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Endometriosis – A condition where tissues that line the uterus grow elsewhere, such as on the ovaries, fallopian tubes or other organs.
Prolapsed uterus – A condition where the uterus drops from its usual position down into the vagina.
Adenomyosis – A condition where the tissues that line the uterus grow into the muscular wall of the uterus.
Severe and abnormal vaginal bleeding.
Chronic uterine pain.
Usually, a hysterectomy is only done when all other treatments have been tried with little or no improvement.
In rare cases, a hysterectomy may be performed to control bleeding during a caesarean delivery following pregnancy complications. While there are other methods to control bleeding, a hysterectomy may be necessary to save the lives of some women.
What are the risks and complications of a hysterectomy?
Like other surgical procedures, there are associated risks and side effects with a hysterectomy.
Rare complications that may occur 30 days after the procedure include:
Heavy bleeding which may require a blood transfusion
Damage to surrounding areas (urinary tract, blood vessels, nerves)
Side effects related to anaesthesia, like breathing or heart-related problems
Blood clots in the legs or lungs
Pelvic prolapse
How do you prepare for a hysterectomy?
Before the operation, your doctor will review your medical history. You may also undergo some scans and tests.
Once your operation is scheduled, your doctor will advise you on how to prepare. In general, you need to fast before the procedure.
Note: If you are taking any medication or herbal supplements, you should inform your doctor. You may need to adjust or stop taking some medication before the procedure (e.g. aspirin, blood thinners).
What can you expect in a hysterectomy?
A hysterectomy is usually performed using general anaesthesia, so you will be asleep during the surgery.
During the procedure
Depending on the reason for your surgery, your surgeon may deploy one of the following techniques:
Abdominal hysterectomy, which involves an incision in the abdomen. This is usually done if the uterus is enlarged from a fibroid or tumour. Minimally invasive laparoscopic or ‘keyhole’ surgery is also an option for this surgery.
Vaginal hysterectomy, which is done through the vagina. It is used for conditions such as a prolapsed (out of place) uterus.
After the procedure
You may spend a few days in the hospital to fully recover. The length of your stay will depend on the type of hysterectomy you underwent.
You may experience some post-operative pain. This is normal and will be managed with medication.
After surgery, you may be encouraged to walk around as soon as you can to prevent blood clots and to aid in the recovery process.
Care and recovery after a hysterectomy
After the surgery, you may experience bleeding and vaginal discharge for several weeks. To prepare for this, do prepare sufficient sanitary products at home.
It takes around 6 – 8 weeks to fully recover from an abdominal hysterectomy. Vaginal or laparoscopy hysterectomies may have a shorter recovery time.
As you recover from your procedure:
Get plenty of rest in between moving around as often as possible, such as taking short walks and gradually increasing the distance.
In the first 6 weeks, do not place any object in the vagina such as douches or tampons.
Avoid lifting anything heavy until your doctor approves such activity.
Avoid sexual intercourse in the first 6 weeks.
Take medication as prescribed.
Frequently asked questions
A: After surgery, it is common to notice a change in bowel movements. This may be due to medications, changes in diet and lack of activity.
To avoid constipation, increase your water intake and consider taking a fibre supplement. Taking slow walks and warm showers can also help. If needed, ask your doctor about taking a mild laxative.
A:Vagina prolapse is a relatively common condition. About one-third of women will experience some degree of prolapse during their lifetime.
A vagina prolapse can also occur after a hysterectomy. Due to limited support for the vaginal vault, the vaginal vault may sag down into the vaginal canal or outside of the vagina.
Factors that increase the risk of vaginal prolapse include:
Congenital conditions, such as bladder exstrophy, a deformity of the bladder.
A: In general, you can eat your normal diet after a hysterectomy. However, avoid supplements for the first week after surgery, as some supplements (such as ginseng or cordyceps) may increase the risk of unexpected bleeding.
If your stomach is upset, try bland, low-fat foods like plain rice, broiled chicken, toast, and yoghurt. Drink plenty of fluids (unless your doctor tells you not to).
A: Yes, ovaries can still continue to produce hormones up until the time when menopause would normally occur.
A: In a partial hysterectomy, only the uterus is removed, leaving the cervix intact.
A: After a hysterectomy, your periods will stop. However, those who have had a partial hysterectomy may experience light periods for a year after the procedure.
This is because small amounts of the endometrial lining can remain in the cervix. For women who still have one or two ovaries, there may be occasional symptoms such as bloating.
A: It is important to maintain a healthy lifestyle after a hysterectomy – especially if it results in menopause. You should:
Eat a healthy balanced diet that is high in fresh fruit and vegetables for vitamins and fibre
Consume at least 1,200 mg of calcium daily, alongside vitamin D
Opt for lean protein and heart-healthy oils
A healthy diet will provide all the nutrition you need. If you wish to take vitamin supplements, speak with your doctor for more advice.
Uterine prolapse, a common condition among women aged 50 and above, may require surgery. Read on to learn more about diagnosing and treating uterine prolapse.
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