Some women find their lives interrupted after discovering they need to have a hysterectomy. Some reasons doctors and patients choose to have this procedure is because of cancer in the female reproductive system, severe hemorrhaging, rupturing of the uterus, chronic pelvic pain, fibroids, endometriosis, and pelvic inflammatory disease.

Whatever the reason, if this happens to you become informed about the procedure and how it will affect you. When considering surgery, you should talk with your doctor and get a clear understanding of why you are having the surgery. Know what is involved with the surgery and what the risks and possible complications are.

Ask your doctor if the surgery will be performed vaginally, through the abdomen, or will you have a laparoscopy. Whichever procedure the surgeon uses may depend on the diagnosis, the size of the uterus, or whether or not there is concern about having a surgical scar.

PROCEDURE:

A total abdominal hysterectomy requires making a 6 to 8 inches long incision in the abdomen to allow for removal of the reproductive system: uterus, ovaries, and fallopian tubes.

A total vaginal hysterectomy involves removing the uterus through the vaginal opening through use of special instruments. No incisions are made inside or outside, eliminating any scarring.

During a laparoscopy, the abdominal area is filled with carbon dioxide to lift the abdominal wall away from the internal organs. Tiny incisions are made in the abdomen near the bellybutton. The uterus is removed either vaginally or through the scoping tubes.

COMPLICATIONS:

With any surgery there is a risk. Bleeding complications are possible during a hysterectomy. The uterus has a hefty blood supply and hemorrhaging is possible. Because other major organs are close to the uterus, these can be injured during surgery. These complications can be corrected at that time. Again, the risk is low.

RECOVERY:

How you feel after surgery depends on the procedure. If you had a laparoscopy, your recovery time may be quicker and easier than the other procedures. Recovery from a vaginal hysterectomy is easier than recovering from an abdominal hysterectomy. After the removal of your ovaries you will go into menopause.

OTHER ADVICE:

In addition to talking with your doctor prior to surgery, talk with other women who have had a hysterectomy to get a well-rounded understanding of the procedure. Any information you get from all sides can be useful in your decision and/or recovery time. Find out what others went through. They may have some good suggestions to offer. Don’t be afraid to ask for help after surgery. Allow others to care for you during this time.