Why Need a Hysterectomy?

Hysterectomy is a medical procedure to remove a woman's uterus. This means that women who have this procedure can no longer get pregnant. There are several conditions that require a woman to undergo a hysterectomy procedure.

Surgical removal of the uterus is recommended for women who suffer from certain diseases and have undergone various medical treatments, but their condition does not improve. Hysterectomy is a major surgery, so it requires a relatively long recovery time. However, this depends on your age and overall health condition.

Conditions Requiring Hysterectomy

There are several conditions that must be treated with a hysterectomy, including:

• Menorrhagia

  Menorrhagia is also known as excessive menstruation. In addition to excessive menstrual blood, other symptoms that may be felt are cramps and abdominal pain. In certain circumstances, bleeding that occurs can only be treated with a hysterectomy, especially if other treatments have not stopped the bleeding, or if the bleeding that occurs affects quality of life.

• Endometriosis

  Endometriosis occurs when cells in the lining of the uterus are found outside the uterus. The most common symptom is excruciating pain during menstruation.

• Rpelvic

  Infection of the reproductive system by bacteria can cause pelvic inflammation. Mild pelvic inflammation can be treated with antibiotics. However, if the condition is severe or the infection has spread, a hysterectomy may be required.

• Miom

  Myomas or benign tumors that grow in the uterine area are also known as fibroids. The most common symptom is excruciating pain during menstruation.

• Adenomyosis

  A condition when tissue in the inner lining of the uterus grows on the muscular wall of the uterus. This can make menstruation painful and cause pelvic pain.

• Saggy uterus

  This slack occurs when the tissues and ligaments that support the uterus become weak. Symptoms include back pain, leaking urine, difficulty having sex, and feeling like something is dropping from the vagina.

• Female cancer

  The cancers referred to here include cervical, ovarian, fallopian tube and uterine cancers.

What is the Hysterectomy Procedure Like?

There are several types and techniques of hysterectomy. Before undergoing a hysterectomy, the doctor will take a medical history of the reproductive system to determine which type and technique is appropriate.

Types of hysterectomy include:

• Radical hysterectomy

  Those who undergo this procedure will lose the entire reproductive system such as the entire uterus and cervix, fallopian tubes, ovaries, upper part of the vagina, fatty tissue and lymph nodes around the uterus. This procedure is performed on those who have cancer.

• Total hysterectomy

  The entire uterus and cervix are removed during this procedure. But there is also a type of total hysterectomy bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy. This procedure involves removing the fallopian tubes and ovaries.

• Subtotal hysterectomy

  This procedure simply removes the uterus without disturbing the cervix.

If the ovaries must be removed, then you will enter menopause, regardless of your age. But if you don't take it, then you will have the risk of experiencing early menopause.

Hysterectomy Surgery Technique

The following is the surgical technique for a hysterectomy:

There are two surgical techniques for undergoing a hysterectomy, namely conventional surgery and surgery that uses minimally invasive procedures.minimally invasive procedure/MIP).

• Operation conventional

  This procedure is often called open surgery or an abdominal hysterectomy because the surgeon will make an incision in the lower abdomen to remove the uterus and other parts that need to be removed.

• MIP Procedure

  There are two techniques associated with this procedure, namely:

  - Vaginal hysterectomy is performed by making an incision in the vagina to remove your reproductive organs. After that, the incision is sutured so that it doesn't leave a scar.

  - Laparoscopic hysterectomy is performed by making a small incision in the abdomen. Through the incision, a laparoscope or a small tube with a light and camera, and surgical instruments are inserted. Obstetrical laparoscopy will provide an overview or visualization of conditions in the body through a monitor screen so that surgeons can carry out surgery easily.

MIP has more advantages over conventional operations. These advantages include a faster healing process, lower risk of infection, less pain than conventional surgery, and generally lower costs.

Even so, not all women can do MIP. Women who are overweight or obese and have surgical scars cannot undergo the MIP procedure because it is very risky.

What Happens After Removal of the Womb?

If undergoing conventional surgery, the recovery process takes about 6-8 weeks. When undergoing MIP, the recovery process can be faster. During the recovery period after undergoing uterine removal, you should get plenty of rest. Avoid exercising, lifting heavy objects, driving, and having sex until the condition has completely improved. Ask your doctor when is the right time to return to normal activities.

Side effects that occur in the short term post-hysterectomy include:

• Vaginal bleeding.
• Intestinal and bladder disorders.
• Menopausal symptoms.

Emotional changes such as sadness or feelings of loss may occur after a hysterectomy, because you can no longer have children or may feel like you are no longer a full woman. If this does not go away, try to consult a doctor for further treatment.

Deciding to have a hysterectomy is tough, but it must be done under certain conditions. Discuss the ins and outs of a hysterectomy with your doctor starting from the risks, preparation, costs and other things, so that you are ready to undergo a hysterectomy.