What are the side effects of a total hysterectomy? How long does recovery take? Explore the potential risks and complications, and learn what questions to ask your doctor.

Types of Hysterectomies and Their Differences

A hysterectomy is a surgical procedure that removes the uterus. According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), there are three main types of hysterectomies:

• Total Hysterectomy: This surgery involves the complete removal of the uterus and cervix.
• Supracervical Hysterectomy: Also known as a subtotal or partial hysterectomy, this procedure removes the uterus but not the cervix.
• Radical Hysterectomy: This surgery removes the uterus, cervix, and surrounding support tissue, and is often recommended for people with cancer.

Additionally, a hysterectomy may be performed with the removal of one or both ovaries (oophorectomy) or the fallopian tubes (salpingo-oophorectomy).

Short-Term Side Effects of Hysterectomy

After a hysterectomy, it is common for people to experience the following short-term side effects:

• Pain
• Bleeding
• Vaginal discharge
• Constipation

Pain medication and the use of sanitary pads can help alleviate these side effects. The specific short-term side effects may also depend on the type of hysterectomy performed.

Long-Term Side Effects of Hysterectomy Without Oophorectomy

A hysterectomy that does not involve the removal of the ovaries may still affect the ovaries. Some research suggests that certain hysterectomies could speed up the onset of menopause, but the evidence is still mixed and dependent on the type of hysterectomy performed.

Long-Term Side Effects of Hysterectomy With Oophorectomy

If the ovaries are removed during a hysterectomy (oophorectomy), the person will experience menopause symptoms due to the sudden drop in estrogen production. These side effects may include:

• Hot flashes
• Night sweats
• Vaginal dryness
• Sleep difficulties
• Mood swings and irritability
• Weight gain
• Hair loss
• Dry skin
• Incontinence
• Loss of bone density
• Rapid heartbeat

Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) can help alleviate these symptoms for people who are premenopausal.

Recovery Time and Recommendations

The recovery time after a hysterectomy can vary depending on the type of procedure and the individual’s overall health. According to the Office on Women’s Health:

• Vaginal or laparoscopic hysterectomy: 3-4 weeks
• Abdominal hysterectomy: 4-6 weeks

During the recovery period, it is recommended to:

• Avoid driving for 2 weeks
• Avoid lifting objects heavier than a bag of groceries for 6 weeks
• Expect fatigue for the first 6 weeks
• Expect spotting and vaginal discharge for 8 weeks
• Avoid inserting anything into the vagina for 8 weeks

Engaging in light exercise, such as walking, and keeping any surgical incisions clean and dry can aid the recovery process.

Questions to Ask Your Doctor

When considering a hysterectomy, it’s important to discuss the following questions with your doctor:

1. What type of hysterectomy do you recommend, and why?
2. Will my ovaries be removed, and what are the implications of that decision?
3. What are the potential short-term and long-term side effects I may experience?
4. How long is the typical recovery time for the type of hysterectomy you’re recommending?
5. What can I do to aid my recovery and minimize complications?
6. Are there any alternatives to a hysterectomy that I should consider?
7. What are the risks and benefits of a hysterectomy in my specific case?

Conclusion

A hysterectomy is a common surgical procedure that can have both short-term and long-term side effects. Understanding the different types of hysterectomies, the potential side effects, and the recovery process is crucial for making an informed decision about this procedure. By asking the right questions and working closely with your doctor, you can navigate the process and ensure a successful recovery.

Recovery and long term impact

During recovery from hysterectomy a person may experience pain, bleeding, and constipation. There may also be menopause-type symptoms, such as hot flashes. However, the side effects can depend on the type of procedure and reason for surgery.

A hysterectomy is a surgery that removes the uterus. According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), a doctor may recommend a hysterectomy if a person has:

• endometriosis
• uterine fibroids
• gynecologic cancer
• abnormal bleeding
• chronic pain in the pelvis

A doctor may also perform a hysterectomy for pelvic organ prolapse, and genetic diseases that make some cancer more likely, such as Lynch syndrome.

