Uterus Removal, Hysterectomy, Total Laparoscopic Hysterectomy, Indications
Hysterectomy is the surgical removal of the uterus (womb) and is performed when a woman has uterus related problems after her child bearing is complete.
How common is Hysterectomy ?
Approximately 400 out of every 100,000 women undergo uterus removal operation in their lifetime.
Why is it performed?
The most common reason why uterus removal surgery is carried out is for uterine fibroids. But some other reasons include:
- Uterine prolapse and endometriosis
- Cervical dysplasia which is a precancerous condition of the cervix
- Abnormal vaginal bleeding
Only one-third of hysterectomies are performed for cancer but uterine fibroids are the main reason why it is performed. Uterine fibroids are majorly benign, meaning they do not turn into cancer but can cause severe medical problems.
Indications for a hysterectomy when affected by uterine fibroids:
- Excessive size of the uterine
- Pain or pressure
- Severe bleeding
Pelvic relaxation is one more indication that tells you are suffering from uterine fibroids. It is a condition where a woman experiences loosening the support of the tissues and muscles in the pelvic area. Moreover, it is also performed to cure uterine cancer or pre-cancers like carcinoma in situ, dysplasia, or microinvasive carcinoma.
Common Indications:
- Fibroids,
- Heavy bleeding during periods,
- Prolapse (when uterus moves down from its normal position),
- Endometriosis (presence of the uterine lining in nearby organs causing severe pain and bleeding) Cancer of uterus or cervix.
We perform hysterectomy through latest technology called Total Laparoscopic Hysterectomy (TLH) in which the uterus and it's supports are separated with latest energy sources so that we can minimize blood loss. Uterus is then removed through the birth passage. Uteri which are large and cannot be removed from the birth passage are removed by morcellation.
Risks of Spreading Uterine Cancer
There is a risk of spreading uterine cancer if the uterus is removed. 30 out of 10,000 women are exposed from undetected uterine cancer. However, the risk minimizes when the uterus is removed intact.
Tests performed prior to Hysterectomy
At RG Stone, the patient is strictly catered with a pelvic examination, diagnosis, and Pap smear prior to uterus removal operation. Before performing a hysterectomy, the doctors make sure that the patients have the following tests in order to choose the best treatment option.
- Up-to-date Pap smear
- Complete pelvic examination including the uterus and ovaries
- Pelvic ultrasound
Types of hysterectomies Performed
There is an array of surgical techniques used by the doctors for performing hysterectomies. RG Stone uses latest technology and procedures to carry out different hysterectomies. They include:
- Total abdominal hysterectomy: it is the procedure where your uterus including the cervix is removed. Uterine fibroids, cancer of the ovary, and uterus are the main reason to use this surgical method.
- Vaginal hysterectomy: it is the procedure where the doctor removes the uterus through the vagina. This is a preferred surgical method for conditions like uterine prolapsed, cervical dysplasia, or endometrial hyperplasia.
- Laparoscopy-assisted vaginal hysterectomy: laparoscopy hysterectomy is similar to vaginal hysterectomy where the doctor removes the uterus through the vagina, but it adds the use of a laparoscope.
Uterus Removal Side Effects
While most of the women don’t complain about any health complications after or during hysterectomy, but side effects may include;
- Pain during intercourse
- Early menopause
- Heavy bleeding
- Infection
- Blood clots in lungs and legs
- Injury to adjacent organs
