Hysterectomy is a surgical operation to remove the uterus from the body of a woman. In some cases, the fallopian tubes and ovaries are removed along with the uterus in hysterectomy.
These organs are positioned in the lower portion of a woman's abdomen. In the body of a pregnant woman, uterus is the place where a fetus grows into a baby. The ovaries are producers of hormones and eggs. Eggs are carried to the uterus through the fallopian tubes.
Different types of hysterectomy with different procedures
The procedure to perform hysterectomy varies with the types of hysterectomy.
Which type of surgery an individual should go through depends on three
things - the health, size and position of the uterus.
Total or complete hysterectomy - This type of hysterectomy
is common and frequently performed. It is accomplished by removing the
uterus as well as the cervix.
Subtotal or complete hysterectomy - In this type of hysterectomy,
only the upper portion of the uterus is removed and the cervix remains
in its place.
Radical - This sort of hysterectomy is performed to remove
the cervix, the uterus, supporting tissues and the upper portion of the
vagina. Radical hysterectomy is recommended for those who are affected
with cancer.
Abdominal Hysterectomy - The surgeon makes an incision
in the lower portion of the belly in an abdominal hysterectomy. Then,
the surgeon takes out the cervix and the uterus. This sort of surgery
is done when women develop severe endometriosis, adhesions or when their
uterus grows large.
Vaginal Hysterectomy - The surgeon removes the uterus
and takes it out through the vagina in a vaginal hysterectomy. In this
type, the incision is made in the vagina but not in the belly to remove
the uterus. The surgeon goes for this sort of hysterectomy in cases of
those women who have small uterus, as it is easy to remove a small uterus.
This method is to be avoided in case the cervix, the uterus or ovaries
are infected with cancer.
Laparoscopically Assisted Vaginal Hysterectomy (LAVH)
- To perform this surgery the surgeon puts laparoscope that is a lighted
tube through incisions in the belly. The surgeon can see the organs by
means of laparoscope. Then, the surgical tools are inserted into the belly
to remove the uterus by cutting the tissues that hold it in place. Then,
the uterus is removed through the vagina. Laparoscopic Supracervical Hysterectomy
- In this type of hysterectomy, the surgeon inserts the tools and the laparoscope into the body of a female patient by making small incisions in the belly. The uterus and the cervix are taken out in small pieces through the incisions. Patients who are not affected with cervical cancer are advised to undergo this surgery.
Recovery
It takes time to recover after a hysterectomy. You will be required to stay at hospital for four or five days for post-surgery care. You need to have lot of rest for two or three weeks unless you feel strong enough to leave the bed and walk a little. It helps prevent post-surgery problems such as pneumonia, gas pains and blood clot. Avoiding vaginal intercourse is a must to have an absolute recovery.
