About Hysterectomies

A hysterectomy involves the removal of the uterus through surgical procedures. There are four different types of hysterectomies. Every woman needs to know what each type of hysterectomy entails, the risks involved and the reasons for each procedure.

Type

• An abdominal hysterectomy is the traditional hysterectomy. It involves making an incision across the abdomen and removing the uterus and cervix. The fallopian tubes and ovaries can also be removed with this type of hysterectomy.

  Vaginal hysterectomy involves making and incision inside the vagina and removing the uterus and cervix.

  Laparoscopically-assisted vaginal hysterectomy is where the doctor uses a laparoscope, or lighted telescope, that is inserted through a small incision in the abdomen to assist with a vaginal hysterectomy.

  Laparoscopic supracervical hysterectomy is the newest form of hysterectomy. With this type of hysterectomy three or four small incisions are made in the abdomen. The laparoscope, along with other surgical instruments, is inserted through the incisions and the uterus is removed through one of the openings.

Identification

• Deciding which hysterectomy to perform is largely determined by the reason for the surgery. An abdominal hysterectomy is usually performed if a woman has very large fibroid tumors, cancer or infections, severe endometriosis, or scars from previous pelvic surgeries. A vaginal hysterectomy may be used to treat uterine-vaginal prolapse, or early uterine and cervical cancer. Laparoscopically-assisted and laparoscopically supracervical hysterectomies are often used when fibroid tumors are present.

Time Frame

• Each time of hysterectomy has different time frame considerations. Abdominal hysterectomies involve the longest hospital stay, usually between three and six days. Recovery will be slower because of the larger cut involved. Laparoscopically-assisted hysterectomies and vaginal hysterectomies offer a shorter hospital stays, usually no more than three days, and a shorter recovery period. Laparoscopic supracervical hysterectomies can be done on an outpatient basis requiring only a 24-hour hospital stay. Often women can go back to doing normal activities within a week with this type hysterectomy.

Risk Factors

• Removing the cervix can lead to pelvic support problems and incontinence. Removing the ovaries during hysterectomy can lead to symptoms of early menopause. An adverse reaction to anesthesia, blood loss and damage to other organs are all possible with a hysterectomy just like with any surgery. Infection is another concern.

  Lessening of sexual response is a problem for some women because of the loss of uterine contracts during orgasm.

Significance

• It is important for women to know the various hysterectomy options available to them and the reasons for each one. Having all the facts will ensure the correct method is employed and satisfactory results are achieved.