Choosing Hysterectomy
August 22, 2009
Hysterectomy means complete removal of the female reproductive system. It is not just an option to get rid of any chance of future pregnancy but is also suggested for many health problems in women.
These include problems of heavy periods, cancer, prolapse, fibroids, pelvic inflammatory disease and endometriosis.
Hysterectomy should be the last option in all cases except in cancer. Before you make your choice of hysterectomy you must be sure about it. Ask yourself questions if you want no more kids, if you have tried all other alternative medicines, etc.
One must keep all records of health conditions and diseases encounters in the past. It helps in choosing from different types of hysterectomy.
Types of Hysterectomy
Cervix and the womb are removed through vaginal passage. This is called vaginal hysterectomy. Since the natural passage is used to remove the parts there are not many muscles to heal. The recovery period is quicker.
Use of anesthetic is very less. Although the procedure is easier for the patient to handle yet the procedure is preformed rarely. This is because surgeons are trained in abdominal surgery mainly.
When an incision is made in the abdomen to remove the womb and the cervix through it, the procedure is called abdominal hysterectomy. Many women complaint of not done with post-surgery pains even after one year. There is a total abdominal hysterectomy in which ovaries are also removed. Due to removal of ovaries, young women experience sudden menopause.
Hormonal replacement therapy will be give after the surgery to deal with the symptoms. In sub-total abdominal hysterectomy only womb is removed. The cervix is left untouched. This is the easiest procedure involving least amount of infection risk.
Radical hysterectomy is suggested for cancerous conditions. In this procedure, complete removal of cervix, womb, ovaries, and upper portion of vagina, fallopian tubes and pelvic lymph nodes takes place.
One needs to be healthy in order to undertake the surgery. Make sure you are mentally prepared for it. Consent of the patient is very important. Eat foods that strengthen your immune system. Stay away from caffeine containing products.
Supplementation with vitamin E, C and zinc is very important. These help in wound healing more effectively.
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