Hysterectomy is one of the most frequently performed surgical procedures in the United States. The most common indications for hysterectomy (some indications are overlapping) are symptomatic uterine leiomyomas (51.4%), abnormal uterine bleeding (41.7%), endometriosis (30%), and prolapse (18.2%) 1 2.
A hysterectomy is a surgical procedure to remove the womb (uterus). You'll no longer be able to get pregnant after the operation. If you have not already gone through the menopause, you'll no longer have periods, regardless of your age. It's more common for women aged 40 to 50.
Reasons for this surgery include abnormal bleeding, uterine prolapse, fibroids and cancer. Recovery usually takes four to six weeks, depending on the type of surgery you have.
Hysterectomy can lead to bladder and bowel dysfunction, prolapse, and incontinence as well as a 4-fold increased risk of pelvic organ fistula surgery. Other risks include certain cancers – rectal, thyroid, renal cell, and brain – as well as heart disease (#1 killer of women).
Before the procedure
Tests may include: A Pap test, also called cervical cytology, which finds irregular cervical cells or cervical cancer. Endometrial biopsy, which takes a sample of tissue from the lining of the uterus. This test may find irregular cells in the uterine lining or endometrial cancer.
You will no longer have periods. If your ovaries are removed during the hysterectomy, you may have other menopause symptoms. Change in sexual feelings. Some women have vaginal dryness or less interest in sex after a hysterectomy, especially if the ovaries are removed.
You may encounter information saying that a hysterectomy makes you gain weight or lose your sex drive. These issues may develop, but only if both ovaries are removed. A hysterectomy alone doesn't affect your weight or desire for sex. Many women feel healthier because the symptoms they had before surgery are gone.
Because estrogen levels fall dramatically when the ovaries are removed, symptoms of surgical menopause may be more intense than those of natural menopause.
The benefits of removing organs in any form of hysterectomy include: Stopping abnormal, heavy bleeding. Relieving chronic pain.
Vaginal hysterectomy is performed in a hospital setting and generally requires one to two hours in the operating room. If other procedures are also performed, such as treatment of prolapse, the procedure may take longer. Patients are given general or spinal anesthesia plus sedation so that they feel no pain.
The vNOTES procedure uses the vagina as a surgical access route to the uterus, fallopian tubes and ovaries, eliminating the need to make visible incisions in the patient's abdomen. An access device allows the abdomen to be inflated with carbon dioxide gas, creating space for the surgeon to see and operate.
During a total hysterectomy, your womb and cervix (neck of the womb) is removed. A total hysterectomy is usually the preferred option over a subtotal hysterectomy, as removing the cervix means there's no risk of you developing cervical cancer at a later date.
Research does suggest a link between hysterectomy and an increased risk of weight gain, but it affects some women more than others. Several factors can affect how much weight you gain after a hysterectomy, including what you do during and after the initial recovery period.
Indeed, you might find that you feel happier due to the alleviation of your symptoms experienced prior to surgery, such as pain and discomfort with intercourse. If you do find yourself feeling low or depressed you are certainly not alone.
After your hysterectomy
The average recovery time for a vaginal or laparoscopic hysterectomy is 3 to 4 weeks. For an abdominal hysterectomy, recovery may take 5 to 6 weeks. It's important to look after yourself after your hysterectomy: Rest as much as possible for at least 2 weeks.
You will not be able to do much for at least 3 weeks, or even longer if it is an abdominal surgery. Organise help for meals, domestic chores, childcare and pets. Make sure that your partner understands what to expect, so they can support you. TRUST YOUR BODY.
Continuing life changes
You'll no longer be able to become pregnant and will no longer menstruate. You may find that menopause symptoms begin suddenly after your procedure. We can support you through the changes of menopause with treatments like hormone replacement therapy.
Women still need regular Cervical Screening Tests if they have a cervix (if they had a sub-total hysterectomy or partial hysterectomy). Women without a cervix (who had a total hysterectomy) may still need follow-up tests (using a cell sample taken from the top of the vagina) if they: have not been screened before.
A hysterectomy is a surgical procedure to remove a woman's uterus (womb). Hysterectomy is one of the most common types of elective surgeries for Australian women. Some reasons for having a hysterectomy include cervical cancer, endometriosis and pelvic inflammatory disease.