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ypes of hysterectomies revealed: Which is best for you
A hysterectomy is a surgical procedure to remove the uterus and cervix. There are different options and types of this surgery, such as a superotrachelectomy, which removes the uterus but leaves the cervix in place. These procedures may also involve the removal of the ovaries (oophorectomy), fallopian tubes (salpingectomy), and other surrounding tissue. Traditionally, the terms "partial" or "total" hysterectomy have been used inaccurately because the removal of the ovaries was not explicitly considered when the surgery was performed. Materially, these procedures are usually performed by a gynecologist.
Removing the uterus makes it impossible for the patient to become pregnant. This also applies to the removal of the ovaries and fallopian tubes. They all have surgical risks and long-term effects, so surgery is usually only recommended when other treatment options are unavailable or have failed.
In the United States, hysterectomy is the second most common gynecologic surgery after cesarean section. About 68% of surgeries were required for conditions such as endometriosis, irregular bleeding, and uterine fibroids. The frequency of hysterectomy is expected to decrease over time as alternative treatment options develop for various nonmalignant etiologies.
Medical Uses
A hysterectomy is a major surgery with risks and benefits. It affects the patient’s hormonal balance and overall health. Therefore, hysterectomy is usually recommended as a last resort and is only performed to address certain difficult and serious uterine/reproductive system problems when all medical or other surgical options have been exhausted.
Common reasons for hysterectomy- Endometriosis: Endometriosis is a condition in which tissue from the uterus lining grows outside the uterine cavity and may cause pain and bleeding.
- Adenomyosis: Growth of endometrial tissue into the uterine wall, which may cause thickening and pain.
- Heavy menstrual bleeding: Irregular or excessive menstrual bleeding for more than a week, which may affect your quality of life.
- Uterine fibroids: Benign tumors on the wall of the uterus that may cause extreme pain and bleeding.
- Uterine prolapse: The uterus sags due to relaxation of the pelvic muscles and may protrude into the vagina in severe cases.
- Prevention of reproductive system cancer: especially when there is a strong family history.
- Severe developmental disabilities: Treatment for this condition is controversial.
- Meet the needs of gender transitioners: reduce future reproductive issues, and convert legal documents during the transition process.
Risks and adverse reactions
In 1995, the short-term mortality rate for hysterectomy for benign disease was reported to be 0.38. The risk of surgical complications includes factors such as fibroids, younger age, and functional uterine bleeding. Mortality rates are higher in patients who are pregnant, have cancer, or have other medical complications. Women under 45 have significantly increased long-term mortality, often related to the hormonal effects of surgery.
After a hysterectomy, approximately 35% of women will need another related surgery within two years.
In addition, urethral injury after dissection is not uncommon and usually occurs during vaginal or abdominal procedures. These potential long-term problems depend to some extent on the patient's own health status and medical technology.
Recovery after surgery
The length of hospital stay will vary depending on the surgery. Abdominal surgery usually takes 3 to 5 days, while vaginal or laparoscopic surgery generally takes 1 to 2 days, but may take longer. After surgery, the medical society recommends that patients avoid any intravaginal use, including tampons, and sexual intercourse for the first 6 weeks.
The impact of sexual life
After hysterectomy for benign causes, most patients report improvements in sexual life and pelvic pain. However, some patients also reported a deterioration in their sexual life. Resection for malignant causes is usually more radical and has more significant side effects.
Alternatives
Depending on the cause, hysterectomy is not the only option. For example, for heavy bleeding, the contents such as birth control pills or endometrial ablation surgery. In these cases, relatively conservative treatment options are usually sought to reduce the risk of unnecessary surgery.
Types of Hysterectomy
Generally speaking, there are several types of hysterectomy, including total hysterectomy, partial hysterectomy, etc. A total hysterectomy is the complete removal of the uterus and cervix, while a partial hysterectomy is the removal of only the uterus and leaves the cervix in place. These different resection options may affect a patient's subsequent health status, so they should be discussed thoroughly with your doctor before considering surgery.
Hysterectomy is not only a surgical option, it is a turning point for many women facing serious health issues. Before deciding which surgery is right for you, it is crucial to fully understand your health status and all available treatment options.
Have you ever considered these potential options and wondered which surgery is best for you?
