A total hysterectomy is the most commonly performed procedure. This term refers to the removal of the entire uterus and cervix. However, the term has also been used so widely and has come to encompass a variety of procedures that it’s essential to clarify any language with your doctor. Regardless of the procedure, make sure you’re informed of exactly what is being removed.
A supracervical hysterectomy, sometimes called partial hysterectomy or subtotal hysterectomy removes only the upper part of the uterus while leaving the cervix intact.
Depending on the reason the hysterectomy procedure, your physician may recommend removing your ovaries. This procedure is called an oophorectomy. While it is optional in some cases, in others, such as patients with a risk of ovarian cancer, it is recommended. The decision to remove or leave the ovaries is highly individualized and involves factors such as age, medical history, family history, previous surgeries, and date of the last menstrual period. Depending on your age and menstrual history, removal of the ovaries may result in surgical menopause and increase the likelihood that you may need hormone replacement therapy.
When the fallopian tubes are removed, the procedure is called a salpingectomy. When the entire uterus, both fallopian tubes, and both ovaries are removed, the entire procedure is called a hysterectomy with bilateral salpingo oophorectomy.
A robotic-assisted hysterectomy is another method of laparoscopic surgery. The surgeon performs the procedure through several small incisions, but with the added technology of a sophisticated robotic system of surgical tools. This allows the surgeon to use natural wrist movements and view the hysterectomy on a three-dimensional screen. Recovery from robotic assisted laparoscopic hysterectomies is similar to traditional laparoscopy and many patients leave the hospital the day of surgery.
An abdominal hysterectomy removes the uterus through a single incision in the lower abdomen. The incision is usually 5-10 inches long and can be a horizontal incision (above the pubic bone like most c-sections) or a vertical incision (from the pubic bone to the belly button). While abdominal hysterectomy is not often the preferred option, this method may be recommended over other types of hysterectomy for certain reasons. These include having a larger uterus or needing to examine the surrounding organs for signs of disease.
In most cases, a patient who has undergone a hysterectomy may leave the hospital within 1-2 days, or even sooner with less invasive methods. However, a full recovery can take several weeks. Your doctor may recommend restricting certain activities during your recovery, like avoiding lifting heavy objects. It may be necessary to arrange for assistance depending on your living situation.
Your recovery after a hysterectomy depends on a number of factors, including the type of procedure you underwent and your overall health. You will no longer have periods and will no longer be able to have children after the procedure.
There is no reason you will not be able to maintain a healthy sex life and experience sexual pleasure after your hysterectomy, and this includes having orgasms. Some women report improved sexual function after a hysterectomy. This may be due to relief from the symptoms that led to the hysterectomy, such as chronic pain or heavy bleeding.
Hysterectomy is a major surgery, as it involves the removal of major organs. However with advancements in surgical technology, there is less risk and recovery associated with hysterectomies than before. Recovery time varies by patient, but typically patients are doing quite well after four to six weeks.
While most hysterectomies are successful, some women may experience negative side effects. These could include a sense of loss, particularly for pre-menopausal women grappling with losing their fertility.
No matter which version of the procedure a patient undergoes, it is always necessary to spend time in the hospital. Recovery time varies from less than 24 hours to a few nights. In general, vaginal and laparoscopic hysterectomy require a shorter hospital stay than abdominal hysterectomy.
Depending on the surgical technique used, the uterus is removed through a single incision in the abdomen or vagina, or several small incisions in the abdomen. It can be removed as a whole or in small pieces. The procedure usually involves being in the operating room for 2-3 hours and the recovery room for 2-3 hours.
In addition to the risks listed above, it’s important to note that a hysterectomy is a permanent, irreversible surgery that will result in loss of fertility and the absence of periods. If the ovaries are removed, then menopausal symptoms (like hot flashes and night sweats) may occur.
Depending on a patient’s overall health and wellbeing, a full recovery from a hysterectomy can take several weeks. The most commonly quoted time is about six weeks. If you have one of the less invasive treatments (vaginal or laparoscopic) the recovery time may be less. During this time it’s advised that you avoid activity that can increase the risk of damage or the need for reoperation, such as heavy lifting, sexual intercourse, and strenuous exercise.
While minimally invasive procedures like laparoscopic surgeries are usually preferred, there are conditions that respond better to either vaginal or traditional abdominal hysterectomies. The best course of action is always to speak with your physician about the details of your situation.
There is no one-size-fits-all when it comes to surgery. Depending on the reason for a hysterectomy, one method may be preferable over another according to a surgeon. Similarly, a patient’s preferences also contribute to the best option for her. The best course of action involves a thorough review of information and a detailed plan agreed upon by all parties.
Removing the ovaries, also known as an oophorectomy, will result in a patient starting menopause. Depending on how much the symptoms of menopause affect a patient’s quality of life, they may need short-term treatment with hormones. If the ovaries are kept in place, it is still likely that the patient will enter menopause earlier than she otherwise would.
The ovaries do not have to be removed along with the uterus. Patients who have had their ovaries removed will experience menopause. Doctors may suggest removing ovaries to reduce the risk of ovarian cancer. Make sure to discuss the best option with your physician.