In this article, we focus on hysterectomies for gynecological reasons and explain:

• types of hysterectomy
• side effects of each one
• potential risks and complications
• questions to ask a doctor

Share on PinterestWearing loose clothing and keeping the surgical area clean and dry can aid recovery after a hysterectomy.

According to ACOG, there are three broad types of hysterectomy:

• Total hysterectomy: This surgery involves the complete removal of the uterus and cervix.
• Supracervical hysterectomy: During this procedure, surgeons remove the uterus but not the cervix. A doctor may also refer to this procedure as a subtotal or partial hysterectomy.
• Radical hysterectomy: This surgery removes the uterus, cervix, and surrounding support tissue. Doctors often recommend this type of hysterectomy for people with cancer.

Additionally, a hysterectomy with oophorectomy is when surgeons remove the uterus and one or both ovaries during the same surgery.

A hysterectomy with salpingo-oophorectomy involves removing the fallopian tubes.

Also, surgeons can perform a hysterectomy in several different ways. They may remove the organs through the abdomen, or they may remove them through the vagina.

A laparoscopic-assisted hysterectomy involves a surgeon performing part of the surgery through the abdomen but removing the uterus through the vagina, combining both approaches.

It is common for people to experience pain, bleeding, vaginal discharge, and constipation after a hysterectomy. Pain medication and using sanitary pads can help with these side effects.

What other short-term side effects a person may experience depend on the type of hysterectomy they have.

Hysterectomy without oophorectomy

A hysterectomy that does not involve ovary removal may still affect the ovaries.

According to a 2020 review, research studies have found some evidence suggesting that some hysterectomies that spare the ovaries may speed up the onset of menopause.

A small, older study from 2006 found that hysterectomies may affect blood supply to the ovaries, which is one theory for why this could happen.

However, the evidence for this is still very mixed and dependent on the type of hysterectomy and what organs and surrounding tissues the surgeon removes.

Scientists are still investigating the long-term effects of hysterectomies and need to do further studies on the impact hysterectomies on ovarian function.

Hysterectomy with oophorectomy

If a person has undergone a hysterectomy with oophorectomy, this means they no longer have ovaries.

The ovaries produce the hormone estrogen. Without these organs, a person who had not undergone menopause already will experience menopause symptoms.

These side effects of hysterectomy with oophorectomy include:

• hot flashes
• night sweats
• vaginal dryness
• difficulty sleeping
• mood swings and irritability
• weight gain
• hair loss
• dry skin
• incontinence
• loss of bone density
• rapid heartbeat

The duration of these symptoms will vary from person to person. Due to the sudden drop in estrogen, people who have had an oophorectomy may experience exaggerated symptoms.

A doctor can prescribe hormone replacement therapy (HRT) to reduce menopause symptoms for people who are premenopausal.

According to the Office on Women’s Health, it typically takes 3–4 weeks to recover from a vaginal or laparoscopic hysterectomy.

It may take 4–6 weeks to recover from an abdominal hysterectomy.

A person’s age and overall health also influence their recovery time.

The Dana-Farber Cancer Institute say that after a hysterectomy, an individual:

• cannot drive for 2 weeks
• cannot lift objects heavier than a bag of groceries for 6 weeks
• may experience fatigue for the first 6 weeks
• may see spotting and vaginal discharge for 8 weeks
• cannot insert anything into the vagina for 8 weeks

A person can aid their recovery by:

• doing light exercise, such as walking
• getting plenty of rest
• keeping any surgical incisions clean and dry
• avoiding tight clothing
• checking incisions regularly for signs of infection
• avoiding water directly hitting an incision in the shower
• gently cleaning the area
• taking prescribed medications correctly

A person will typically stay in the hospital for 1–2 days following the procedure before returning home to recover. This time can vary depending on the type of hysterectomy. Abdominal surgery may require a stay of 2–3 days.

