Things You Need to Know Before Getting a Hysterectomy

Planning for a hysterectomy can be a vital decision that can help you to get both relief and apprehension. Whether you are planning to undergo this surgery due to medical needs or for personal reasons, it is important to be well informed. Hysterectomy is a major surgery, and just like any other surgery, your surgeon’s approach and general health will determine how long your recovery period will be. Long in short, from understanding the different types of hysterectomy to preparing for the recovery process, there can be several key factors to consider. In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know before undergoing a hysterectomy, as well as where to find a skilled gynaecologist in Mumbai to plan your treatment. So, let’s start!

What Do You Understand By Hysterectomy?

A hysterectomy is the surgical removal of the uterus and, most likely, the cervix. Depending on the reason for the surgery, a hysterectomy may involve removing surrounding organs and tissues, like the fallopian tubes and ovaries. The uterus is where a fetus grows during pregnancy. Its lining is the blood you shed during your menstrual period. However, you should know you won’t be able to get pregnant and get your period after undergoing a hysterectomy.

Why Is A Hysterectomy Performed?

A hysterectomy is performed to treat health conditions such as:

• Abnormal or heavy vaginal bleeding that is not managed by other treatments
• Increased pelvic pain related to your uterus
• Cervical or uterine cancer or abnormalities that may lead to cancer
• Non Cancerous tumour growth, such as uterine fibroids or leiomyomas
• Uterine prolapse
• Conditions that affect the uterine lining, like hyperplasia

How Common Is It To Get A Hysterectomy in India?

As per the WHO report, a hysterectomy is performed approx 17 times per 1000 women in India. Further, hysterectomy is commonly seen among females aged 40-45 years, and by 65 years of age, approximately 37-29% of women undergo this surgery.

What Are The Different Kinds of Hysterectomy Surgeries Performed?

The various kinds of hysterectomy performed ideally depend on the need of the surgery and how much of the uterus and surrounding reproductive system can be in a safe condition. The surgeries that can be performed are:

Total Hysterectomy: This is the most commonly performed procedure in which the womb, along with the cervix, is removed.
Supracervical/ Subtotal/ Partial Hysterectomy: In this type of hysterectomy, only the womb is removed, and the cervix will remain in its position.
Radical Hysterectomy: This type of surgery involves the uterus removal and its surrounding tissues, including the ovaries, lymph glands, fatty tissue, fallopian tubes and the part of the vagina.
Total Hysterectomy With Bilateral Salpingo-Oophroectomy: This surgery includes the removal of the womb, cervix, ovaries and fallopian tubes.

How To Prepare For A Hysterectomy?

Preparing for surgery can be stressful, but with the right guidance, you can prepare yourself and make the procedure as stress-free as possible.

• Share your medical history with your doctor
• Maintain a nutritious diet
• Reduce stress levels
• Exercise regularly
• Avoid using cigarettes, vaping and other nicotine products
• Lose weight as per the recommendation of your doctor
• Discuss with your doctor the type of anaesthesia you will have and how long you will stay in the hospital

What Happens During A Hysterectomy?

Your healthcare provider will determine the type of hysterectomy that will be performed based on your health conditions and expectations. On the surgery day, you’ll wear a hospital gown and have monitors attached to watch your heart rate. A small tube called an IV will be put into a vein in your arm to give you medicine and fluids.

You will be given either general anaesthesia or regional anaesthesia, in which medications will be placed near the nerves in your lower back to block pain while you stay awake.

The approaches your doctor can opt to perform a hysterectomy include:

• Abdominal hysterectomy
• Laparoscopic hysterectomy or keyhole surgery
• Vaginal hysterectomy
• Robot-assisted laparoscopic hysterectomy

What Are the Advantages of Having A Hysterectomy?

Undergoing a hysterectomy surgery can help you to live a stress-free, enjoyable life, especially if you have constant pelvic pain or heavy and irregular bleeding. Moreover, if you are at a higher risk of uterine cancer, a hysterectomy can help to lower this risk and can turn out to be life-saving.

Tips To Recover After Hysterectomy

The general tips you should follow for fast recovery are:

• Manage pain and discomfort
• Maintain proper hydration
• Follow the doctor’s instructions carefully
• Eat a balanced diet
• Gradually increase physical activity
• Wear loose and comfortable clothing
• Maintain a good posture
• Attend all follow-up appointments

Final Words

A hysterectomy is a safe surgery to perform and works by the removal of the uterus. If you are planning for this surgery, make sure you reach out to an experienced gynaecologist in Mumbai. You can reach out to Dr. Chaitali Mahajan Trivedi at Nanavati Superspeciality Hospital. With over two decades of experience in taking care of the reproductive health of her patients, she is remarkably known as the cosmetic gynaecologist in Mumbai. If you are planning for the surgery, book your consultation with her at Nanavati Super Specialist Hospital today!