What is hysterectomy? This is a surgery that involves removing the uterus and, in some cases, associated structures (tubes and ovaries).
Do you know what a hysterectomy is? In short, it is surgery to remove the uterus, performed by a gynecologist. There are several reasons that may lead a woman to undergo this procedure, such as cervical cancer, fibroids or endometriosis. However, there are women who undergo surgery just to prevent pregnancy.
Hysterectomy consists of removing the uterus, tubes and ovaries. However, this depends on the type of surgery chosen and recommended by the gynecologist. Recovery time from the procedure lasts three to eight weeks, and can be a little difficult for the woman.
So, without further ado, the Women’s Area has separated all the information about what a hysterectomy is, what its types and preventions are, so that you are up to date with everything before having the surgery. Keep reading and find out!
What is hysterectomy?
Hysterectomy is a gynecological surgery that involves removing the uterus and, in some cases, associated structures (tubes and ovaries). This surgery is recommended for women with diseases such as cervical cancer, infections, ovarian cancer, fibroids, endometriosis, hemorrhages or uterine prolapse.
Furthermore, some women, after having children, may undergo the procedure to prevent future pregnancy.
Types of hysterectomy
There are three types of hysterectomy, which are:
- Total: Removal of the uterus and cervix;
- Subtotal: Removal of the body of the uterus, keeping the cervix;
- Radical: Removal of the uterus, cervix, the upper region of the vagina and part of the tissues around these organs.
Furthermore, there are four ways that hysterectomy can be performed, so check them out below:
- Histerectomia abdominal: First, in this procedure, a cut is made in the abdomen, through which the surgeon removes the uterus;
- Vaginal: Procedure where the uterus is removed through a cut in the vagina;
- Laparoscopic: In this type of procedure, the surgeon inserts a small tube through cuts made in the patient’s belly. Therefore, the surgery is performed through videos, without the need for major cuts.
- Robotics: Finally, robotic hysterectomy is performed in the same way as laparoscopic hysterectomy, but instead of doctors, machines perform the procedure.
What pre-operative preparations?
Before undergoing surgery, it is essential that you maintain healthy eating habits. Furthermore, remember to inform your doctor about any use of medications and supplements, as these factors can interfere with the procedure.
Furthermore, first of all, you will need to undergo some tests, such as: Pap smear, pelvic ultrasound, endometrial biopsy and standard pre-operative exams.
Post-surgical care
After having a hysterectomy, it is normal to have symptoms such as abdominal cramping, vaginal bleeding and difficulty urinating. The doctor responsible for your surgery will probably prescribe painkillers, anti-inflammatories and antibiotics to relieve pain and prevent infections.
Furthermore, there are some super important precautions recommended by professionals, including:
- Rest for 3 months (avoid lifting weights and making sudden movements)
- Avoid intimate contact for 6 weeks;
- Take light walks to improve circulation and avoid the risk of thrombosis.
Complications and risks of hysterectomy
Depending on the degree of your surgery, there may be some risks of injury to the affected structures. However, these risks are more likely to occur in people who are obese, have diabetes or high blood pressure.
Complications that can occur include severe bleeding, post-surgical infections, damage to adjacent organs and reactions to anesthesia.
After hysterectomy, the woman will no longer menstruate and will not be able to get pregnant. However, sexual life will remain normal, with a decrease in libido only in older people, in the process of menopause. In these cases, hormone replacement therapy is indicated.
So, what did you think of this article? Also check out: Stitching in the uterus – Main causes and tests to detect.
Sources: My life, Your health, Conscious woman.
Image sources: El Universo, Globo Esporte, Manaus Alerta, Ella Craig, Guia da Cirurgia Plástica
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