The US performs more than 600,000 hysterectomy procedures annually, making it the country with the highest number of hysterectomy surgeries worldwide, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). About 300 women out of 100,000 will have a hysterectomy at some time in their life.
In this article, we’ll examine the treatment choices that medical professionals offer leiomyoma patients as well as how you can get the support you require:
What Are the Causes for Getting Hysterectomy?
When a hysterectomy is performed, the uterus is surgically removed, making it a significant medical procedure. When conventional treatments are ineffective in relieving fibroid symptoms or treating leiomyoma, many women choose to undergo hysterectomy. After a hysterectomy, period pain, pelvic pressure, and the need to urinate frequently are all relieved, and the procedure also stops the growth of new fibroids. Following a hysterectomy, a woman loses her ability to become pregnant.
It may not be necessary to extract the ovaries during a hysterectomy procedure. Often, women have their ovaries removed as they approach or reach menopause. If the ovaries are not functioning normally or if a woman wants to lower her chances of developing ovarian cancer, she may opt for ovarian removal. Extraction of ovaries in women before menopause can result in various symptoms, such as vaginal dryness and hot flashes. Consult with your doctor regarding the advantages and disadvantages of ovarian removal.
How Do Doctors Surgically Treat And Manage Hysterectomy?
The method for performing a hysterectomy varies based on multiple factors. Several factors play a role in determining the appropriate treatment, such as the condition being addressed, the patient’s medical background, the size of the uterus, the surgeon’s expertise, and the patient’s personal choice.
Here are the available options:
Vaginal Hysterectomy
The uterus is surgically removed through a little incision made at the vaginal opening. No downtime and minimal discomfort are associated with this method.
Laparoscopic Hysterectomy
To observe the internal organs during the procedure, a surgeon will insert a laparoscope—a tool consisting of a thin, illuminated tube and a tiny camera—via a small incision in the abdomen, typically through the belly button. The surgeon can use this perspective to direct the tiny surgical instruments that remove the uterus through tiny incisions made in the vagina or abdomen.
Robotic Hysterectomy
The surgeon maneuvers a robotic arm through tiny incisions made in the patient’s lower abdomen during this laparoscopic hysterectomy procedure.
Abdominal Hysterectomy
Surgeons make an incision in the patient’s lower abdomen to access the uterus and remove it. Total recovery time may be extended following this surgery. The size of the uterus and the necessity to investigate adjacent tissue or other criteria may necessitate its usage, though.
Anesthesia, recovery time, postoperative pain, and the risk of chronic pain are all factors that can vary depending on the surgical technique.
Which Specialist To Consult For Hysterectomy?
When a hysterectomy is the final treatment option for your health condition, it is essential to locate a certified gynecologist. When consulting a general practitioner and a family doctor, there is a risk of not getting a precise diagnosis and treatment plan.
Therefore, it’s crucial to seek advice from a qualified gynecologist. Before the hysterectomy procedure, confirming the doctor’s medical qualifications is essential to carry out the surgery. A highly qualified gynecologist holds an MBBS degree and MD/MS specializing in gynecology.
Bottom Line
A hysterectomy may be necessary if you have leiomyoma, heavy menstruation accompanied by significant discomfort, or both. Your doctor is a great resource to help you balance the pros and cons. Based on your circumstances, your healthcare professional will determine the type of hysterectomy necessary. Based on this, they can decide whether or not to remove your ovaries and fallopian tubes.
Sources
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6984437/
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/hysterectomy/
https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/267273-treatment?form=fpf#d10