Uterus Removal Operation – Why is It Performed and Risks Associated With It?

Hysterectomy or uterus removal operation is a surgical procedure to remove a woman’s uterus through the belly or the vagina.

The uterus or the womb is where the baby grows when a woman is pregnant. During the procedure, the fallopian tubes or the ovaries may also be removed when the uterus is removed. Doctors at RG Stone says a woman may need a uterus removal surgery for many reasons. The surgery can be used for treating a number of chronic pain conditions along with certain types of infections and cancer.

The degree of the procedure varies depending on the reason for the surgery. In most cases, the entire uterus is removed including the fallopian tubes and the ovaries. The ovaries are the organs that produce hormones likes estrogen and the fallopian tubes are the organs that transport the egg from the ovary to the uterus. Once you have undergone the uterus removal operation, you will stop having menstrual cycles and also you will not be able to conceive a child.

Why is Hysterectomy Performed?

Your doctor may advise a hysterectomy if you are experiencing any of the following conditions or symptoms.

• Endometriosis, in which the uterus’ inner lining grows outside of the uterine cavity causing immense pain and vaginal bleeding. This condition occurs when the tissue in the uterine grows on the ovaries or on the pelvis causing bleeding and pain even when a woman is not on her periods
• Uterine prolapse, in which the uterus falls through the cervix and stick out from the vagina. This condition can occur following menopause, because of obesity, or after multiple births. Uterine prolapse can result in increased pressure on the pelvis and difficulty with urination.
• Pelvic inflammatory disease (a serious infection of the reproductive organs
• Uterine Fibroids, a type of tumor that grows in the uterus. Fibroids are muscular tumors that are generally benign. They vary in size and grow in the uterine wall. Uterine fibroids are relatively common in women. 2-4 women out of five are estimated to develop fibroids before they turn 50. When uterine fibroids start causing symptoms, women may experience heavy bleeding which may cause anemia, back or abdominal pain, frequent urination, difficulties with labor, and in rare cases – infertility.
• Cancer of the ovaries, cervix, or uterus. The doctor may remove the entire uterus for treating uterine cancer
• Uncontrollable vaginal bleeding. It can result from changes in hormonal levels, uterine fibroids, cancer, or infections
• Severe bleeding after childbirth. The doctor may remove the uterus to control the bleeding after a woman has a child
• Adenomyosis is a condition similar to Endometriosis where the tissue from the uterine lining starts growing inside uterine walls causing severe pain and heavy bleeding
• Chronic pelvic pain

Laparoscopically Assisted Vaginal Hysterectomy

The uterus removal laparoscopic is the surgical procedure for removing the uterus through the vagina instead of the belly. Vaginal hysterectomy is assisted with laparoscopy where a tool called laparoscope is used. A laparoscope is a thin tube that consists of a high-resolution camera and a high-intensity light at the front. It is a low-risk, minimally invasive surgical procedure that requires small incisions.

What are The Risks Associated With Hysterectomy?

Hysterectomy is considered as a safe procedure for removing the uterus. But as with all the major surgeries, there are associated risks. Some patients may experience an adverse reaction to anesthesia while there is also the risk of infection around the incisions and heavy bleeding.