Hysterectomy

About Hysterectomy

A hysterectomy is a surgical procedure performed to remove the uterus (womb). It is performed to treat a variety of different conditions, heavy periods, pelvic pain, ovarian cancer, cervical cancer, uterine cancer, fibroids (benign tumors), endometriosis, and chronic pelvic pain. Hysterectomies are most commonly performed in women above the age of 40. There are different types of hysterectomy that can be performed, depending on the patient's individual case. A total hysterectomy, which is the most commonly performed hysterectomy, involves removing the uterus and cervix. A subtotal hysterectomy is the removal of the uterus. A total hysterectomy with BSO (bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy) involves removing the uterus, cervix, ovaries, and fallopian tubes. A radical hysterectomy is the same as a total hysterectomy with BSO, with the addition of removing surrounding tissue, fat, lymph glands, and part of the vagina. There are 3 different surgical approaches to performing a hysterectomy which include laparoscopic hysterectomy, abdominal hysterectomy, and vaginal hysterectomy. Once a hysterectomy is performed, it is no longer possible for a woman become pregnant, therefore patients should be sure that they do not want to become pregnant before undergoing surgery. Having a hysterectomy can take 6 to 8 weeks to recover from, as it is a major operation. Recommended for Severe endometriosis Chronic pelvic pain Painful uterine fibroids Uterine prolapse Abnormal bleeding (when other treatments have been unsuccessful) Cancer of the uterus, cervix or ovaries Time requirements Number of days in hospital 3 - 5 days Average length of stay abroad 1 - 3 weeks. Patients will likely need several weeks before they are fit to travel following a hysterectomy. Number of trips abroad needed 1. It is not usually necessary to have a follow up visit at the hospital unless there are complications. A hysterectomy is performed as open surgery or laparoscopically, which is discussed with the patient at a consultation. Time requirements Number of days in hospital 3 - 5 days Average length of stay abroad 1 - 3 weeks. Patients will likely need several weeks before they are fit to travel following a hysterectomy. Number of trips abroad needed 1. It is not usually necessary to have a follow up visit at the hospital unless there are complications. Time requirements Number of days in hospital 3 - 5 days Average length of stay abroad 1 - 3 weeks. Patients will likely need several weeks before they are fit to travel following a hysterectomy. Number of trips abroad needed 1. It is not usually necessary to have a follow up visit at the hospital unless there are complications. A hysterectomy is performed as open surgery or laparoscopically, which is discussed with the patient at a consultation.,

Before Procedure / Treatment

Patients undergoing a hysterectomy need will undergo several checks and tests before having surgery. The doctor will conduct a pelvic examination, a pap test, as well as take blood and urine samples. The surgeon will explain the surgical technique that will be used and patients should prepare any questions that may have, to ask before the surgery. The doctor may advise patients to abstain from taking aspirin and other types of medication. Smokers are advised to give up smoking at least a fortnight ahead of the surgery. Patients will be asked to refrain from eating and drinking in hours preceding the surgery, in order to prepare for the general anesthetic.,

How it Performed?

There are 3 different ways to perform the surgery, which involve removing the uterus either through the abdomen, the vagina, or laparoscopically. Before the surgery begins a urinary catheter may be into the urethra in order to control and empty the bladder. An abdominal hysterectomy is performed by making a vertical incision down the abdomen, or horizontally above the pelvic bone, across the bikini line. The womb is then removed through the abdomen and the incision site is closed with sutures. An advantage of this method is that the surgeon can get a complete, unobstructed view of the uterus. This surgical technique is often recommend for patients suffering with large fibroids. A vaginal hysterectomy is performed by making an incision inside the vagina, and disconnecting the uterus from surrounding tissue. The uterus is then removed through the vagina and the incision site is closed with dissolvable sutures. This surgical technique is often used for treating patients suffering with a uterine prolapse. It has a shorter recovery time than abdominal hysterectomy, but is not always suitable. A laparoscopic hysterectomy is performed either through the abdomen or vagina, however rather than making one large incision, it involves making smaller incisions. A laparoscope is then inserted through the small incisions, and the womb and any other parts of the reproductive system are removed through the incisions. This type of surgical technique is the preferred method of surgery where possible, as minimally invasive surgeries have a shorter recovery time. Anesthesia General anesthetic. Procedure duration The Hysterectomy takes 2 to 4 hours. The surgeon will remove the uterus, and may remove or other parts of the reproductive system if necessary.,

Recovery

Post procedure care After the surgery, patients usually spend around 3 to 5 days in hospital. Initially patients will have a drip in their arm and a catheter for removing urine from the bladder. It is normal to feel tired and some discomfort. With an abdominal hysterectomy, there may be surgical drains from the stomach. After a vaginal hysterectomy the patient may have a gauze pack for 24 hours to minimize the risk of bleeding. If possible, it is recommended to walk a small amount the next day, to reduce the risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT). For 6 weeks or so, patients can experience vaginal discharge and bleeding, but it should pass after that time. Most patients enter the menopause after surgery, and so hormone replacement therapy can help alleviate the symptoms. Further, women are usually advised to abstain from sexual intercourse from six weeks after surgery. Possible discomfort Patients should expect to experience weakness, soreness, and fatigue after the surgery.,

Top 10 Hospitals for Hysterectomy

Following are the best 10 hospitals for Hysterectomy in the world:

Best doctors for Hysterectomy

Following are the best doctors for Hysterectomy in the world:

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