| Category | Vaginal Hysterectomy Treatment |
Vaginal Hysterectomy
During a vaginal hysterectomy, your surgeon expertly detaches your uterus from supporting structures like your ovaries, fallopian tubes, and blood vessels, accessing it entirely through the vagina. The uterus is where a fetus grows during pregnancy. Its lining is the blood you shed during your menstrual period. You won’t be able to get pregnant and you won’t get your period after a hysterectomy. This minimally invasive approach boasts faster recovery and lower costs compared to abdominal surgery. However, your uterus size, shape, and medical condition might necessitate other surgical options, which your doctor will discuss with you. Dr. (Smt) Sanju Agrawal is the Best Vaginal Hysterectomy Doctor in Indore MP!
Types of Vaginal Hysterectomy
Your doctor will discuss which type of vaginal hysterectomy is needed depending on your condition. This will determine if your fallopian tubes and/or ovaries need to be removed.
Total hysterectomy: Removing your uterus and cervix, but leaving your ovaries.
Supracervical hysterectomy: Removing just the upper part of your uterus while leaving your cervix.
Total hysterectomy with bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy: Removing your uterus, cervix, fallopian tubes (salpingectomy) and ovaries (oophorectomy). If you haven't experienced menopause, removing your ovaries will start menopausal symptoms.
Radical hysterectomy with bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy: The removal of your uterus, cervix, fallopian tubes, ovaries, the upper portion of your vagina and some surrounding tissue and lymph nodes. This type of hysterectomy is performed when cancer is involved.
Why is a hysterectomy performed?
Abnormal or heavy vaginal bleeding that isn’t treated by other treatment methods.
Severe pain with menses that isn’t treated by other treatment methods
Leiomyomas or uterine fibroids (noncancerous tumours).
Increased pelvic pain related to your uterus which can’t be managed by other treatments.
Uterine prolapse (uterus that has “dropped” into your vaginal canal due to weakened support muscles) that can lead to urinary incontinence or difficulty with bowel movements.
Cervical or uterine cancer or abnormalities that may lead to cancer for cancer prevention.
Conditions with the lining of your uterus, like hyperplasia, recurrent uterine polyps or adenomyosis.
Procedure for Vaginal Hysterectomy
Preparation:
General Anaesthesia: You'll likely be given general anaesthesia to put you to sleep during the surgery.
Positioning: You'll be placed in a special position on the operating table with your legs raised in stirrups.
The Procedure:
Incision: The surgeon makes a circular incision around the cervix, the lower part of the uterus that connects to the vagina.
Detaching the Uterus: The surgeon carefully separates the uterus from surrounding tissues like the bladder, rectum, fallopian tubes, and ovaries (if being removed). Blood vessels supplying the uterus are clamped and tied off to prevent bleeding.
Removing the Uterus: Once detached, the uterus is pulled through the vagina and removed.
Closing the Vagina: The vaginal opening may be left open or stitched closed depending on the surgeon's preference and your individual needs.
The surgery usually takes 30 to 90 minutes, depending on the complexity of the case.
You may stay in the hospital for 1-2 days after the surgery for observation and recovery.
Full recovery can take 4-6 weeks, with some restrictions on activity during that time.
Benefits
Faster recovery: You can typically go home within 24 hours and resume normal activities within 4-6 weeks, compared to several days and 6-8 weeks for abdominal hysterectomy.
Less pain: Smaller incisions within the vagina lead to less post-operative pain.
Reduced risk of infection: The closed, sterile environment of the vagina minimizes the risk of infection compared to open abdominal surgery.
Lower risk of injury to other organs: Operating through a confined space reduces the risk of damaging surrounding organs like the bladder or intestines.
Improved quality of life: Effective relief from symptoms like pelvic pain, heavy bleeding, and other issues can significantly improve quality of life.
Preserved sexual function: Unlike abdominal hysterectomy, vaginal hysterectomy typically doesn't affect nerve supply to the vagina, potentially preserving normal sexual function.
