Hysterectomy

Hysterectomy is a surgical procedure to remove the uterus. It is one of the most common surgeries done for women.

TYPES

There are different types of hysterectomies.

Subtotal where only the uterus is removed. Total where uterus and cervix are removed. And radical where the uterus, cervix, the upper part of the vagina and surrounding tissues are removed. And this is done for cancer Now depending upon the reason for your operation and your age, fallopian tubes and or ovaries may also be removed.

ROUTES

The uterus can be removed through different routes.

• VAGINAL- removed through the vagina.
• ABDOMINAL- removed through a big cut in the tummy
• LAPAROSCOPIC - removed through keyholes
• ROBOTIC -advanced form of laparoscopic surgery.

Which route will be best for you will depend on many factors like the size of the uterus, whether the tubes and ovaries need to be removed, the presence of endometriosis, the shape of the pelvis, any previous surgery, any heart or lung problems and availability of resources and expertise.

INDICATIONS

A hysterectomy is required when medical or minimally invasive procedures fail and the symptoms are affecting the quality of life, which may include heavy and painful periods, pain or pressure symptoms, prolapse, which can be due to fibroids, adenomyosis, endometriosis, dysfunctional uterine bleeding, prolapse and gynecological cancers.

PREPARATION AND PROCEDURE

Pre-operatively certain blood tests and urine tests have to be done to check your fitness for surgery. Pre-anesthesia check-up has to be done to check whether your body is fit to undergo surgery. The surgery date is decided. You have to be fasting for 6 hours for solid food on the day of surgery. After admission, history and examination are recorded by the doctor. An IV line and a urine tube are placed. 

You are shifted to the operation theater. Once the surgery is completed, you are shifted to the post-operative room for close observation and then you can be shifted to the room if everything goes well. It's important to keep moving your body and legs to prevent blood clotting in the legs. You will be allowed to take clear liquids after 6 hours. The next day, the urine catheter is removed and you are ambulated and allowed solid foods. The discharge generally happens after 48 hours.

RECOVERING

Recovery is generally fast. After discharge, there would be a dressing on the wound. If it's a waterproof dressing, you can take a shower. You can move about, do your self-care, have a positive outlook, eat a healthy diet and take your medications and report if you have any abnormal symptoms like fever, unusual pain in the tummy, vomiting, abnormal vaginal discharge, swelling in legs, or difficulty in breathing. You are expected to follow up after one week.

You can start your day-to-day normal activities in about two weeks, resume driving in about four weeks, resume office based on your profession you can resume in four to six weeks, and resume sex and heavy work after 12 weeks.

Hope this has helped you to understand better. Understanding the disease process helps you deal with the disease better.