Hysterectomy
Description
A hysterectomy is a procedure that removes the uterus and/or tubes and ovaries.
Procedure
This can be done by two approaches, vaginal or abdominal. The type of procedure done depends on how well your uterus moves, how many babies you have had, other surgeries (i.e c/sections or bladder surgeries) and the size of your uterus.
Total Vaginal Hysterectomy
The Vaginal approach is done with all incisions in the vagina. The recovery time is usually 4-6 weeks.
Total Abdominal Hysterectomy
The Abdominal approach has incisions on both abdomen and in the vagina. The recovery time is a little longer at 6-8 weeks typically.
BOTH SURGERIES ARE MAJOR SURGERIES AND ARE NOT WITHOTH RISK!
Risks
- Risk includes but are not limited to the following:
- Infection
- Bleeding
- Transfusion (with risk of HIV and hepatitis.)
- Damage to bowel, bladder, ureters and major blood vessels
- Prolonged use of foley catheter Possible colostomy if bowel injury occurs Wound breakdown with prolonged wound packing
- Anesthesia risk
- Death
- Hormone replacement has been associated with increased risk of breast cancer, heart disease, stroke and gallbladder problems. Hormone replacement therapy does improve severe vasomotor symptoms associated with menopause including insomnia, fatigue, mood swings, hot flashes and irritability. It also helps slow down bone loss which leads to osteoporosis and places a person at risk for hip and spinal cord fractures.Use of long term hormone replacement therapy and its associated risk
- A hysterectomy will improve your bleeding symptoms, but if your major complaint is pain you are taking a risk that the surgery will not cure your pain!