Why do some women need a hysterectomy or removal of the uterus?
There are several factors that cause women to need a hysterectomy. In general, factors such as heavy menstrual bleeding, persistent hip pain, non-cancerous tumors, ovarian cancer, uterine cancer, cancer of the cervix or fallopian tube in the uterus, and infectious diseases can be named. All of these problems lead to hysterectomy for women. But in any case, the obstetrician and gynecologist, seeing such problems, first tries to help the patient by considering treatment other than surgery; But if those treatments do not lead to improvement in the patient, they will eventually choose hysterectomy. The main techniques in hysterectomy surgery are as follows:
Complete hysterectomy: In a complete hysterectomy, the entire uterus and cervix are removed. This is one of the most common surgical procedures.
Subtotal hysterectomy: In this procedure, the main body of the uterus is removed but the cervix remains. In this method, it is not possible to conceive.
Complete hysterectomy with oophorectomy: The uterus, cervix, fallopian tubes, and ovaries are removed.
Radical hysterectomy: In a radical hysterectomy the uterus and surrounding tissues, the fallopian tubes, part of the vagina, ovaries, lymph nodes, and adipose tissue are removed.
Care after hysterectomy
In cases where laparoscopic surgery is performed, the patient is usually advised to walk to prevent some problems and possible complications. It is recommended to avoid sexual intercourse for two months after hysterectomy; Because it takes time for the vaginal surface to reconstruct. The patient should also avoid strenuous activities and sports.
Hysterectomy is one of the most common procedures performed on women. But this does not mean that it is suitable for all patients with different conditions. This surgery is usually tried not to be used for women who have not yet given birth; Unless there is no other treatment option. Today, there are other treatment options for this group that can be used for their treatment instead of this surgery. For example, in women who have endometrial problems, the use of hormone therapy can be a good option. In some cases, fibroids (non-cancerous tumors) can also be treated without removing the uterus.
But in some diseases, such as uterine cancer, a hysterectomy must be used to treat it. The uterus is removed in the operating room and the patient is placed under general anesthesia or local anesthesia, depending on the anesthesiologist diagnosis.