A Hysterectomy is a surgical procedure to remove a womens uterus (womb)

Why hysterectomy is done- when non-surgical management has failed for the below conditions

• Uterine Fibroids
• Endometriosis
• Pelvic support problems(Prolapse)
• Abnormal uterine bleeding.
• Chronic pelvic pain.
• Gynecologic cancer.

Hysterectomy types

• Total hysterectomy. The whole uterus along with the cervix is removed
• Subtotal/supra cervical/partial hysterectomy-Only the uterus is removed leaving the cervix, which can be performed abdominally (Open) or laparoscopically.
• Radical hysterectomy. It is done for the cancer, where the whole uterus, cervix, tubes, ovaries, surrounding tissues of uterus, cervix and upper part of the vagina is removed.

Hysterectomy surgery

Surgical technique for the hysterectomy Surgeons use different approaches for hysterectomy. The hysterectomy technique will partly determine healing time and the kind of scar.

There are two approaches to surgery-a traditional or open surgery and surgery using a minimally invasive procedure.

Abdominal hysterectomy

It is an open surgery. It generally requires a large cut on the abdomen 6-10 inch, which requires long hospital stay and recovery time.

Laparoscopic hysterectomy

Laparoscopic hysterectomy involves a few small (about half inch long) cuts in your abdomen. A laparoscope (Long instrument with attached camera and light) inserted through one of these cuts allow the surgeon to see the pelvic organs. Other surgical instruments are used to perform the surgery through separate small incisions.

A robot-assisted laparoscopic hysterectomy is performed with the help of a robotic machine controlled by the surgeon.

Vaginal Hysterectomy

In a vaginal hysterectomy, the uterus is removed through the vagina. There is no abdominal incision. Not all women are able to have a vaginal hysterectomy. For example, women who have adhesions from previous surgery or who have a very large uterus may not be able to have this type of surgery.

Hysterectomy recovery time

It takes two weeks for laparoscopic hysterectomy and four to six weeks for abdominal hysterectomy. Compared with abdominal hysterectomy, laparoscopic hysterectomy results in less pain, has a lower risk of infection, and requires a shorter hospital stay. You may be able to return to your normal activities sooner.

Hysterectomy complications

• Fever and infection.
• Bleeding during or after a hysterectomy
• Few will experience some vaginal bleeding and discharge. This will be less discharge than during a period, but it may last up six weeks for very few patients. If you experience heavy vaginal bleeding, start passing blood clots, or have a strong-smelling discharge you need to consult your surgeon.
• Injury to the urinary tract or nearby organs more common in those with multiple previous open surgeries.
• Blood clots in the leg that can travel to the lungs also called thromboembolism in high-risk patients
• Preexisting Breathing or heart problems may be at greater risk related to anesthesia.

Complications rate is same either we do laparoscopy or open surgery.