Hysterectomy is a procedure performed to treat certain conditions in women, which cannot be treated by medication, other types of surgeries, or therapies. It is a procedure where a woman's uterus is removed, although it's also possible for the other reproductive organs, such as the ovaries, the vagina, the fallopian tubes and the cervix, to be removed if required. It is considered the most commonly performed surgery among women.

As side effects of hysterectomy, the woman is no longer able to bear children and immediately goes into menopause if she isn't in the menopause stage already.

When Hysterectomy Surgery is Required

A hysterectomy surgery is performed only when other forms of treatment prove to be ineffective in curing the patient's condition, and if it's negatively affecting the patient's quality of life. Below are some of these conditions:

* Hemorrhage

* Uterine prolapsed

* Chronic pain

* Chronic bleeding

* Cancer

* Endometriosis

Classifications of hysterectomy Surgery

There are varying techniques used for the different types of hysterectomy. The reproductive organs removed are the basis for determining the latter.

The different types of hysterectomy surgery consist of the following:

Subtotal or partial hysterectomy. This is the removal of a portion of the uterus where the ovaries and the cervix are left intact.

Total hysterectomy. The uterus and the cervix are removed in this type of hysterectomy surgery. The ovaries may or may not be removed.

Radical hysterectomy. This type of hysterectomy surgery is performed when the patient's condition requires the removal of the uterus, together with the ovaries, the vagina, and the cervix.

On the other hand, the following are the hysterectomy surgery techniques that a doctor can use:

Abdominal hysterectomy. There are two types of abdominal incisions that can be made with this hysterectomy surgery. It can either be a vertical incision from the belly button to the pubic bone, or a horizontal incision across the bikini line.

Vaginal hysterectomy. This technique requires a vaginal incision through which the uterus is removed.

Laparoscopic assisted hysterectomy. A laparoscope is used with this hysterectomy surgery. The laparoscope enables the doctor to look into the woman's womb through a tiny camera. This technique is useful in performing a hysterectomy surgery for delicate cases and is usually used with a vaginal hysterectomy.

The Recovery Phase for Hysterectomy Surgery

Women who have undergone a hysterectomy surgery may take a while to recover. They usually need to stay in the hospital between one and four days after the surgery.

Abdominal hysterectomy patients take a longer time to recover compared to laparoscopic or vaginal hysterectomy patients. The former would need between four and eight weeks to recover, while the latter would need between one and two weeks to recover.

A hysterectomy patient can resume taking tub baths and engaging in sexual activity after six weeks.