My Journey with Cushing’s disease
At 30 years old, I was fit, healthy and naturally a size 8–10. I knew my body well, which is why, when it started to
In this article, we will delve into understanding hysterectomy, what the operation is, the different types of procedures a doctor may recommend you, and when it will be recommended. For those who are thinking about or about to undergo this intense procedure, we will also look at the risks associated with the procedure and offer tips for recovery.
In short, a hysterectomy is a medical procedure where the doctors will remove your uterus (womb) and in some cases also remove the cervix, fallopian tubes, and cervix.
Although it is a surgery that is only performed in the most serious of cases, it is also one of the most performed surgeries on women, with over 300,000 performed in the US alone every year.
Hysterectomy is an invasive surgery and is usually only considered in extreme cases to treat a wide variety of health conditions, including:
It should be noted that outside of cancer, a hysterectomy will only be offered only after other treatments have been offered to the patient and have failed or not been considered suitable. This is because of the intensity of the surgery and because it means that the patient will no longer be able to get pregnant.
For those who are starting their journey to having a hysterectomy and are battling with the fact their chances of conceiving naturally have drawn to a conclusion, it is important to seek help and understand it doesn’t have to mean the end of your fertility journey. Options such as surrogacy and adoption can be considered for starting a family, although they can be challenging and costly.
Depending on the reasons for getting a hysterectomy there are a few different procedures you can undergo, which will determine the amount of your womb, ovaries, and reproductive system left intact.
The three main types of hysterectomy procedures you may undergo are:
Total hysterectomy: This is when the surgeons will remove the entire uterus, including the cervix.
Supracervical hysterectomy: This procedure removes the body of the uterus, but leaves the cervix intact.
Radical hysterectomy: This is primarily offered for cancerous conditions and is when the entire uterus and some of the nearby tissues are removed.
As well as this, depending on your condition, you may also undergo an oophorectomy, where the doctor will remove your ovaries as well, or a salpingectomy which removes the fallopian tubes.
Depending on the type of surgery you need to undergo, there are three main ways that your hysterectomy will performed:
Laparoscopic hysterectomy: This is when the doctor will perform keyhole surgery, cutting small incisions into your stomach and/or vagina to access and remove the parts of your uterus or cervix. This is the least invasive of the three procedures and is usually done under general anesthetic.
Vaginal hysterectomy: This is when the womb and cervix are removed through an incision that’s made in the top of the vagina. After the womb and cervix have been removed, the incision will be sewn up.
Abdominal hysterectomy: An incision will be made in your abdomen, either horizontally along your bikini line or vertically from your belly button to your bikini line. After your womb has been removed, the incision is stitched up.
Like with any medical procedure, having a hysterectomy doesn’t come without risks, however, in the majority of cases it is a successful procedure. Over the past few years, studies have been carried out on the long-term risks of hysterectomy with their findings showing some of the potential risks include:
These risks are all higher and more likely if the ovaries are also removed. You can talk to your doctor about what you can do to alleviate these risks and what to consider when deciding if hysterectomy is right for you.
Depending on the type of procedure that you undergo, you may find that you need to stay in the hospital for observation. This is to make sure the incisions are healing and there is no risk of infection, pulling stitches, or other problems. Once you have been released from the hospital, it can take a further six weeks, or sometimes more, before you are recovered.
In that time you should get plenty of rest, avoid heavy lifting as this can put pressure on the healing area, take pain relief, focus on a protein-rich diet, take daily gentle walks, and do pelvic exercises. You will usually be provided with a recovery plan from your hospital.
Choosing to undergo a hysterectomy is a huge, life-altering decision that can help your health but also comes with some long-term health risks including early onset menopause, ovarian failure, and a higher risk of cardiovascular health issues developing. For many though, especially if womb or ovarian cancer is present, hysterectomy is the best overall choice.
Before you start the process, always talk with your doctor about the procedure and the best ways to aid your recovery to ensure you return to peak health as soon as possible.
References:
Laughlin-Tommaso, S. K., Khan, Z., Weaver, A. L., Smith, C. Y., Rocca, W. A., & Stewart, E. A. (2018). Cardiovascular and metabolic morbidity after hysterectomy with ovarian conservation: a cohort study. Menopause (New York, N.Y.), 25(5), 483–492. doi.org/10.1097/GME.0000000000001043
Madueke-Laveaux, O. S., Elsharoud, A., & Al-Hendy, A. (2021). What We Know about the Long-Term Risks of Hysterectomy for Benign Indication-A Systematic Review. Journal of clinical medicine, 10(22), 5335. doi.org/10.3390/jcm10225335
Laughlin-Tommaso, S. K., Khan, Z., Weaver, A. L., Smith, C. Y., Rocca, W. A., & Stewart, E. A. (2018). Cardiovascular and metabolic morbidity after hysterectomy with ovarian conservation: a cohort study. Menopause (New York, N.Y.), 25(5), 483–492. doi.org/10.1097/GME.0000000000001043
Madueke-Laveaux, O. S., Elsharoud, A., & Al-Hendy, A. (2021). What We Know about the Long-Term Risks of Hysterectomy for Benign Indication-A Systematic Review. Journal of clinical medicine, 10(22), 5335. doi.org/10.3390/jcm10225335
Clarke-Pearson, D. L., & Geller, E. J. (2013). Complications of hysterectomy. Obstetrics and gynecology, 121(3), 654–673. doi.org/10.1097/AOG.0b013e3182841594
Fibroid Free. Considering a Hysterectomy?. Fibroid Institute Texas. fibroidfree.com/fibroids/hysterectomy-surgical-risks/
NHS UK. Hysterectomy. NHS. nhs.uk/conditions/hysterectomy/recovery/#:~:text=Exercise%20and%20lifting,and%20your%20back%20is%20straight.
Dana Farber. Recovering From Your Hysterectomy. dana-farber.org/health-library/recovering-from-your-hysterectomy
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