If someone has a hysterectomy due to cancer, they may need to stay for longer.

According to ACOG, the risks of an abdominal hysterectomy include:

• infection
• wound bleeding
• blood clots
• nerve or tissue damage

Vaginal or laparoscopic hysterectomies typically have a lower risk for complications. However, any type of hysterectomy can potentially cause these problems.

According to a 2018 study, having a hysterectomy before 35 years of age also increases a person’s risk factor for several medical conditions, including:

• 14% increased risk of lipid abnormalities
• 13% increased risk of high blood pressure
• 18% increased risk of obesity
• 33% increased risk of coronary artery disease
• 4.6-fold increased risk of congestive heart failure
• 2.5-fold increased risk of coronary artery disease

In addition to physical changes, a person who undergoes a hysterectomy may also experience changes in their mental health.

Hysterectomies mean a person can no longer get pregnant. For some, this causes grief and sadness, particularly if they had hoped to have more children.

A person will also not have periods anymore, which can make a female feel they have lost part of their identity or womanhood.

For others, losing their periods can be a relief. If someone has a painful or difficult health condition, their symptoms may improve, along with their quality of life.

People who do not want children may also feel relieved that they cannot become pregnant.

A study of females who underwent hysterectomies without ovary removal from 1980–2002 found that they had a 6.6% higher risk for new depression diagnoses and a 4.7% higher risk for anxiety diagnoses in the 20 years following their surgery.

The researchers are not sure why this occurred, so scientists need to carry out more research to understand this trend.

Hysterectomies are not reversible, so it is a good idea for people to ask for as much information as they need to feel confident with their decision.

Questions to ask could include:

• Will the procedure cure a condition or just treat the symptoms?
• Are there any alternatives to a hysterectomy that may help with symptoms?
• Will natural menopause improve the symptoms, and, if so, is a hysterectomy necessary?
• Could symptoms return after the procedure, and if so, what happens then?
• Is there a way to preserve eggs if I want a child in the future, via a surrogate, for example?
• What type of hysterectomy would you recommend?
• Will you remove the cervix, fallopian tubes, or surrounding tissue?
• What can I expect during and after the procedure?

According to Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, a person should contact their doctor or healthcare provider if they experience any of the following symptoms after their surgery:

• heavy vaginal bleeding that soaks a pad in less than 1 hour
• foul vaginal odor
• changes in urinary frequency or inability to urinate
• fever at or above 100. 4^oF
• continuous constipation
• diarrhea
• vomiting or nausea
• swelling, pain, or tenderness around the incision
• any openings at the incision site
• chest pains or trouble breathing
• severe pain that does not improve with pain relief

Short-term hysterectomy side effects can include pain, bleeding, discharge, and constipation. A person may also temporarily experience menopause-like symptoms, such as hot flashes. These will resolve as a person recovers.

In the long term, a person may feel a sense of loss or sadness, or possibly relief following the procedure. People who have also had ovaries removed will experience menopause and may benefit from HRT.

Hysterectomies have some risks, and they also mean a person cannot become pregnant. The individual can talk to their doctor about all their options before undergoing surgery.

Recovery and long term impact

During recovery from hysterectomy a person may experience pain, bleeding, and constipation. There may also be menopause-type symptoms, such as hot flashes. However, the side effects can depend on the type of procedure and reason for surgery.

A hysterectomy is a surgery that removes the uterus. According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), a doctor may recommend a hysterectomy if a person has:

• endometriosis
• uterine fibroids
• gynecologic cancer
• abnormal bleeding
• chronic pain in the pelvis

A doctor may also perform a hysterectomy for pelvic organ prolapse, and genetic diseases that make some cancer more likely, such as Lynch syndrome.

In this article, we focus on hysterectomies for gynecological reasons and explain:

• types of hysterectomy
• side effects of each one
• potential risks and complications
• questions to ask a doctor

Share on PinterestWearing loose clothing and keeping the surgical area clean and dry can aid recovery after a hysterectomy.

