A hysterectomy is basically a surgical procedure that is performed with the aim of removing a woman’s uterus. The uterus is where the fetus develops when a woman is pregnant and its lining is the source of menstrual blood.
Therefore, once you have undergone a hysterectomy, you will no longer receive your menstrual periods. It will also be impossible for you to get pregnant. Hysterectomy is the elimination of the uterus by surgery, ending menstruation and the capacity to become pregnant.
An unusual bleeding, uterine prolapse or cancer may be the reasons for such surgery. There are many reasons an OB/GYN such as David Foulk MD may perform the surgery.
For instance, a hysterectomy may be the only solution to some cancers, infections, non-cancerous growths, and pain conditions.
A true hysterectomy involves uterine reduction and cervix elimination.
The detachment of uterus, cervix, fallopian tubes (Salpingo), and ovaries (Oophor) is a complete hysterectomy of simultaneous salpingo-oophorectomy.
If you haven’t undergone menopause, cutting the ovaries usually starts because your body can’t produce as much hormone anymore.
Hence, a premenopausal woman (still having frequent menstrual periods) whose uterine fibroids cause bleeding but no discomfort is usually first given hormone-based medical treatment.
A postmenopausal individual (who has completely stopped menstrual periods) who has no anomalies with her uterus tests (endometrial sampling) and who still has frequent excessive bleeding despite having tried hormone therapy may be recommended for hysterectomy.
Below is a discussion about some important things you should know about a hysterectomy.
Why Hysterectomy may be required
There are many reasons why your doctor may advise you to go for a hysterectomy. Some of the most common problems that the procedure can be used to solve include:
- Uncontrollable vaginal bleeding
- Chronic pelvic pain
- Increased uterine-related pelvic discomfort but not managed by other medication Uterine prolapse (uterus that has “dropped” into the vaginal canal due to damaged support muscles) that can contribute to stress incontinence or bowel movement difficulties
- Cancer of the ovaries, cervix or uterus.
- Uterine fibroids
- Pelvic inflammatory diseased
- Adenomyosis-a disorder in which the lining of the womb grows in the uterine muscles.
- Endometriosis- a condition in which the lining of the womb grows outside the womb
However, like with other surgical procedures, a hysterectomy should only be performed when all the other conservative treatment options have been exhausted.
Types of Hysterectomy
There are three main types of hysterectomy, depending on the extent to which the surgery is performed: total hysterectomy, partial hysterectomy, and Hysterectomy and Salpingo-Oophorectomy.
In a total hysterectomy, the whole of the womb, including the cervix, is removed. Therefore, after a total hysterectomy, you may no longer have to go for pap smears or worry about cervical cancer.
In a partial hysterectomy, only a part of the womb is removed, and the cervix is left intact. When it comes to hysterectomy and Salpingo-Oophorectomy, the uterus is removed alongside the ovaries and the fallopian tubes.
How is a hysterectomy performed?
The most successful hysterectomy in the past was achieved through an incision (cut) through the abdomen (abdominal hysterectomy). Now, most operations can use aided laparoscopic or vaginal hysterectomies (performed through the vagina instead of through the abdomen) to allow healing quicker and easier.
The surgeries appear to take similar lengths of time (approximately two hours), only if the uterus is of a very large size, in which case a vaginal hysterectomy may take longer.
How safe is The Procedure?
Generally, a hysterectomy is a safe procedure. However, as with any other surgical procedure, a hysterectomy is not without risks.
For instance, some people may experience adverse reactions due to the anesthesia used during the procedure. Infections and heavy bleeding are also possible risks that a patient may be exposed to.
Besides, there is the risk of damaging surrounding the essential organs, including bladder, blood vessels, and the intestines. Although the risks are rare, they do occur, and you may require another surgery to fix them.
Last but not least, you can be sure that after the surgery, you will no longer be able to bear children. Therefore, the procedure should only be considered when it is extremely essential.
Alternatives to hysterectomy?
A hysterectomy is just one way of treating uterine disorders. Hysterectomy may, however, the best choice be for certain circumstances. Please ask your healthcare provider to explore the alternatives available for treating your particular condition.
Alternatives to complete abdominal hysterectomy include operation refusal, oral hysterectomy, vaginal hysterectomy aided by laparoscopy, supracervical hysterectomy, endometrial ablation, and myomectomy/myolysis.
Complications of a hysterectomy:
Hysterectomy risks include, in the surgical field, inflammation, discomfort, and bleeding. An abdominal hysterectomy has a greater postoperative infection and discomfort risk than a vaginal hysterectomy would.
- Adverse anesthesia reaction.
During surgery, injury to your urinary tract, liver, rectum or other pelvic structures may require additional surgical repair.
Early initiation of menopause even if not cutting the ovaries.
The biggest drawback for many females to a hysterectomy is pregnancy failure. Once you have a hysterectomy, you can’t conceive and this is a major loss for many women of reproductive age.
Overall, it is apparent that a hysterectomy is a procedure that involves the removal of the womb. Although the procedure is generally safe, it involves some risks, and therefore, it should only be considered when other more conservative treatment options have failed to offer relief.
Besides, the procedure should only be conducted by highly skilled and experienced doctors. If you are looking for a reliable OB/GYN offers a hysterectomy in Marion, OH, Marion OB/GYN is an excellent women’s care facility to consider.
Feel free to visit or contact them today for more information about the services that they offer.
About The Author:
Anne Kamwila is a freelance content writer and a digital marketer. She is passionate to write on health, technology, and business-related guides, news, and books.