Stay up to date with everything about uterine removal surgery: what types it is, pre- and post-operative care and its consequences.
After presenter Fátima Bernardes revealed on her Instagram that she has uterine cancer and will undergo surgery, research into removing the uterus increased. This is because most women are afraid of suffering from the disease and, after a certain age, interest in hysterectomy increases.
Therefore, we, at Women’s Area, have separated all the information you need to know about removing the uterus.
For those who don’t know yet, the surgery to remove the uterus is called a hysterectomy and, in addition to removing the organ, it can also include the removal of the adjacent tubes and the ovary. The procedure is simple, as is the pre- and post-surgical procedure, and is often done to prevent diseases such as uterine fibroids, pelvic pain, abnormal uterine bleeding, endometriosis and uterine prolapse, or to alleviate cervical cancer. .
How the uterus is removed
There are three forms of hysterectomy surgery, so check out how each one is performed below.
- Vaginal hysterectomy: The uterus is removed through the vagina. Simple procedure, which causes less discomfort and has a faster recovery.
- Laparoscopic hysterectomy: In laparoscopic surgery, the uterus is removed by inserting instruments inserted into the abdomen.
- Histerectomia abdominal: As with the previous procedure, this surgery is performed through an incision in the abdomen. This method is chosen mainly in cases of tumor removal. Therefore, it is a little more complex and requires more recovery time.
Types of surgery
- Hysterectomy partial: Removal of the cervix and upper part of the uterus;
- Complete: Removal of the complete uterus;
- Radical: Removal of the uterus and organ ligaments. In this type, in addition to the cervix, the vaginal tissue around it is removed.
Pre and post hysterectomy care
Pre-surgery: Before carrying out the surgery, the patient is given some tests, medications and precautions, such as blood and urine tests, endometrial biopsy, in addition to the use of antibiotics or laxatives and fasting for a few hours before the procedure. .
Post-surgery: After the procedure, the patient must rest, without making great efforts, for a period of four to six weeks. However, light walking is recommended to prevent the development of blood clots and speed up healing. Furthermore, after surgery, it is necessary to follow a regulated diet, prescribed by the responsible doctor.
Possible consequences
Like any surgical procedure, hysterectomy has some consequences, including, for example, bleeding and infections, in addition to side effects caused by anesthesia.
Furthermore, after removing the uterus, the woman may suffer other possible mental and physical changes, ranging from changes in libido to bodily injuries and high fever.
The recommendation is that women receive plenty of emotional support post-surgery, to ease the pressure of changes, avoiding possible depression. Therefore, if you need or want to undergo a hysterectomy, in addition to a surgeon, also seek assistance from a psychologist.
Frequently asked questions about removing the uterus
1. When is it recommended? Removal of the uterus is recommended when there is evidence that the patient has or may have a uterine disease, such as adenomyosis, endometriosis, fibroids and malignant tumors.
2. Does it change anything in sexual relations? In cases of simple surgery, there is no change in intimate life, however, in serious cases, such as cancer, or when removal is carried out in women who have not yet gone through menopause, there may be a loss of sexual libido and also of vaginal lubrication.
However, dryness can be resolved with the use of water-based lubricants.
3. How is menstruation? After removing the uterus, women continue to have their menstrual cycle, but without bleeding. However, if the ovaries are also removed during surgery, the woman enters the menopause process.
4. Is it easier to gain weight? Yes! Due to the imbalance of sexual hormones caused by surgery, women begin to accumulate more fat in the abdominal region. Furthermore, during the recovery period, the patient stops doing certain activities, which leads to an increase in body weight.
So, what did you think of our article about removing the uterus? Take the opportunity to also read: Silicone explant, what is it? Dilemma, how it is done and famous people who did it.
Sources: Conscious Woman, Your health, Endometriosis and me.
Image sources: Sallet, Blancho, Notícias a minute, Clinica Gera.
