Hysterectomy

Hysterectomy is a major surgical operation that involves uterus removal. The uterus or womb is the home of the baby when the mother is pregnant. A patient may choose hysterectomy as a treatment option for a range of noncancerous, precancerous, or cancerous conditions of the reproductive system.

The different types of hysterectomy are partial hysterectomy, involving just the removal of the uterus. Total hysterectomy, involving uterus and cervix removal. Hysterectomy with salpingo-oophorectomy, which involves removal of the uterus, fallopian tubes, and ovaries.

Hysterectomy with prophylactic bilateral salpingectomy, a hysterectomy that includes the removal of the fallopian tubes. And radical hysterectomy (or total hysterectomy), the most extensive type, which involves the removal of the uterus, ovaries, fallopian tubes, upper part of the vagina, and associated pelvic ligaments and lymph nodes.

Before a hysterectomy procedure, some tests may be done to check for cancer. The presence of cancer may alter the approach to the procedure. The common tests to check for cancer are Pap test, endometrial biopsy, and pelvic Ultrasound. Adequate procedures and medication are required to minimise the risk of infection after the procedure.

Laparoscopic Hysterectomy 

Laparoscopic hysterectomy (or laparoscopic surgery or keyhole surgery) is a hysterectomy procedure that involves the removal of the uterus through several small cuts in the tummy. The uterus is removed through the vagina, with or without fallopian tubes and ovaries. Your choice of organs to remove may depend on the condition of the organs and other factors. 

Vaginal Hysterectomy 

In a vaginal hysterectomy, Dr Cilly detaches the uterus from the ovaries, fallopian tubes, and upper vagina, and also from the blood vessels and connective tissue, before removing the uterus.

This procedure option depends on the size and shape of the patient's uterus or the reason for the surgery. Dr Cilly will discuss the options with you and the things to consider.

Abdominal Hysterectomy 

An abdominal hysterectomy involves the removal of the uterus through an incision in the lower abdomen. One or both ovaries and fallopian tubes may also be removed during the procedure. The incision is made either up-and-down or side-to-side, across the belly. 

Dr Cilly will recommend an abdominal hysterectomy if you have a large uterus, if there's a need to check the pelvic for signs of diseases, or if it is the most appropriate hysterectomy for your situation.

A hysterectomy usually lasts about one or two hours and is performed under general anaesthesia, meaning that the patient would lose sensation or awareness for the duration of the surgery.

After the procedure, the patient will remain in the recovery room for a day or two and monitored for signs of pain. Also, medication for pain and to prevent infection will be administered.

The full recovery period after a hysterectomy is about six weeks. Dr Latika Cilly would recommend the things to do so that the patient can return to their normal activities soonest and advise on how to deal with life after a hysterectomy.