What is Hysterectomy

Hysterectomy is a surgery to remove your uterus. After surgery, you will no longer have periods. Also, you will no longer be able to get pregnant.

Reasons for this surgery

You may have this surgery if:

• You have bleeding in your vagina:
  • That is not normal.
  • That does not stop, or that keeps coming back.
• You have long-term (chronic) pain in your lower belly (pelvic area).
• The lining of your uterus grows outside of the uterus (endometriosis).
• The lining of your uterus grows in the muscle of the uterus (adenomyosis).
• Your uterus falls down into your vagina (prolapse).
• You have a growth in your uterus that causes problems (uterine fibroids).
• You have cells that could turn into cancer (precancerous cells).
• You have cancer of the uterus or cervix.

Types of hysterectomies

There are 3 types of hysterectomies. Depending on the type, the surgery will:

• Remove the top part of the uterus (supracervical).
• Remove the uterus and the cervix (total).
• Remove the uterus, cervix, and tissue that holds the uterus in place (radical).

Ways a hysterectomy can be done

This surgery may be done in one of these ways:

• A cut (incision) is made in the belly (abdomen). The uterus is taken out through the cut.
• A cut is made in the vagina. The uterus is taken out through the cut.
• Three or four cuts are made in the belly. A device with a camera is put through one of the cuts. The uterus is cut into pieces and taken out through the cuts or the vagina.
• Three or four cuts are made in the belly. A device with a camera is put through one of the cuts. The uterus is taken out through the vagina.
• Three or four cuts are made in the belly. A computer helps control the surgical tools. The uterus is cut into small pieces. The pieces are taken out through the cuts or through the vagina.

Talk with your doctor about which way is best for you.

Risks of hysterectomy

Generally, this surgery is safe. However, problems can happen, including:

• Bleeding.
• Needing donated blood (transfusion).
• Blood clots.
• Infection.
• Damage to other structures or organs.
• Allergic reactions.
• Needing to switch to a different type of surgery.

What to expect after surgery

• You will be given pain medicine.
• You will need to stay in the hospital for 1–2 days.
• Follow your doctor’s instructions about:
  • Exercising.
  • Driving.
  • What activities are safe for you.
• You will need to have someone with you at home for 3–5 days.
• You will need to see your doctor after 2–4 weeks.
• You may get hot flashes, have night sweats, and have trouble sleeping.
• You may need to have Pap tests if your surgery was related to cancer. Talk with your doctor about how often you need Pap tests.

Questions to ask your doctor

• Do I need this surgery? Do I have other treatment options?
• What are my options for this surgery?
• What needs to be removed?
• What are the risks?
• What are the benefits?
• How long will I need to stay in the hospital?
• How long will I need to recover?
• What symptoms can I expect after the procedure?

Summary

• A hysterectomy is a surgery to remove your uterus. After surgery, you will no longer have periods. Also, you will no longer be able to get pregnant.
• Talk with your doctor about which type of hysterectomy is best for you.