The operation to remove the uterus is considered the most common method of surgical intervention of a gynecological nature. A hysterectomy is performed in case of inefficiency of other available treatments. In many cases, an operation to remove the uterus can save a woman's life. In medical practice, there are interventions related not only to this organ, but also to the ovaries and fallopian tubes. This operation is called ovariectomy.
Radical intervention in many cases is a difficult decision, despite the presence of even absolute indications for its implementation.
It should be noted that, along with the discomfort and pain that occurs after any surgical intervention, many patients after surgery to remove the uterus experience emotional depression, a feeling of inferiority and confusion, various fears.
Indications for the operation should be considered:
- malignant neoplasms of the neck or body of the organ;
- adenomyosis or endometriosis (in the absence of the effectiveness of other measures against the background of prolonged therapy);
- benign tumor (fibromyoma);
- expressed omission or loss;
- pathologies that provoke constant pain in the pelvis.
For many years, the so-called abdominal access has been used for the intervention. In this case, the incision was made by the surgeon on the anterior wall of the peritoneum. In modern medicine, this method is practically not used. Today, the operation to remove the uterus is carried out laparoscopically. Intervention is made through minor incisions on the abdomen. The operation can also be performed through the vagina, while all the stitches remain inside it.
It should be noted that the volume of surgery during the procedure may be different.
Subvaginal or subtotal hysterectomy involves amputation of the uterus while preserving the cervix.
With total intervention, the organ and appendages are removed.
Radical hysterectomy involves the amputation of the ovaries, tubes, the cavity itself, the neck, the surrounding pelvic fiber and lymph nodes, as well as the upper third of the vagina.
The method and extent of intervention is chosen by the attending physician. In this case, the features of the disease are taken into account without fail.
The laparotomy method is used when an operation to remove the uterine polyp is indicated, with an enlarged organ, the presence of pronounced adhesions. This method involves access through an incision on the anterior wall of the peritoneum.
The operation to remove the uterus by more gentle methods (laparoscopic and vaginal) can reduce the recovery time of patients. In most cases, the cervix is preserved, as it is healthy and does not require amputation. Thus, the ligamentous apparatus is preserved, the number of side effects (for example, urinary incontinence) is reduced . In addition, this activity reduces the likelihood of sexual disorders after the intervention.
In patients with the removal of the organ, quite natural questions may arise regarding health, quality of life, and appearance.
After the operation, pain is often noted at first. They are associated with the healing process of joints or the formation of adhesions. Bleeding may also occur. The duration of recovery after an intervention depends on possible complications. So, pronounced disorders of urination, thrombosis, fever, suppuration of sutures are not uncommon.
After total hysterectomy , a change in the location of the pelvic organs is noted. This, in turn, adversely affects the work of the intestines and bladder.