According to ACOG, there are three broad types of hysterectomy:

• Total hysterectomy: This surgery involves the complete removal of the uterus and cervix.
• Supracervical hysterectomy: During this procedure, surgeons remove the uterus but not the cervix. A doctor may also refer to this procedure as a subtotal or partial hysterectomy.
• Radical hysterectomy: This surgery removes the uterus, cervix, and surrounding support tissue. Doctors often recommend this type of hysterectomy for people with cancer.

Additionally, a hysterectomy with oophorectomy is when surgeons remove the uterus and one or both ovaries during the same surgery.

A hysterectomy with salpingo-oophorectomy involves removing the fallopian tubes.

Also, surgeons can perform a hysterectomy in several different ways. They may remove the organs through the abdomen, or they may remove them through the vagina.

A laparoscopic-assisted hysterectomy involves a surgeon performing part of the surgery through the abdomen but removing the uterus through the vagina, combining both approaches.

It is common for people to experience pain, bleeding, vaginal discharge, and constipation after a hysterectomy. Pain medication and using sanitary pads can help with these side effects.

What other short-term side effects a person may experience depend on the type of hysterectomy they have.

Hysterectomy without oophorectomy

A hysterectomy that does not involve ovary removal may still affect the ovaries.

According to a 2020 review, research studies have found some evidence suggesting that some hysterectomies that spare the ovaries may speed up the onset of menopause.

A small, older study from 2006 found that hysterectomies may affect blood supply to the ovaries, which is one theory for why this could happen.

However, the evidence for this is still very mixed and dependent on the type of hysterectomy and what organs and surrounding tissues the surgeon removes.

Scientists are still investigating the long-term effects of hysterectomies and need to do further studies on the impact hysterectomies on ovarian function.

Hysterectomy with oophorectomy

If a person has undergone a hysterectomy with oophorectomy, this means they no longer have ovaries.

The ovaries produce the hormone estrogen. Without these organs, a person who had not undergone menopause already will experience menopause symptoms.

These side effects of hysterectomy with oophorectomy include:

• hot flashes
• night sweats
• vaginal dryness
• difficulty sleeping
• mood swings and irritability
• weight gain
• hair loss
• dry skin
• incontinence
• loss of bone density
• rapid heartbeat

The duration of these symptoms will vary from person to person. Due to the sudden drop in estrogen, people who have had an oophorectomy may experience exaggerated symptoms.

A doctor can prescribe hormone replacement therapy (HRT) to reduce menopause symptoms for people who are premenopausal.

According to the Office on Women’s Health, it typically takes 3–4 weeks to recover from a vaginal or laparoscopic hysterectomy.

It may take 4–6 weeks to recover from an abdominal hysterectomy.

A person’s age and overall health also influence their recovery time.

The Dana-Farber Cancer Institute say that after a hysterectomy, an individual:

• cannot drive for 2 weeks
• cannot lift objects heavier than a bag of groceries for 6 weeks
• may experience fatigue for the first 6 weeks
• may see spotting and vaginal discharge for 8 weeks
• cannot insert anything into the vagina for 8 weeks

A person can aid their recovery by:

• doing light exercise, such as walking
• getting plenty of rest
• keeping any surgical incisions clean and dry
• avoiding tight clothing
• checking incisions regularly for signs of infection
• avoiding water directly hitting an incision in the shower
• gently cleaning the area
• taking prescribed medications correctly

A person will typically stay in the hospital for 1–2 days following the procedure before returning home to recover. This time can vary depending on the type of hysterectomy. Abdominal surgery may require a stay of 2–3 days.

If someone has a hysterectomy due to cancer, they may need to stay for longer.

According to ACOG, the risks of an abdominal hysterectomy include:

• infection
• wound bleeding
• blood clots
• nerve or tissue damage

Vaginal or laparoscopic hysterectomies typically have a lower risk for complications. However, any type of hysterectomy can potentially cause these problems.

