Hysterectomy is the procedure by which the uterus and surrounding organs are removed surgically. Hysterectomy is the second most common surgical procedure performed among women in the United States. The patient undergoes hysteroscopy to inspect the uterus and nearby organs. This procedure is done using a hysteroscope.
A hysteroscopy helps to see the inside of the womb using the camera and light of the hysteroscope. Your doctor then diagnoses the actual cause of bleeding, painful periods, prolapse, fibroids, or any abnormality in the uterus and surrounding organs.
Hysterectomy is recommended as a last option by experts when all other alternatives have failed. Normally, your doctor will put you on medication before opting for a hysterectomy. In some cases, there isn’t any need for a hysterectomy at all such as in uterine fibroids. Uterine fibroids can be removed easily by myomectomy (i-e less risky than hysterectomy) or from uterine artery embolization (UAE).
Other related issues such as excessive bleeding, uterine prolapse, endometriosis, and related pelvic problems have alternatives too. But if your doctor has suggested you undergo a hysterectomy, you still have several options for the type of hysterectomy which you can undergo after discussing it with your healthcare provider.
Your doctor will discuss the type you are going to undergo before the procedure. Following are a few options you have when faced with a hysterectomy.
Vaginal hysterectomy:
This type of hysterectomy is the safest and generally recommended approach by experts. Vaginal Hysterectomy is opted more commonly in cases of non-malignant conditions or cases of uterine prolapse.
The procedure involves the removal of the uterus by a small incision at top of your vagina. Vaginal Hysterectomy has the fastest recovery and is with the least complications as it does not involve any external incisions. The surgeon will place dissolvable stitches inside your vagina.
Most probably you’ll get discharged the same day of surgery.
Abdominal hysterectomy:
This procedure is more complicated than the vaginal hysterectomy and requires a longer recovery time. An abdominal hysterectomy is opted when there is a cancerous growth in the pelvic region or when your uterus gets enlarged.
The uterus is removed by an incision in the abdomen. This incision is normally six-eight inches long and is made from the belly button to the pubis (aka the public bone). You might need to stay a few days at the hospital to avoid the risk of any complications.
Laparoscopic hysterectomy:
This procedure is less painful than the abdominal hysterectomy. The recovery is also fast than the former. This procedure involves the usage of a thin tube with having light and video camera at the end used to view the inside of the pelvic area. This tube is called a laparoscope.
A laparoscope is inserted in your abdomen through a small incision in your belly button. This procedure is followed by the insertion of surgical instruments inside through other small incisions. The uterus is then removed in small parts through the abdominal gateway or through the vagina.
You’ll get discharged either the same day or the next day.
Robotic laparoscopic hysterectomy:
This procedure is somewhat similar to the above procedure as it also uses a laparoscope but the procedure is performed with the help of a machine. A laparoscope is inserted inside the abdomen by a small incision around the belly button.
This process is aided by a robotic machine that the surgeon controls. Small incisions are made around the belly button to insert the surgical instruments inside.
Recovery is fast and you’ll probably get discharged the same day.
Conclusion:
These are some of the available options when faced with a Hysterectomy. Once you are done with Hysteroscopy, your doctor will consult with you to choose the right procedure for you.
