Worry-less Hysterectomy for Uterus Removal
Hysterectomy is of different kinds and how the uterus is removed will depend on the reason for surgery and how much of the womb and reproductive system can be safely retained. Depending on the reason for surgery, a hysterectomy may involve removing surrounding organs and tissues other than the uterus, such as the fallopian tubes, ovaries and cervix. The type of hysterectomy needed and the best surgical method to perform that procedure will be determined and discussed with the gynaecologist for hysterectomy treatment in Chennai. A hysterectomy is a permanent surgery that can help live a more enjoyable life, especially if constant pelvic pain or heavy and irregular bleeding are the conditions being treated. A hysterectomy can lower the risk of uterine cancer and potentially be life-saving in women under the high risk category. The right procedure for hysterectomy can not only treat the condition but also make the recovery period faster and easier.
Type of hysterectomy to remove the uterus
Hysterectomy is the second most common surgery performed among women. Following hysterectomy, the woman will lose the ability to become pregnant and will no longer menstruate. Depending on the type of surgery decided, menopause may commence immediately or experience symptoms of menopause. Preparing for a hysterectomy will depend on the type of hysterectomy needed, to determine if fallopian tubes and/or ovaries also would be removed. Types of hysterectomy include:
- Supracervical/subtotal hysterectomy involves the removal only the upper part of the uterus, leaving the cervix. This procedure is not performed very often as retaining the cervix poses a risk of developing cervical cancer and need for regular screening. When women insist on keeping as much of their reproductive system as possible, including the cervix, risks associated with keeping the cervix may be discussed upon and then decided.
- Total hysterectomy is the removal of the uterus and cervix, leaving the ovaries intact. A total hysterectomy is usually the preferred option over a subtotal hysterectomy, as removing the cervix would mean no risk of developing cervical cancer in future.
- Total hysterectomy with bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy is the kind of surgery that removes the uterus, cervix, fallopian tubes (salpingectomy) and ovaries (oophorectomy). For women before menopause, removing the ovaries will start menopausal symptoms. It is medically recommended to remove the ovaries only if there’s a significant risk of further problems such as a family history of ovarian cancer. Pros and cons of removing the ovaries can be discussed before uterus removal surgery in Chennai.
- Radical hysterectomy with bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy is performed when cancer is involved and other treatments of chemotherapy or radiotherapy have not worked or are unsuitable. This kind of hysterectomy requires the removal of the uterus, cervix, fallopian tubes, ovaries, the upper portion of the vagina along with some surrounding tissue and lymph nodes.
3 ways of hysterectomy to remove the uterus
Hysterectomy can be performed in 3 different ways based on the complexity of the technique required in the procedure. Whichever method may be used to remove the uterus, it is important to be as fit and healthy as possible before the surgery. The risk of developing complication can be reduced and faster recovery may be expected if the woman is in good health. Three main techniques to suit the condition for hysterectomy may be described as:
- Laparoscopic hysterectomy – This technique is also known as keyhole surgery and is usually carried out under general anaesthesia. A small tube containing a telescope called the laparoscope with an attached tiny video camera that allows to see the internal organs will be inserted by the surgeon through a small incision made in the belly button. Through other small incisions in the abdomen, instruments are then inserted through other small incisions made in the abdomen or through the vagina to remove the uterus, cervix and any other parts of the reproductive system to be removed in pieces. It is the most the preferred way to remove the organs and surrounding tissues of the reproductive system in hysterectomy treatment in Chennai because full recovery is shorter and less painful than an abdominal hysterectomy.
- Vaginal hysterectomy – This procedure involves the removal of uterus and cervix through an incision made in the top of the vagina. This surgery which takes about one hour to complete can be done either under general, local or spinal anaesthesia. Through the vagina, special surgical instruments are inserted to detach the uterus from the ligaments that hold it in place. The incision will be closed with sutures after removing the uterus and cervix. This is the most commonly used way to remove the uterus in cases of uterine prolapse and other non-malignant (or noncancerous) conditions. The advantage of vaginal hysterectomy over other methods are that it is less invasive with fewest complications, involves a shorter hospital stay and faster recovery time.
- Abdominal hysterectomy – An external incision made in the abdomen is used in this procedure to remove the uterus in case of large uterine fibroids, for certain types of cancer like pelvic tumour or recommended if the uterus is enlarged to be removed through the vagina. This procedure may be carried even when it is required to remove the ovaries along with the uterus and cervix. The six- to eight-inch-long abdominal incision is either horizontal along the bikini line, or vertically from the belly button till the bikini line. Once the womb is removed, the incision in the abdomen is closed using stitches or is stapled. The whole surgery takes about an hour to perform under general anaesthesia. This approach which is not so common these days generally requires a longer hospital stay up to two or three days after the surgery and a longer recovery time.
Recovery procedure will include monitoring after Uterus removal surgery in Chennai to avoid complications like blood clots or bleeding. To walk around as soon as possible after the surgery is advised as needed to prevent blood clots in the legs. Following recovery instructions on day-to-day activities can help faster and easier recovery.