According to a 2018 study, having a hysterectomy before 35 years of age also increases a person’s risk factor for several medical conditions, including:

• 14% increased risk of lipid abnormalities
• 13% increased risk of high blood pressure
• 18% increased risk of obesity
• 33% increased risk of coronary artery disease
• 4.6-fold increased risk of congestive heart failure
• 2.5-fold increased risk of coronary artery disease

In addition to physical changes, a person who undergoes a hysterectomy may also experience changes in their mental health.

Hysterectomies mean a person can no longer get pregnant. For some, this causes grief and sadness, particularly if they had hoped to have more children.

A person will also not have periods anymore, which can make a female feel they have lost part of their identity or womanhood.

For others, losing their periods can be a relief. If someone has a painful or difficult health condition, their symptoms may improve, along with their quality of life.

People who do not want children may also feel relieved that they cannot become pregnant.

A study of females who underwent hysterectomies without ovary removal from 1980–2002 found that they had a 6.6% higher risk for new depression diagnoses and a 4.7% higher risk for anxiety diagnoses in the 20 years following their surgery.

The researchers are not sure why this occurred, so scientists need to carry out more research to understand this trend.

Hysterectomies are not reversible, so it is a good idea for people to ask for as much information as they need to feel confident with their decision.

Questions to ask could include:

• Will the procedure cure a condition or just treat the symptoms?
• Are there any alternatives to a hysterectomy that may help with symptoms?
• Will natural menopause improve the symptoms, and, if so, is a hysterectomy necessary?
• Could symptoms return after the procedure, and if so, what happens then?
• Is there a way to preserve eggs if I want a child in the future, via a surrogate, for example?
• What type of hysterectomy would you recommend?
• Will you remove the cervix, fallopian tubes, or surrounding tissue?
• What can I expect during and after the procedure?

According to Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, a person should contact their doctor or healthcare provider if they experience any of the following symptoms after their surgery:

• heavy vaginal bleeding that soaks a pad in less than 1 hour
• foul vaginal odor
• changes in urinary frequency or inability to urinate
• fever at or above 100. 4^oF
• continuous constipation
• diarrhea
• vomiting or nausea
• swelling, pain, or tenderness around the incision
• any openings at the incision site
• chest pains or trouble breathing
• severe pain that does not improve with pain relief

Short-term hysterectomy side effects can include pain, bleeding, discharge, and constipation. A person may also temporarily experience menopause-like symptoms, such as hot flashes. These will resolve as a person recovers.

In the long term, a person may feel a sense of loss or sadness, or possibly relief following the procedure. People who have also had ovaries removed will experience menopause and may benefit from HRT.

Hysterectomies have some risks, and they also mean a person cannot become pregnant. The individual can talk to their doctor about all their options before undergoing surgery.

procedure, recovery after surgery and consequences for the woman

10/16/2016

Contents

• Purpose of hysterectomy
• Indications for surgery
• Preparation
• Contraindications
• Procedure
• Rehabilitation
• Benefits of contacting MEDSI

Removal of the uterus (hysterectomy) is one of the most frequently performed operations in gynecology. Intervention is a real test for a woman. Not surprisingly, patients experience not only the fear of the operation itself, but also depression and vulnerability, confusion and inferiority. We will try to answer all the questions that women have. We will understand how the removal of the uterus is carried out, and how life can change after such an intervention.

Purpose of hysterectomy

Surgery is performed when other treatments have failed or are inappropriate. Emergency interventions often help save the patient’s life.

Interestingly, in a number of European countries and the United States, the operation is common among women after 40–45 years of age. This is due to the fact that it makes it possible to reduce the risks of developing fibroids and tissue growth, if any, and also avoids the appearance of malignant tumors.

