A hysterectomy is a surgical procedure performed to remove a woman's uterus. Hysterectomies are carried out to treat health problems that affect the female reproductive system such as:
A hysterectomy is a major operation with long recovery time and is only considered after all other treatment approaches have been tried without success. You'll no longer be able to get pregnant after the operation.
Hysterectomy is done when:
There are various types of hysterectomy and depending on the reason for the hysterectomy and why you need the operation, it is decided how much of your uterus and surrounding reproductive system can safely be left in place. The main types of hysterectomy are as follows:
Hysterectomy can be carried out in three ways, either it'll be laparoscopic, vaginal or abdominal hysterectomy.
A hysterectomy is a major operation and thus the patient should expect to stay in the hospital for up to 5 days after surgery, and it takes about 6 to 8 weeks to fully recover. Recovery times can also vary depending on the type of hysterectomy which was performed. It is advised to rest as much as possible during this time and avoid lifting anything heavy, such as bags of shopping. You need time for your abdominal muscles and tissues to heal.
After a hysterectomy, the vast majority of women who underwent the operation saw improvement and cure in the main problem (for example, pain or heavy periods).
Long Term Recovery:
The permanent effects of hysterectomy are that you do not get your periods and can not also get pregnant.
Side Effects:
Hysterectomy is major surgery. Just like all surgeries, it comes with little complications too but they happen in rare cases.
These risks include:
These are the symptoms that people experience after most surgeries. But these happen in very rare cases. This does not mean hysterectomy is not safe, doctors will accompany you about these symptoms before you leave the hospital and if they don't do, you can always ask your doctor about it.