Hysterectomy
From WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia
(Redirected from Hysterectomies)A hysterectomy is a surgical procedure to remove a woman's uterus or womb (uterus). The uterus is the organ in which a baby grows during pregnancy. Hysterectomy is a common gynecological surgery, and it may be performed for various reasons, including cancer, fibroids, and endometriosis.
Types of Hysterectomy[edit | edit source]
There are several types of hysterectomy:
- Total hysterectomy – the entire uterus and cervix are removed
- Partial hysterectomy (subtotal or supracervical) – only the upper part of the uterus is removed, leaving the cervix intact
- Radical hysterectomy – the uterus, cervix, tissue on both sides of the cervix, and the upper part of the vagina are removed; usually performed for certain types of cancer
Indications[edit | edit source]
Hysterectomy may be recommended in the following cases:
- Uterine fibroids
- Endometriosis
- Uterine prolapse
- Adenomyosis
- Abnormal uterine bleeding
- Chronic pelvic pain
- Gynecologic cancer (e.g., uterine, cervical, or ovarian cancer)
Surgical Approaches[edit | edit source]
There are several surgical approaches to performing a hysterectomy:
- Abdominal hysterectomy – an incision is made in the lower abdomen to remove the uterus
- Vaginal hysterectomy – the uterus is removed through an incision in the vagina
- Laparoscopic hysterectomy – several small incisions are made in the abdomen for inserting a laparoscope and surgical instruments to remove the uterus
- Robotic-assisted hysterectomy – a surgeon uses a robotic system to perform the surgery through small incisions in the abdomen
Risks and Complications[edit | edit source]
As with any surgery, there are risks and potential complications associated with a hysterectomy. These may include:
- Infection
- Bleeding
- Blood clots
- Injury to surrounding organs (e.g., bladder, bowel, or ureters)
- Anesthesia complications
- Early menopause (if the ovaries are removed)
- Hormonal changes
- Changes in sexual function
- Emotional effects
Recovery[edit | edit source]
Recovery time after a hysterectomy varies depending on the type of procedure performed. Abdominal hysterectomy typically requires a longer recovery time, while laparoscopic and vaginal hysterectomy may have a shorter recovery period. Patients are advised to avoid heavy lifting, strenuous exercise, and sexual activity for a certain period of time after surgery.
Alternatives[edit | edit source]
In some cases, alternative treatments may be available, depending on the reason for the hysterectomy. These can include:
- Hormone therapy
- Uterine artery embolization (for fibroids)
- Myomectomy (removal of fibroids only)
Summary[edit | edit source]
A hysterectomy is surgery to remove the womb.[1] This is usually done by a gynecologist. Women who undergo a hysterectomy can no longer bear children. Hysterectomies are done for certain forms of cancer of the reproductive system (affecting womb, cervix, ovaries), or tumors.
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- ↑ "RCPA - Uterus benign". www.rcpa.edu.au. Retrieved 2018-08-21.
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