Removal of the uterus. Total or, sometimes, partial. With possibly also the removal of nearby organs or lymph nodes. When it comes to hysterectomya series of different interventions is defined for various reasons, which must be identified case by case. For this reason, we cannot and should not hypothesize a possible cause that leads to the operating table. But here, in general terms, is what you need to know.
Total and partial hysterectomy
As mentioned, they exist different types of hysterectomy based on the amount of organ structure that is removed. In this sense we can speak of total hysterectomyin the event that the entire organ is removed, or rather subtotal resection or in any case partial of the uterus. In this second case obviously a certain portion of the organ remains, that attributable to the uterine cervix, also called the neck of the uterus.
In certain cases, when it is necessary to achieve a certain radicality with the intervention (perhaps because it is necessary to eliminate tissues that could be the site of malignant lesions, hysterectomy can also be associated with the removal of other organs, such as the ovaries (and we speak of oophorectomy ) or the uterine tubes. In all cases, the surgical choice must always be made together with the specialist who, case by case, operates on the woman. And we must not forget the age of the patient when selecting the methods of operation.
What are the indications for hysterectomy
Obviously, given that every woman is different, we cannot absolutely talk about conditions in which hysterectomy is indicated. Case by case, the specialist must always identify the targeted treatment. In general terms, for example, compared to some time ago, fewer interventions are carried out in case of uterine fibroids, benign tumors which can also benefit from other treatments.
Likewise, hysterectomy can represent an alternative treatment in cases of severe endometriosis or serious pelvic inflammation, also due to the risk of complications related to these conditions. Finally, we must not forget the importance of using the scalpel in the treatment of malignant lesions affecting the uterus itself or nearby organs, as part of a general evaluation which must obviously take into consideration the integration between the different options therapies indicated on a case-by-case basis.
How a hysterectomy is done
I am different surgical approaches which still allow the total or subtotal removal of the uterus to be carried out. Alternative strategies have gradually been added to the classic intervention that has always accompanied the history of surgery, i.e. the laparotomy with an incision of the skin and underlying layers to reach the uterus.
This is the case of laparoscopywhich allows the uterus to be removed through simple holes in the skin through which both the air to “inflate” the abdomen and the operating instruments pass, which can also be carried out using a robot.
But it also exists the vaginal procedure which has its own space and avoids external sutures. However, this technique allows the diseased uterus, or even just part of it, to be removed through the vagina: it generally causes less pain and involves fewer risks than the classic abdominal route. Let’s be clear. These are just examples.
In general terms, on a case-by-case basis, the surgeon chooses the most suitable mode of operation based on various criteria, ranging from the size of the uterus to the need to carry out other treatments and any pathologies of the woman who is on the operating bed. In general terms, considering the risks, it can be said that the less invasiveness translates into a shorter hospitalization time and a quicker return to normality for the operated woman.
What happens after hysterectomy
The specialist, based on the operation performed and the underlying pathology, indicates to the woman precautions to observe and the behaviors to follow after a hysterectomy. It must however be said that the woman she will not be able to have further pregnancies and will no longer have her menstrual cycleas well as potential variations in the abdominal anatomy linked precisely to the absence of the organ. It can happen that, in the absence of the uterus which in some way represents a sort of “support” for the intestine and bladder, urinary incontinence can develop. We must not forget that if hysterectomy is combined with oophorectomy, menopause is in some way induced even in women of childbearing age.
2024-01-18 16:19:00
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