Advantages of having a hysterectomy
Having a hysterectomy can help you live a more enjoyable life, especially if you have constant pelvic pain or heavy and irregular bleeding. If you’re at a higher risk of uterine cancer, a hysterectomy can lower this risk and potentially be life-saving.
Disadvantages of having a hysterectomy
A hysterectomy is a major surgery with a long recovery. It comes with risks and side effects and is permanent. Depending on the type of surgery you have, you can go into menopause or experience symptoms of menopause. You also won’t be able to become pregnant after the procedure.
FAQ
Will I still have periods after a vaginal hysterectomy?
If your ovaries are removed during the surgery, you will no longer have periods. If your ovaries are left in place, you may still have periods for a while after the surgery, but they will likely be lighter and shorter.
Will I be able to get pregnant after a vaginal hysterectomy?
No, you will not be able to get pregnant after a vaginal hysterectomy because your uterus has been removed.
What are the risks of vaginal hysterectomy?
Like any surgery, vaginal hysterectomy carries some risks, including:
Bleeding
Infection
Damage to other organs
Blood clots
Anaesthesia complications
Will I have to stay in the hospital after having a hysterectomy?
You may need to stay in the hospital for up to a few days after surgery. The length of your hospital stay will depend on the type of hysterectomy you had and how it was done. You will be urged to walk around as soon as possible after your surgery. Walking will help prevent blood clots in your legs. You also may receive medicine or other care to help prevent blood clots.
Is hysterectomy safe?
Hysterectomy is one of the safest surgical procedures. But as with any surgery, problems can occur, including:
Fever and infection
Heavy bleeding during or after surgery
Injury to the urinary tract or nearby organs
Blood clots in the leg that can travel to the lungs
Breathing or heart problems related to anaesthesia
What will happen if my ovaries are removed before I have gone through menopause?
You may experience immediate menopause signs and symptoms. You also may be at increased risk of osteoporosis. Hormone therapy can be given to relieve signs and symptoms of menopause and may help reduce the risk of osteoporosis. Hormone therapy can be started immediately after surgery. Other medications can be given to prevent osteoporosis if you are at high risk.
Why is hysterectomy done?
Hysterectomy is used to treat many women’s health conditions. Some of these conditions include:
Uterine fibroids (this is the most common reason for hysterectomy)
Endometriosis
Pelvic support problems (such as uterine prolapse)
Abnormal uterine bleeding
Chronic pelvic pain
Gynaecologic cancer
What structures are removed during a hysterectomy?
There are different types of hysterectomy:
Total hysterectomy—the uterus and cervix are removed.
Supracervical hysterectomy—the upper part of the uterus is removed, but the cervix is left in place.
Radical hysterectomy—the uterus and cervix are removed along with structures around the uterus. This surgery may be recommended if cancer is diagnosed or suspected.
What Fills the Uterus Space After a Hysterectomy?
After a hysterectomy, other organs, typically the small and large intestines will move around to fill the space where your uterus once was.
When to Call Your Doctor after a Hysterectomy ?
If your pain noticeably increases during recovery after a hysterectomy, always check in with your doctor for guidance. Additionally, should you notice any of the below-mentioned red flags, call your healthcare provider:
Heavy, bright red vaginal bleeding
Redness, or swelling around the surgical incision(s)
Increasing amounts of vaginal discharge
A high fever (over 100 degrees Fahrenheit)
Nausea or vomiting
Pain or difficulty urinating
How to book an appointment with Dr. Sanju Agrawal for Vaginal Hysterectomy in Indore?
Worried about heavy periods, fibroids, or endometriosis? Dr. Sanju Agrawal, a leading gynaecologist in Indore, with an illustrious background holding an MBBS, M.S., and D.N.B., Dr. Agarwal has been a dedicated consultant gynaecologist and obstetrician for the past decade. She offers expert care in vaginal hysterectomy, a minimally invasive procedure that can bring relief and improve your quality of life.
Dr. Sanju Agrawal has extensive experience performing successful vaginal hysterectomies, ensuring you receive the highest quality care. Enjoy faster recovery times, less pain, and smaller incisions compared to traditional abdominal hysterectomy.
Book your appointment with Dr. Sanju Agrawal today!
