VAGINAL HYSTERECTOMY

A hysterectomy is a surgical removal of the uterus. Since it is a major surgery, it is quintessential for a woman to be aware of the ramifications and should not necessarily be considered the primary solution for heavy menstrual bleeding. A hysterectomy should be undertaken only by women for whom more conservative treatment options have not worked, who have a complete family and who understand the risk involved with this type of major procedure.

Advantages

• Eliminates the risk of Ovarian Cancer
• Good option for women with a family who wish to have sex without any chance of pregnancy

Length

• The procedure may last for one hour

Causes

Hysterectomies are generally performed to treat

• Uterine fibroids
• Heavy bleeding
• Endometriosis
• Adenomyosis
• Uterine prolapse
• Uterine cancer

Diagnosis

• A hysterectomy is recommended only after the condition is identified and conventional treatment has failed to bring results.
• The uterine structure can be observed via various imaging techniques like MRI Scans, Doppler imaging, etc.
• A biopsy of the uterine tissue may be done to diagnose cancer.

Symptoms

A medical examination is advised when the patient feels one or more of the following symptoms

• Excessive abdominal pain
• Excessive bleeding during menstrual cycle

Preparation

Certain medications are to be specifically avoided pre surgery:

• Pre operative antibiotics.
• Avoid wearing any jewelry.
• Void the bladder regularly.
• Avoid post operative prophylactic antibiotics.

Procedure

In a vaginal hysterectomy, an incision is made in the top of the vagina and the womb and cervix are removed through it.

Specially devised surgical instruments are inserted into the vagina to detach the womb from the connective tissues that hold it in place.

Once the womb and cervix are taken out, the incision is sewn up.

A vaginal hysterectomy can be carried out under either a general anesthetic, a local anesthetic, or spinal anesthetic.

Follow up

Patients are required to follow up with their physician for up to 4-6 weeks post surgery. In the following cases, consult your physician immediately:

• Abnormal vaginal bleeding
• Chest pain, coughing, difficulty in breathing
• Painful urination

Vaginal hysterectomies are generally performed in cases of uterine cancer, otherwise laparoscopic hysterectomies are recommended.

"Authored By Dr.Niraj Mahajan"