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The truth about uterine surgery: Why do women choose hysterectomies?
Hysterectomy, the surgical removal of the uterus and cervix, is the second most common gynecological surgery in the United States, after Caesarean sections. This surgery may involve the removal of the ovaries or just the uterus. According to data, about 68% of surgeries are caused by conditions such as endometriosis, irregular bleeding and uterine fibroids.
These surgeries are often considered when other treatment options have failed or are not a solution.
While a hysterectomy can help alleviate a variety of medical issues, the risks and long-term effects of this surgery should not be ignored. In many cases, hysterectomy is considered a final option only after other conservative treatments have failed.
Medical Uses of Hysterectomy
Hysterectomy is commonly performed for a number of pathological conditions, including:
- Endometriosis: Abnormal growth of tissue lining the uterus, causing pain and bleeding.
- Heavy menstrual bleeding: Abnormal bleeding that lasts for more than one week and affects the quality of daily life.
- Uterine fibroids: Benign tumors that cause extreme pain and bleeding.
- Uterine prolapse: The uterus sags due to weakened pelvic floor muscles, which may lead to other gynecological problems.
The rate of hysterectomies for nonmalignant reasons is expected to decrease as other treatment options develop.
Surgery risks and adverse effects
According to previous studies, the short-term mortality rate of hysterectomy for benign reasons within 40 days after surgery was 0.38 per 1,000 cases. But if the patient undergoes surgery while pregnant, has cancer or other complications, the mortality rate rises significantly.
Long-term mortality is significantly increased after hysterectomy in women under 45 years of age, which may be related to the hormonal effects of hysterectomy.
Postoperative Recovery and Long-term Effects
After surgery, patients generally need to stay in the hospital for 3 to 7 days. Recovery time after surgery varies depending on the type of surgery, with open surgery generally taking longer than vaginal surgery.
About 35% of women will require other related surgeries within two years after surgery. In addition, the risk of urethral injury after surgery ranges from 0.2 to 1.3 per 1,000 cases. After surgery, many women report improvements in sexual performance and pelvic pain.
Alternative Treatment Options
Given the risks associated with surgery, alternative solutions exist for certain conditions. For example, for heavy menstrual bleeding, a suitable intrauterine device (IUD) may be used to control the bleeding.
ConclusionAccording to studies, UAE is a minimally invasive procedure that can treat uterine fibroids and shows similar efficacy to hysterectomy.
While hysterectomy is a medical procedure that provides effective treatment for a variety of gynecological problems, its risks and long-term effects remain key factors to consider. When women are faced with this choice, they should fully understand all possible risks and alternatives so that they can make the medical decision that best suits their needs. Is opting for a hysterectomy a wise choice?