Indications for surgery

Hysterectomy is performed in the following pathological conditions and diseases:

• Uterine cancer. After surgery, chemotherapy and radiation therapy are also carried out
• Multiple nodules of fibroids
• Internal bleeding with risk of anemia and other life-threatening conditions
• Acute pain syndrome
• Vaginal bleeding
• Growth of uterine lining tissue in ovaries and fallopian tubes

Preparation

Before the removal of the uterus, the woman undergoes a comprehensive examination. It allows you to assess the patient’s health status and identify possible contraindications.

The following diagnostic tests are usually performed:

• Pelvic ultrasound or MRI with contrast agent
• Vaginal swab
• Endometrial biopsy

The so-called hospital complex is obligatory.

It includes:

• general and biochemical blood test
• urinalysis
• blood test for group and Rh factor, as well as infections, clotting disorders, HIV and other diseases
• fluorography
• ECG

The patient consults with a gynecologist, internist and anesthetist.

Important! If temporary (relative) contraindications to the intervention are identified, the necessary treatment is carried out. If, for example, infectious diseases are detected, the doctor prescribes antibiotics and anti-inflammatory drugs. It is very important to achieve complete recovery or remission. Otherwise, there will be a high risk of surgical and postoperative complications. In addition, existing diseases negatively affect the rehabilitation process, lengthening it.

If a cervicalectomy or other operation is performed to remove a malignant tumor, hormonal and other drugs are prescribed. They help stop tumor growth. The therapy can make it possible to reduce the size of the formation, which will positively affect the course of the intervention, reducing tissue trauma.

Contraindications

Surgery to remove the uterus is not performed if there are the following contraindications:

• low blood clotting
• arterial hypertension
• acute infectious diseases (including small pelvis)
• angina pectoris
• anemia
• diabetes mellitus
• liver failure
• kidney failure
• allergic reactions to anesthetics

Important! There are both absolute and relative contraindications to intervention. In this case, the doctor makes the final decision on the operation. If necessary, the patient is consulted by specialists of narrow profiles.

Procedure

Hysterectomy of the uterus (including appendages) is performed under general anesthesia. The intervention usually takes 1-1.5 hours.

3 methods are used to access organs:

• Laparoscopic. The intervention is carried out through punctures in the area of ​​the abdominal wall. The technique allows to reduce tissue injuries and shorten the rehabilitation period. Usually only 4 small punctures and a specialized tool are required. It is inserted into the cervical canal. First, the ligaments of the uterus are excised, and then it is removed. After that, the walls of the vagina are coagulated and sutured
• Abdominal. This operation is traditional and the most traumatic. It requires a large incision in the abdominal wall. Mandatory for standard intervention is the fixation of intestinal loops. This avoids damage to them. The cervix is ​​cut off in the inner zone of the pharynx. After that, her stump and vaginal vaults are sutured. Then drain pipes are installed. They are removed after a few days
• Transvaginal. Access is provided through an incision in the vaginal area. After that, the surgeon peels off the bladder. Then the vessels and fallopian tubes, as well as ligaments, are separated and cut. After that, the uterus is cut off. The stumps of the pipes are sewn together

There are also 3 types of hysterectomy.

Radical

It involves the removal of the uterus, fallopian tubes, ovaries, regional lymph nodes and fatty tissue. The operation is performed for endometriosis and cancer.

Total

This hysterectomy involves the removal of the uterus with the cervix and appendages. It is prescribed for oncological diseases. The technique allows to reduce the risks of the spread of the tumor process. It is often combined with other methods of cancer therapy (chemotherapy, etc. ). Total hysterectomy can also be performed in emergency situations.

Subtotal

The cervix is ​​not removed during this operation. This intervention eliminates the risk of damage to the ureters and large vessels. It is prescribed for adhesions, pelvic endometriosis and some other pathologies.

