced stages of gynecological cancers like ovarian cancer or cervical cancer and if the cancer has spread to other reproductive organs as well.
It is also done to treat precancerous conditions and minimize the chances of developing cancers.
Hysterectomy is a common procedure to treat certain diseases like:
- Uterine fibroids
- Pelvic inflammatory disease
- Endometriosis
- Cervical dysplasia
- Adenomyosis
Stop your suffering NOW
Don't just jump into a surgery because your doctor is advising you to go for it. Consult our doctors to know if you need a surgery at all. Rest assured, we WON'T recommend you surgery unless it's the last resort.
