Hysterectomy - How a hysterectomy is performed
- Introduction
- Why a hysterectomy is necessary
- Things to consider before having a hysterectomy
- How a hysterectomy is performed
- Recovering from a hysterectomy
- Complications of a hysterectomy
- 'I'm happier and feel healthier than before'
- 'There are pros and cons to everything'
- Gettingreadypage
There are different types of hysterectomy. The operation you have will depend on the reason for the surgery and how much of your womb and reproductive system can safely be left in place.
The main types of hysterectomy are described below.
Total hysterectomy
During a total hysterectomy, your womb and cervix (neck of the womb) is removed.
A total hysterectomy is usually the preferred option over a subtotal hysterectomy because removing the cervix means that there is no risk of you developing cervical cancer at a later date.
Subtotal hysterectomy
A subtotal hysterectomy involves removing the main body of the womb and leaving the cervix in place.
This procedure is not performed very often. If the cervix is left in place, there is still a risk of cervical cancer developing and regular cervical screening will still be required.
Some women want to keep as much of their reproductive system as possible, including their cervix. If you feel this way, talk to your surgeon about any risks associated with keeping your cervix.
Total hysterectomy with bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy
A total hysterectomy with bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy is a hysterectomy that also involves removing the fallopian tubes (salpingectomy) and ovaries (oophorectomy).
The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) recommends that the ovaries should only be removed if there is a significant risk of further problems – for example, if there is a family history of ovarian cancer.
Your surgeon will be able to discuss the pros and cons of removing your ovaries with you.
Radical hysterectomy
A radical hysterectomy is usually carried out to remove and treat cancer when other treatments such as chemotherapy and radiotherapy aren't suitable or haven't worked.
During the procedure, the body of your womb and cervix will be removed, along with your fallopian tubes, part of your vagina, ovaries, lymph glands and fatty tissue.
Performing a hysterectomy
There are three ways that a hysterectomy can be performed. These are:
- vaginal hysterectomy
- abdominal hysterectomy
- laparascopic hysterectomy
Vaginal hysterectomy
During a vaginal hysterectomy, the womb and cervix are removed through an incision that is made in the top of the vagina.
Special surgical instruments are inserted into the vagina to detach the womb from the ligaments that hold it in place.
After the womb and cervix have been removed, the incision will be sewn up. The operation usually takes about an hour to complete.
A vaginal hysterectomy can either be carried out under a general anaesthetic (where you will be unconscious during the procedure), a local anaesthetic, or spinal anaesthetic (where you will be numb from the waist down).
A vaginal hysterectomy is usually preferred over an abdominal hysterectomy because it is less invasive and involves a shorter stay in hospital. The recovery time also tends to be quicker.
Abdominal hysterectomy
During an abdominal hysterectomy, an incision will be made in your abdomen (tummy). It will either be made horizontally along your bikini line, or vertically from your belly button to your bikini line.
A vertical incision will usually be used if there are large fibroids (non-cancerous growths) in your womb or for some types of cancer.
After your womb has been removed, the incision is stitched up. The operation will take about an hour to perform and a general anaesthetic is used.
An abdominal hysterectomy may be recommended if your womb is enlarged by fibroids or pelvic tumours and it is not possible to remove it through your vagina.
It may also be recommended if your ovaries need to be removed.
Laparoscopic hysterectomy
Laparoscopic surgery is also known as keyhole surgery. Nowadays, a laparoscopic hysterectomy is the preferred treatment method for removing the organs and surrounding tissues of the reproductive system.
During the procedure, a small tube containing a telescope (laparoscope) and a tiny video camera will be inserted through a small incision in your abdomen.
This allows the surgeon to see your internal organs. Instruments are then inserted through other small incisions in your abdomen or vagina to remove your womb, cervix and any other parts of your reproductive system.
Laparoscopic hysterectomies are usually carried out under general anaesthetic.
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