About Partial Hysterectomies

In a complete hysterectomy, the uterus, cervix, ovaries and fallopian tubes are removed. A partial hysterectomy involves the removal of some but not all of these. It may sometimes need to be performed due to emergency situations. Although a hysterectomy is still a major operation, modern techniques have progressed in performance of the procedure.

Identification

• A partial hysterectomy includes the removal of the uterus, which is the womb in which the fetus grows. Once the uterus has been removed, a woman can no longer bear children. The cervix is left intact. The fallopian tubes and ovaries are usually left intact also. In a case where one or both ovaries is removed, it is usually necessary due to damage or disease such as cancer.

The Facts

• There are several reasons why a partial hysterectomy may be necessary, such as fibroid growths, cancer, excessively heavy menstrual periods and other conditions. One common reason a hysterectomy may become necessary is the development of the conditions known as placenta previa and placenta abruptio during childbirth. Placenta previa is a condition in which the placenta covers the cervix in whole or part. Placenta abruptio is a condition in which the placenta separates from the uterine wall, causing the woman to hemorrhage. In both cases, immediate delivery of the baby by cesarean section may become necessary. If bleeding cannot be controlled, a hysterectomy may be necessary.

Type

• A hysterectomy may be performed in one of several ways. In an abdominal hysterectomy an incision is made in the abdomen at the bikini line and the uterus is removed through the incision. One of the risks with an abdominal hysterectomy is that there may be excessive bleeding that may require a blood transfusion. This is also a risk for a woman experiencing placenta abruptio. A vaginal hysterectomy is performed by making an incision at the top of the vagina to remove the uterus. A laparoscopic hysterectomy is performed with the use of an instrument known as a laparoscope which is inserted through small incisions in the abdomen and vagina.

Time Frame

• A woman may remain in the hospital for a period of 2 to 5 days following a hysterectomy. This may vary depending on the type of surgery and whether there were any complications. Once she goes home the woman should remain on bed rest for at least the first few days, preferably the first week. Mild to moderate pain and discomfort can be expected. Pain medication is usually prescribed by the physician upon release from the hospital. Complete recovery may take 4 to 6 weeks.

Function

• One important fact that physicians consider when performing a hysterectomy is that the ovaries should be left intact if possible since the ovaries produce the hormones estrogen and progesterone. If one or both ovaries are diseased or damaged it may be necessary to remove them, and hormone replacement therapy may be an option that the physician will discuss with the patient.

Risk Factors

• A hysterectomy does not come without risks. Women who have undergone a hysterectomy may be at an increased risk of fractures due to loss of bone density. There is also an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. These risks exist not just for women who have had a total hysterectomy but also for those who have had a partial hysterectomy in which one or both ovaries have been removed. But for those who have at least one healthy ovary intact the risk may be lessened.

Effects

• Although some women may experience mood swings and depression due to the change in hormone levels, these symptoms are usually short-lived and can be controlled with medication if necessary. Most women recover rapidly without any long-term effects. Although a hysterectomy can be a life altering experience, it can also be a life-saving procedure when deemed necessary.