A hysterectomy is an operation to remove a woman’s uterus (womb). The uterus is where a baby grows when a woman is pregnant. In some cases, the ovaries and fallopian tubes also are removed uterus.
A woman may need to remove her uterus due to the following reasons:
- Uterine Fibroids
- Uterine Prolapse
- Cancer of the uterus, cervix, ovaries or endometrium
- Endometriosis
- Abnormal menstrual bleeding
- Chronic pelvic pain
- Adenomyosis
There are several types of hysterectomies:
- Complete Or Total: Removes the cervix as well as the uterus. (This is the most common type of hysterectomy.)
- Partial or subtotal: Removes the upper part of the uterus and leaves the cervix in place.
- Radical: Removes the uterus, the cervix, the upper part of the vagina, and supporting tissues. (This is done in some cases of cancer.)Often one or both ovaries and fallopian tubes are removed at the same time a hysterectomy is done.
If you haven’t reached menopause (when you haven’t had a period for 12 months in a row), a hysterectomy will stop your monthly bleeding (periods). You also won’t be able to get pregnant. And you may have menopausal symptoms, such as hot flashes and vaginal dryness. If both ovaries are removed as well, you will suddenly enter menopause.
There are two METHODS for performing hysterectomy:
- Traditional or open surgery (abdominal hysterectomy)
- Laparoscopic hysterectomy using a minimally invasive procedure
Laparoscopic hysterectomy involves removal of the uterus through small incisions instead of through a large cut in the abdominal cavity.
Procedure: The procedure is performed under general anesthesia and with small incisions of around 5mm on the abdomen. The abdominal cavity is now filled with carbon dioxide gas and a thin, lighted telescope (also called a laparoscope) is introduced into the abdomen through a small incision. The laparoscope, which has a camera attached, allows the surgeon to view ovaries, fallopian tubes, and uterus on the wide monitor attached with the laparoscope. Other instruments are inserted through other incisions in the abdominal cavity. Now the real procedure starts as the surgeon first secures and divides the blood vessels of the uterus followed by freeing it (uterus) from the surrounding supports including the vagina to which it is attached. Other pathologies are also seen and fixed before removing the uterus from the pelvis. After removal of the uterus, the vagina is closed, carbon dioxide gas is released and finally, skin incisions are closed.
Advantages of laparoscopic Hysterectomy
- A safe technique
- Small incisions
- Less scarring
- Reduced length of surgery
- Better visualization of pelvic anatomy and disease process for the surgeon
- Gentler handling of the body tissues and organs during the operation
- Minimum blood loss during the operation
- Less postoperative pain
- Less postoperative narcotic use for pain relief
- Shorter hospitalisation
- Quicker overall recovery
- Earlier return to normal activity
- Less postoperative complications like wound infection
- Faster return to normal life and/or work
Dr. Deepika Doshi is a Gynecologist, Obstetrician, and Laparoscopic Surgeon (Obs & Gyn) in Borivali West for a free consultation call 9324263464 or Book Appointment.