Total Hysterectomy
Definition
A hysterectomy is a surgical procedure that involves the removal of the uterus; the term comes from the Latin:
"ister" which means uterus
and 'ectomy' means removal.
The uterus is the female organ that houses the embryo when a woman is pregnant, so the operation excludes any possibility of future pregnancy and with it also the monthly menstruation , which will no longer appear. During the operation, the ovaries and fallopian tubes are also sometimes removed, in which case the woman will experience menopause.Intervention may be recommended in case of:
Uterine fibroids.
Endometriosis.
Pelvic Inflammatory Disease.
Uterine prolapse.
Cancer of the uterus , cervix or ovaries.
Other causes of vaginal bleeding and/or chronic pain that does not respond to other treatments.
Hysterectomy is invasive, both physically and psychologically, and is therefore considered in the absence of viable alternatives; as we will soon see, however, very often it proves to be the right choice for the patient, who can finally find relief from serious and debilitating (if not downright dangerous) symptoms from which it is not possible to find peace in no other way.
Hysterectomy surgery consists of the removal of the uterus and possibly also the ovaries; in this second case, the woman will obviously go through menopause.
How long does the hysterectomy take?
Generally one to three hours, depending on the patient's state of health, the surgical technique chosen and the procedure.
What happens if you remove your uterus?
In the case of women who are not yet menopausal, the main consequence is the loss of fertility, that is to say that the woman will no longer be able to become pregnant.
From a more practical point of view, the main difference is that menstruation will no longer appear.
In case of simultaneous removal of the ovaries, the woman will instead enter surgical menopause, possibly showing the typical symptoms.
How long does the bleeding last after surgery?
A few leaks are completely normal after the operation, slight but sufficient to make the use of a sanitary napkin necessary.
Usually the duration is between a few days and a few weeks, but if it persists for more than six weeks or becomes abundant like menstruation, it is recommended to contact your doctor.
When can you resume sexual intercourse after a hysterectomy?
It is generally recommended to wait at least 4 to 6 weeks.
Do you gain or lose weight after a hysterectomy?
The tendency may be for weight gain, but in general, with some attention to lifestyle, it is a risk that can be easily managed and prevented. Source: A prospective study of weight gain after premenopausal hysterectomy