The meaning of the word hysterectomy surgery is the removal of the uterus.The word hystero means uterus and ectomy mean removal.
For every woman uterus is a symbol of womanhood and the monthly period is a sign of youthfulness.
But at the same time uterus is the cause of many problems for many patients; problems severe enough to make life hell. When all medicines fail and all conservative approaches fail, hysterectomy is the last resort to get relief from the troubles. However, it is an emotionally traumatic decision.
Heavy menstrual bleeding, severe pain during the periods, prolapse, and cancer are some of the commonest reasons for which hysterectomy is done.
In routine hysterectomy ovary and vagina are preserved so the feminity, sexuality, strength, and vitality are maintained.
Dr. Dimple Doshi is an expert gynecologist for conservative management of female concerns like heavy bleeding and offers hysterectomy surgery as the last option. She is an expert in various types of hysterectomy surgery as well as post-hysterectomy treatment to maintain physical and mental health and vitality.
Dr. Dimple Doshi at Vardaan Hospital; believes prevention is better than cure, and thus apart from the precise treatment guidelines; preventive measures are an essential part of our consultations with the patients who have either had it or want to know more about it.
Some common indications of hysterectomy are:
Hysterectomy surgery has drastically evolved in recent times from the technique of opening the abdomen to minimally invasive; keyhole laparoscopic hysterectomy to the stitchless vaginal hysterectomy to the robotic hysterectomy performed with the ultramodern robotic instruments. The need to open the whole abdomen is slowly being obviated with the advent of advanced technology and patient satisfaction with the best cosmetic element. Given below are descriptions of various methods of hysterectomy surgery.
Hysterectomy is done by opening up the abdomen; also called laparotomy is called abdominal hysterectomy
Incision: 10 to 12 cm vertical or transverse incision on the abdomen.
Recovery: 4 to 6 weeks’ time
Stay in the hospital: 4 days
Indications:
1. Complex hysterectomy surgery like a very large uterus
2. When there is a history of multiple abdominal surgeries; 3. When done for cancer or when the patient is not fit for other methods like laparoscopic or vaginal hysterectomy.
Advantage: It is the method of choice when the above-mentioned indications are there.
Disadvantages: prolonged stay, prolonged recovery; the presence of a big incision
Hysterectomy surgery done from below or vaginally is called a vaginal hysterectomy
Incision: No incision on the abdomen
Recovery: one week
Stay in the hospital: 2 to 3 days
Indications: uterine prolapse or whenever it is possible to remove the uterus vaginally even when there is no prolapse
Advantage: faster recovery as there are no stitches on the abdomen
Hysterectomy surgery done from below or vaginally is called a vaginal hysterectomy
Incision: No incision on the abdomen
Recovery: one week
Stay in the hospital: 2 to 3 days
Indications: uterine prolapse or whenever it is possible to remove the uterus vaginally even when there is no prolapse
Advantage: faster recovery as there are no stitches on the abdomen
“Robotic hysterectomy” is a modern method of laparoscopic surgery using special remotely controlled robotic instruments that allow the surgeon finer control as well as three-dimensional magnified vision.
Most women who undergo hysterectomy surgery have no serious problems or complications from the surgery especially if done by an expert and experienced surgeon. However, hysterectomy surgery is considered major surgery and is not without risks. The complications include:
Bleeding
Injury to surrounding structures
Wound infections
Blood clots
Urinary incontinence
Fistula or an abnormal connection between vagina and bladder
Chronic pain
Urinary incontinence.
Stay: After a laparoscopic hysterectomy, you will be advised to go home after 1 to 2 days, and in the case of an open hysterectomy, you will be discharged after 4 days.
Diet: You will be advised to have a full diet from the second day
Mobilization: You will be encouraged to walk from the same day if hysterectomy surgery is performed by laparoscopy and in case of open and vaginal hysterectomy surgery, you will be allowed to walk after 24 to 48 hrs.
Pain: Pain with modern methods like laparoscopy is minimal. And you will be given round-the-clock pain killers to smoothen your recovery.
Dressing: The dressing will be waterproof, so you can take a thorough bath.
Bath: You can take bath after you are discharged. However, in the hospital, you may be given a sponge bath.
Follow-up: 6 days after the hysterectomy surgery is done.