Your uterus can change your life. But to some women, it can also cause great discomfort. Bleeding, menstrual cramps, fibroids and positional displacement are some of the problems that can affect a woman, and most often, a hysterectomy may be the best solution.
A hysterectomy is a surgery that is performed to extract the uterus. It is an operation that is usually suggested after other medical avenues haven’t proved fruitful. Although a hysterectomy typically involves the extrication of the uterus, in some procedures, the extraction of the ovaries and the cervix may also be recommended by the doctor. Conditions that may warrant a hysterectomy include uterine fibroids, uterine prolapse, endometriosis, abnormal vaginal bleeding, chronic pelvic pain or cancer of the uterus, cervix or vagina.
Hysterectomies are categorised into three brackets, based on the organs involved:
Traditionally, hysterectomies have been associated with protracted downtimes and scars that serve as mementoes from the operation table. However, with the advent of minimally invasive laparoscopic hysterectomies, both recovery windows and physical scars have dramatically shrunk. Here’s a look at the various types of hysterectomies, and why you should consider a laparoscopy:
Abdominal hysterectomy:
Vaginal hysterectomy:
Total laparoscopic hysterectomy:
A laparoscopic hysterectomy may take marginally longer and be slightly more expensive than traditional procedures, but the physical and psychological benefits it offers women often compensate for the cost differential. When opting for a laparoscopy, the important thing to consider is the experience of the surgeon performing the procedure. Ask questions about how many surgeries your surgeon has performed and what complications have arisen in the past.
At Cloudnine, our veteran doctors have performed hundreds of laparoscopic hysterectomies across the country, setting new benchmarks in gynaecological care. Meet a Cloudnine doctor today, to understand how a laparoscopic hysterectomy could help you.
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A hysterectomy leads to a surgical menopause, meaning you will not have your monthly menstrual periods. The absence of ovaries can cause a range of hormonal changes, and your sexual health may also experience changes. You will also have to adjust to the changes to your pelvic floor.
Most women will require about 2 to 6 weeks to recover from a laparoscopic hysterectomy. However, full recovery can take up to 2-3 months. The first two weeks are the hardest, and it slowly gets better. The discomfort at the site of incision can last a little longer.
Yes, after a full recovery, with your doctor’s approval, you can get back to your normal lifestyle. If you have been suffering from persistent pelvic pain, a hysterectomy can help you live a more comfortable life. Hysterectomy helps reduce the risk of uterine cancer and provides relief from heavy or irregular bleeding as well.
A complete bed rest is not required. However, you should restrict your activities for the first two weeks until your doctor approves an increase in activities. You should alternate periods of rest and activities to avoid putting too much pressure on your abdominal muscles and the incision site.