Rehabilitation

Recovery after a hysterectomy is a lengthy process. Conventionally, rehabilitation is divided into 2 periods:

1. Early. 3-4 days after the intervention, the woman is under the control of medical personnel. The therapy is aimed at eliminating pain, preventing bleeding, restoring the body, reducing the risk of developing anemia and inflammation. The doctor also monitors the work of the intestines, the condition of the suture and the amount of discharge from the genitals. To remove fluid from the body, a urinary catheter is installed on the first day. During this time, the patient only drinks and does not eat anything. Then, low-fat broths and yogurts are gradually introduced into the diet. Eat light foods that are quickly digested. Chocolate, cabbage, legumes, corn are completely excluded, i.e. products that can cause increased gas formation and constipation. A woman should eat in small portions and at least 4-5 times a day
2. Late. With the classical method of the operation, it lasts about 1.5 months, with laparoscopic – no more than 30 days. The late rehabilitation period begins after discharge from the hospital. At this time, a woman should be attentive to her health and direct all actions towards its full recovery

There are certain recommendations that the patient should follow during rehabilitation:

• Mandatory intake of medicines prescribed by the doctor. Painkillers, anti-inflammatory, hormonal, enzymatic and general tonic agents are usually recommended
• Restriction of physical activity. It is especially important to avoid excessive pressure on the muscles of the abdomen and pelvic floor
• Do simple exercises (if recommended by a doctor)
• Refusal of sexual life. Return to it is carried out with caution. If a woman experiences discomfort, you need to contact a gynecologist. Perhaps it will prolong the period of sexual dormancy
• Healthy eating. Even after discharge from the clinic, you need to adhere to the correct diet with the restriction of alcohol, pastries, fatty foods, smoked meats, marinades
• Proper drinking regimen. A woman should drink about 1.5-2 liters of water per day. This will allow the natural detoxification of the body

Of course, the main consequence of the removal of the uterus is that the woman loses her childbearing function. Otherwise, life can remain as fulfilling as it was before.

Over time, the menstrual cycle is restored, the level of hormones returns to normal. After the removal of the uterus, even the libido can remain the same. At the same time, the ability to lead an active sex life fully returns.

Benefits of contacting MEDSI

• Experienced doctors. Our specialists are not only professionally trained to solve women’s problems, but also provide patients with an attentive and delicate approach
• Comprehensive surveys. They are carried out using modern equipment and ensure the accuracy of diagnosis and the identification of all pathologies
• Possibilities of using sparing techniques for hysterectomy of the uterus and ovaries. Operations are performed using minimally invasive methods, which increases their safety and shortens the rehabilitation period
• New high-tech equipment. It minimizes the risk of bleeding and the occurrence of complications and relapses
• Comfortable hospital stay before and after hysterectomy
• Outpatient rehabilitation and monitoring facilities

To clarify information or make an appointment, just call +7 (812) 336-33-33. Our specialist will answer all questions. Recording is also possible through the SmartMed application.

Do not delay treatment, see a doctor right now:

• Gastroenterologist appointment
• General practitioner appointment
• Gynecological appointment

Removal of the uterus or hysterectomy | Ida-Tallinna Keskkhaigla

The purpose of this leaflet is to inform the patient about the nature, indications and surgical methods of hysterectomy or hysterectomy, the risks that may be associated with this operation, and the impact that hysterectomy has on later life women.

A hysterectomy is a surgical removal of the uterus, after which it is impossible to become pregnant and give birth to a child.

Indications for surgery

Surgery to remove the uterus is indicated in the following cases:

• benign tumors of the uterus;

• malignant neoplasms of the uterus, cervix or ovaries;

• severe inflammatory diseases of the female genital organs;

• profuse, frequent bleeding from the vagina, not amenable to treatment.

Removal of the uterus

Removal of the uterus can be partial or complete. The volume of the operation is determined by the operating doctor, depending on the disease and the state of health of the patient.

Partial removal of the uterus, or amputation of the uterus, is the removal of the upper body of the uterus; in this case, the cervix remains.

If the uterus is completely removed, it is removed along with the cervix.

For malignant neoplasms, the uterus is removed along with the cervix and surrounding tissues, including the ovaries, fallopian tubes, and pelvic lymph nodes.

