HYSTERECTOMY (Uterus removal surgery)
Hysterectomy is a procedure which involves removal of the uterus . it can be of two types according to the organs that are being removed
1 total Hysterectomy : involves removal of the uterus and the cervix
2 total hysterectomy with salpingo oophorectomy (one sided or both sided): involves removal of one or both side tubes and ovaries depending on the age of the patient and whether the ovaries are harboring any disease or not.
According to the route of the surgery , Hysterectomy can be
1. Abdominal Hysterectomy: this is done by a large cut on the abdomen. The cut is similar to the one given during cesarean section just above the hair line.
2. Vaginal Hysterectomy: here the uterus is removed through the birth passage and there is no cut in the abdomen .the doctor operates through the vaginal route.
3. Laparoscopic hysterectomy : this is a key hole surgery where 3 to 4 one cm cuts are only given on the abdomen and the operator looks into the abdomen through a telescope the images of which are seen on a TV monitor.

4. Robotic Hysterectomy: here the surgeon sits on a console and equipped with controllers . the computer software takes the place of hands and robotic equipments are used to operate through small incisions.

Hysterectomy is done for the following reasons
1 abnormal uterine bleeding (not responding to medical management)
2 fibroids
3 adenomyosis
4 prolapse of the uterus
5 cancer of the uterus, cervix, ovaries

Some Common Questions and Answers About Hysterectomy

What happens to a woman’s body after hysterectomy?

Two major things that happen after a hysterectomy is that a woman stops having periods and she is no longer able to bear children. Mild vaginal discharge and pain at the stitch line can occur for a few days and will stopin due course of time. No hormonal problems arise if it is done for a valid reason at a right age. If done at an early age say less than 40 yrs , a woman’s ovaries may stop producing hormones before the age of natural menopause and then it can lead to bad effects on her bones, heart, skin and sexual activity. She can also experience hot flushes and night sweats. These menopause like symptoms appear immediately after surgery if both ovaries are removed at the time of surgery.

Can you still have orgasm after hysterectomy?

Most of the women can experience orgasm after hysterectomy. Sexual life is generally not affected by a hysterectomy as the birth passage/ vagina is not removed during the procedure and its sensations do not changed . Similarly the clitoris also remains intact with normal sensations.

Can a man feel after hysterectomy? Will my husband feel a difference after hysterectomy?

Your husband will not feel any difference after a hysterectomy as the passage for sexual intercourse and the sensations in the vagina do not change. In a vaginal hysterectomy the passage is tightened and your husband may in fact have a better experience!

Why is getting hysterectomy bad? What are the long term side effects of a hysterectomy?

Before getting a hystectomy one has to weigh the risks and benefits. Now if the benefits outweigh risks then one can always opt for it. Do not shy away from your gynaecologist in discussing alternatives to hysterectomy. No hormonal problems arise if it is done for a valid reason at a right age. If done at an early age say less than 40 yrs , a woman’s ovaries may stop producing hormones before the age of natural menopause and then it can lead to bad effects on her bones, heart, skin and sexual activity. She can also experience hot flushes and night sweats. These menopause like symptoms appear immediately after surgery if both ovaries are removed at the time of surgery.
You can discuss all these problems and get an honest opinion from The Best Laparoscopic Surgeon In Chandigarh.

What are the types of hysterectomy surgery?

Hysterectomy can be abdominal, Vaginal, laparoscopic or robotic . for all types of hysterectomy consult Dr Ruchi Rai Ahuja , Gynaecologist in Chandigarh.

Hysterectomy recovery time?

A patient is generally able to move about after 24 hours of surgery in cases of laparoscopic and vaginal hysterectomy.she is fit to attend to her daily light chores 2 days after an open abdominal hysterectomy. However the body takes 6 to 8 weeks to fully recover from the operation so she should refrain from any strenuous physical activity , sexual activity and avoid cough , constipation and heavy weight lifting for that time frame. One should however remain physically active to avoid clots in the legs. Recovery also depends on the expertise of the Gynecologist. Consult the Best Gynaecologist In Chandigarh.

What is removed in a hysterectomy?

In TAH /TLH (Total Abdominal Hysterectomy/ Total Laparoscopic Hysterectomy) uterus and cervix are removed . If indicated sometimes one or both side tubes and ovaries are removed (Salpingoophorectomy :unilateral/bilateral)

What not to do after a hysterectomy?

One should avoid cough/ constipation/ heavy weight lifting &strenuous excercises . apart from tjhis she is also advised to refrain from sexual activity for some time .

Reasons/indications of a hysterectomy?

Excessive/irregular bleeding not responding to medicines.

Large fibroids

Adenomyosis

Prolapsed uerus

Cancer of the uterus or cervix