HYSTERECTOMY

Here are the facts: hysterectomy is the second most common major operation done in the United States today. A radical hysterectomy is the surgical removal of the uterus (womb), cervix, ovaries, and the fallopian tubes. Total hysterectomy is the removal of the uterus and the cervix. Subtotal hysterectomy is the removal of the uterus, but the ovaries cervix and fallopian tubes are left in place.

Hysterectomies can be done with removal of the uterus through the abdomen or through the vagina. The type of hysterectomy that is done and the way it is preformed is determined by what is causing the problem and what your surgeon feels is the best for you.

Women who have had a hysterectomy can no longer get pregnant because they do not have a womb and they no longer have a menstrual period. If the ovaries are removed these women may also have the same symptoms as women who have menopause. When the ovaries are removed, menopause starts immediately and hormone replacement will be needed from that point on.

Hysterectomy may be done to treat different types of female problems. Some of these are:

cancers of the uterus, the ovaries, and some cervical cancers
constant heavy bleeding that has not been controlled by medicines
chronic pelvic pain
endometriosis that causes pain or bleeding, and does not respond to therapy
a dropped uterus and
very large or growing lumps on the uterus, called fibroids that cause persistent bleeding, anemia, pelvic pain, or bleeding pressure

After surgery there may be a 3 to 4 day hospital stay depending on the type of surgery that was done and how well you are feeling. It takes about 4 to 6 weeks to feel like yourself again.

Home care includes getting plenty of rest, eating a balanced diet with iron replacement to help with healing, and avoiding heavy lifting for 4 to 6 weeks. Before going home you should be taught how to deal with pain, how to prevent constipation as well as what signs need to be reported to your surgeon right away.

The surgeon needs to be made aware of these symptoms:

signs of infection
fever, chills, muscle aches, redness or tenderness in your stitches, or drainage from the stitches
feeling dizzy or faint
a reaction occurs to the medication given
poor pain relief
problems having a bowel movement or pain and burning with urination or
heavy bleeding from the vagina

A woman will want to discuss the options available to her with her surgeon. In addition to deciding which procedure is best for her situation, further discussion is necessary to decide whether the ovaries (which produce the female hormones) need to be removed during the surgery as well.

A sadness or sense of loss following a hysterectomy is normal and for some does takes time for adjustment. This feeling is usually temporary, and most women experience an improvement of mood and increased sense of well-being after a week. For many there is relief from fear of surgery, of becoming pregnant, and a new and heightened sense of sexual enjoyment is found after the surgery.

Disclaimer: This content is reviewed periodically and is subject to change as new health information becomes available. The information provided is intended to be informative and educational and is not a replacement for professional medical evaluation, advice, diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional.

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