Signs That Indicate One Needs To Undergo Hysterectomy

A hysterectomy is a surgical procedure that involves removing the uterus. It is one of the most prevalent surgeries done among women. Depending on the type of hysterectomy and the methods applied, the procedure can require 1-2 hours, and the recovery can be anywhere from two to six weeks. The decision to undergo this surgery is solely made by the expert gynaecologist since it is a major surgery and has long-term consequences. A hysterectomy is performed for several medical reasons. However, have you ever wondered what the reasons could be that warrant the need for hysterectomy surgery?

To answer the same question in this article, we have tried taking references from top gynaecologists, one like Dr. Chaitali Mahajan Trivedi, who is widely known for performing the best hysterectomy treatment in Mumbai. This article will detail some signs and medical conditions that may indicate the need for a hysterectomy. The aim behind this is to educate readers with the warning signs and symptoms so that they can stay on top of their gynaecological health and take immediate action if they experience any of these signs. Continue reading for more information.

Why Does One Undergo a Hysterectomy?

Following are some of the signs and medical conditions that indicate one needs a hysterectomy:

1. Uterine Fibroids: Multiple fibroids can cause symptoms such as pelvic pain, menstrual bleeding, etc. If these symptoms are severe and are not bearable, a hysterectomy is recommended.
2. Endometriosis: Endometriosis is a condition where tissues similar to the uterine lining grow outside the uterus. This can lead to chronic pain and fertility issues. In some situations, a hysterectomy is recommended when other treatments fail. The symptoms of endometriosis can frequently be eliminated by a hysterectomy; however, it is still likely for endometriosis to recur after a hysterectomy. Before having surgery, it's essential to discuss the advantages and disadvantages of this course of treatment with an expert gynaecologist.
3. Uterine Prolapse: When the uterus slips from its actual position into the vaginal canal, it causes a lot of discomfort and urinary incontinence. A hysterectomy may be advised in cases of extreme uterine prolapse.
4. Uterine Bleeding: A hysterectomy may be necessary if persistent or severe menstrual bleeding doesn't improve with alternative treatments. This can occur due to conditions such as adenomyosis, uterine polyps, and other uterine abnormalities.
5. Uterine Cancer: If endometrial cancer or cancer of the uterus is diagnosed, the expert gynaecologist recommends a hysterectomy to remove the cancerous tissues. In some of the cases, the ovaries or fallopian tubes might also be removed.
6. Pelvic Pain: Severe pelvic pain that does not respond to other treatments might require a hysterectomy. There could be several reasons for pelvic pain, i.e., endometriosis, pelvic inflammatory disease, fibroids, or some other reason.
7. Recurrence of Ovarian Cysts: If an individual experiences large or painful ovarian cysts that are not responding to alternative treatments, the gynaecologist recommends the removal of the ovaries and uterus.
8. Family Planning: Some individuals choose to undergo a hysterectomy as a permanent form of birth control. This is a completely personal decision and should be discussed with a gynaecologist for further discussion.

To learn more about hysterectomy treatment, schedule a consultation with Dr. Chaitali Mahajan Trivedi, an expert gynaecologist in Mumbai, at Nanavati Superspeciality Hospital today.

What are the Different Approaches for Carrying Out Hysterectomy?

Following are the various approaches with which a hysterectomy can be performed:

1. Abdominal Hysterectomy

In this method, the gynaecologist makes a cut in the abdomen to take out the uterus. The incision is made either from the top of the pubic hairline or from the navel to the pubic bone. Once the womb is removed, the cut is closed with the help of removable stitches. This is one of the most preferred approaches for cancer patients. This procedure requires a hospital stay for a long time and a longer recovery period as well.

2. Laparoscopic Hysterectomy or Keyhole Surgery

This surgical technique involves making several small incisions in the abdomen, through which a laparoscope is inserted to remove the uterus. A laparoscope is a thin and long instrument that is fitted with a high-resolution video camera at its end. Once the surgeon accesses the uterus, they will cut it into small pieces using surgical tools and will cut one piece at a time that can be taken out through cuts or the vagina. This is comparatively a less painful surgery, and the patient can get discharged after a few hours of the surgery.

3. Vaginal Hysterectomy

This involves making small incisions in the vagina to remove the uterus. Since no external cuts are made, the chances of visible scarring are less. This method is most commonly recommended for patients who suffer from uterine prolapse and other non-cancerous conditions. This method is most preferred since it is associated with minimal complications and has a quick recovery time of up to four weeks. Moreover, the patient can return home on the same day.

4. Robot-assisted Laparoscopic Hysterectomy

In this method, the gynaecologist makes a cut in the lower abdomen around the belly button. They control the robotic arms and surgical tools that are inserted to visualize the pelvic area and carry out the entire procedure. Its recovery is similar to a laparoscopic hysterectomy.

How is the Recovery After a Hysterectomy?

The recovery after a hysterectomy can depend on a range of factors, such as the type of procedure one has. Normally, it takes around six to eight weeks to fully recover from a hysterectomy, as it is a major procedure. The patient and the doctor will discuss the surgery and what the best options are for recovery.

Final Takeaway

As discussed, hysterectomy refers to the removal of the uterus, which is performed due to the various reasons mentioned above. If one experiences these signs, one must seek the immediate help of a gynaecologist for further guidance and treatment. One can consult the expert gynaecologist Dr. Chaitali Mahajan Trivedi, at Nanavati Superspeciality Hospital today, who performs the best hysterectomy treatment.

However, one must understand that the cost of hysterectomy surgery in Mumbai or elsewhere depends on a range of factors. These include the patient's age, complexity of the procedure, the doctor’s experience, and the surgical approach. For more information about hysterectomy, book a consultation with Dr. Chaitali Mahajan Trivedi today. The expert gynaecologist has more than two decades of experience and holds the Guinness World Record for removing the biggest uterus (4.1 kg) laparoscopically. Consult her today for more information and to stay on top of your gynaecological health!