In the case of a benign tumor, the decision to remove the ovaries and fallopian tubes is made by the doctor.

Before surgery

If you suffer from any chronic disease (eg hypertension, cardiac arrhythmia, diabetes, asthma), surgery may be associated with an increased risk and you should consult with an anesthetist before surgery.

It is important to tell your doctor about any illnesses you have had and any medications you take regularly. Particular attention should be paid to anticoagulants, which must be stopped for some time before surgery or switched to another drug to reduce the risk of bleeding during surgery. You may also need to change the dose of your diabetes medications. This decision will be made by your doctor.

All medicines taken daily must be taken with you to the hospital.

Preparing for surgery

Shower early in the morning on the day of surgery. To avoid complications from anesthesia, you must not eat for at least six or drink for at least four hours before surgery. You should also stop smoking and chewing gum six hours before the operation. Acid stomach contents (undigested food or drink) entering the lungs during anesthesia can be life-threatening. Medicines can be taken with a little water.

In order to reduce the risk of complications, before the operation, please tell your doctor about:

• their state of health;

• all diseases;

• permanently taken medicines;

• known hypersensitivity to drugs.

Description of the operation

The operation is performed by a gynecologist.

There are three different ways to remove the uterus:

In the case of open abdominal surgery , a longitudinal or transverse incision is made through the abdominal tissues and the uterus is removed through the incision made. In this case, it is necessary to stay in the hospital for up to five days, and after healing, a visible scar remains on the abdomen.

In operations through the vagina, an incision is made and the abdominal cavity is penetrated through the vagina. The uterus is removed through a vaginal incision; after the operation, the wound is closed with sutures, there are no visible scars on the abdomen.

During laparoscopy a small incision is made on the anterior wall of the abdomen in the navel area, the abdominal cavity is filled with carbon dioxide using a special needle, and a laparoscope is inserted into the abdominal cavity, with which it is examined. 1-3 more small incisions are made on the anterior wall of the abdomen for the insertion of surgical instruments. The uterus can be removed from the abdominal cavity in parts through small incisions in the abdomen or through the vagina. After removal of the uterus, surgical instruments are removed and gas is released from the abdominal cavity, the incisions are sutured.

Benefits of laparoscopy

With laparoscopy, postoperative recovery is faster, hospital stays are shorter, and there are fewer surgical injuries. Postoperative pain is also less and the risk of inflammation is lower compared to open abdominal surgery. In the case of laparoscopy, you can return to normal physical activity after 3-4 weeks, and after open abdominal surgery after about two months.

Impact of hysterectomy on a woman’s life

Changes in the body after surgery largely depend on your age and the degree of removal of the uterus.

Pain for a few days after surgery is normal. You will be given painkillers to relieve the pain.

You may experience slight bleeding or a dirty vaginal discharge for several weeks after surgery. Often there is constipation; it can be avoided with diet and drugs that soften the contents of the intestine. Some women may experience temporary difficulty urinating or difficulty emptying the bladder.

When recovering from surgery, it is important to follow your doctor’s instructions. It is important to rest a lot and move as much as possible. Start with short walks and gradually increase them as you feel better.

Within four weeks after surgery:

Within six to eight weeks after surgery:

the amount of uterine mucosa remaining on the cervix.

If you are of childbearing age and your ovaries are not removed along with your uterus, normal hormonal regulation will continue and your ovaries will continue to function: follicles will mature and ovulation will occur. Premenstrual syndrome often persists even if menstruation is gone. Menopause will occur at a time when it would have occurred without surgery, usually around the age of 50.

If the uterus is removed along with the ovaries before the onset of natural menopause, this will lead to a decrease in the production of female hormones and menopause will occur, which can manifest itself in the form of unpleasant symptoms such as night sweats, hot flashes, mood swings and sleep disturbances. Over time, it may also occur

dryness of the skin and mucous membranes and thinning of the bones. If these changes impair your quality of life, and if your health permits, your doctor may prescribe hormone replacement therapy for you.