Hysterectomy is a type of gynecological surgery that involves removal of the uterus and, depending on the severity of the disease, associated structures, such as the tubes and ovaries.
This type of surgery is usually used when other clinical treatments have failed to cure serious pelvic problems, such as advanced cervical cancer, ovarian or miometer cancer, severe pelvic tract infections, uterine fibroids, frequent endometriosis hemorrhage, or uterine prolapse, for example.
- Depending on the type of surgery performed and the severity of the disease.
- Recovery times can vary from 3 to 8 weeks.
There are 3 types of hysterectomy, which are chosen for the purpose of surgery and the need to remove the affected organs after the doctor’s evaluation:
In some cases, such as severe endometriosis or advanced cancer, the tubes and ovaries may also need to be removed. Also learn how to identify changes in the uterus.
Hysterectomy can also be performed using 4 surgeries, described in the following table:
1-2 days
The most commonly used surgery is total abdominal hysterectomy, as it allows the surgeon to better visualize the area, thus facilitating the identification of the affected tissues and organs.
After surgery, vaginal bleeding is common during the first few days, and the gynecologist will recommend pain relievers, anti-inflammatory and antibiotics to relieve pain and prevent infections on the spot.
In addition, some important precautions include
It is important to remember that the main risks of this surgery are bleeding, anesthesia problems and complications in nearby organs, such as bowel and bladder.
Signs that indicate complications after surgery include:
In the presence of any of these signs, an emergency room should be sought to evaluate possible complications of surgery.
After surgery to remove the uterus, the woman will no longer have her period and will no longer be able to conceive. However, sexual appetite and intimate contact will be maintained, allowing for a normal sex life.
In cases where surgery includes ovarian removal, menopause symptoms begin, with constant heat, decreased libido, vaginal dryness, insomnia and irritability. When both ovaries are removed, hormone replacement therapy will also need to be introduced, which will reduce the characteristic symptoms of menopause. See more details on: what happens after the removal of the uterus.