Different types of Hysterectomies

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Different types of Hysterectomies
By Chantal (MsNobleEleanor)

You may know someone or have heard about women having a hysterectomy, which is the removal of the uterus, fallopian tubes, cervix, and ovaries. A hysterectomy is done for a wide range of different medical reasons. This article will look into what a hysterectomy is, why someone may need this surgery and the risks.

Breakdown of a hysterectomy
A hysterectomy is the removal or partial removal of the reproductive organs. Here is a breakdown of different medical terms when the reproductive organs are removed and how they would be removed.

Total hysterectomy: is the removal of the uterus and cervix.
Subtotal hysterectomy: is the removal of the uterus that leaves the cervix intact. It is also called partial hysterectomy.
Radical hysterectomy: is only done when someone has cancer and it is the whole removal of the uterus, cervix, and the top part of the vagina (allowing someone to still become pregnant).
Oophorectomy: the removal of the ovaries.
Salpingectomy: the removal of the fallopian tubes.

A hysterectomy and bilateral salpingectomy-oophorectomy is when someone has their whole uterus, both fallopian tubes, cervix, and both ovaries removed.

Surgical methods of a hysterectomy
When someone has a hysterectomy the surgeon can decide on two methods of removing the organs. The two methods are open surgery or MIP (minimally invasive parathyroid) which has four different methods.

Open surgery hysterectomy
This surgery is an abdominal hysterectomy where the surgeon makes a 5 to 7-inch incision which is either across the belly or up the middle of the belly. From the incision, the surgeon is able to remove the uterus.

After surgery, someone would need to spend about 2-3 days or longer in the hospital recovering. The recovery after an open hysterectomy surgery is between 6 and 8 weeks, where one is limited to your daily activities while healing to prevent any complications.

MIP Hysterectomy
Minimally invasive surgery for a hysterectomy is different to an open hysterectomy. There are four different methods which could be used to target each specific organ that would need to be removed.

1. Vaginal hysterectomy is where the surgeon makes a tiny incision in the vagina to remove the uterus, leaving no visible scar.
2. Laparoscopic hysterectomy is where several small incisions are made on the belly and one in the belly button, and small tools are then inserted through the incisions. A camera with a light is used in order to visually see inside the body. This procedure is done outside the body while the surgeon is viewing the operation on a screen.
3. Laparoscopic-assisted vaginal hysterectomy is where the surgeon uses both the vaginal and laparoscopic hysterectomy methods. The surgeon makes several small incisions.
4. Robot-assisted laparoscopic hysterectomy is where a surgeon uses a sophisticated robotic system of surgical tools. The advanced technology allows the surgeon to view the surgery on a three-dimensional screen.

Abdominal vs. MIP hysterectomy
Using the MIP hysterectomy approach offers a variety of benefits for the patient. The benefits allow the patient to recover faster, have a shorter hospital stay, less scarring occurs, and there is far less risk for infection than having an abdominal hysterectomy.

Generally, someone can resume normal activities after surgery; three to four weeks for MIP and six to eight weeks for abdominal hysterectomy. Lifting and bending is highly discouraged for the first six to eight weeks during recovery, even if one feels well enough body is still healing and may cause internal bleeding. One will need to abstain from having sex for 8 weeks or longer until they get the go-ahead from the surgeon. This is usually determined after the 6 to 8 week follow-up appointment and when they do an internal exam.

Disclaimer: Everyone's body heals at different rates, and depending on the type of hysterectomy that was performed, it can take some up to three months to resume regular activities which include; lifting, bending, exercise, intercourse, and any other activities.

Risk factors
Everyone will recover at different speeds. There are also risks after surgery for an infection to occur and knowing those signs is crucial in treating the infection. Signs of infection are high fever, hot or cold sweats, low appetite, tiredness, or redness or puss from the incision areas. If one suspects there is an infection it is advised that they go to the hospital for treatment.

Why someone may need a hysterectomy
Here are some reasons why someone may have a hysterectomy.

• Cancer that is found in the reproductive organs like endometrial cancer, cervical cancer, uterine sarcoma, cancer of the fallopian tubes or ovaries. Read an article on Supporting a loved one with cancer.
• Endometriosis is when endometrial tissues grow on the outside of the uterus and on nearby organs. An article on My Experience with Endometriosis can explain more about the condition.
• Uterine fibroids are benign tumors that grow in the muscles of the uterus.
• Uterine prolapse is when the uterus moves from its usual place down into the vagina.
• Hyperplasia is when the lining becomes thick and causes abnormal bleeding.

Conclusion
The different types of hysterectomies as well as the reasons why people may need them can be confusing, but this challenging time can provide a new beginning with reduced pain or struggling.