Is a Hysterectomy a Major Surgery?

 

To most people, a hysterectomy surgery​ might sound like a term straight out of a medical drama show, which might be intense and intimidating, and why not? After all, it is a major surgery that involves the removal of the uterus, which is one of the most important organs of the female reproductive system. A hysterectomy can be a life-changing procedure for some patients, depending on why it is being done and how prepared the patient is. A hysterectomy is recommended for patients in cases of fibroids, endometriosis, abnormal bleeding, or even cancer, when other treatment options don’t seem to work. Traditionally these surgeries were done through abdominal and laparoscopic or vaginal pathways. However, advancements in modern technology and medicine have given rise to robotic techniques that perform this surgery more efficiently. Thus, while it is still considered a major surgery because of the involvement of internal organs and general anesthesia, modern advancements have led to procedures of this surgery becoming more risk-free and smoother. The recovery period has been cut down significantly. In this article, we will discuss hysterectomy surgery​ in detail and try to understand the different aspects of this surgery.

What is a hysterectomy?

A hysterectomy is a surgical procedure that is used to remove the uterus and the cervix of a woman. Depending upon the reasons for the surgery, this procedure can further be extended to remove the fallopian tubes and ovaries, including other surrounding organs and tissues. After a hysterectomy, a woman can’t get pregnant, nor will she have her periods. Reasons for this surgery include abnormal bleeding, fibroids hysterectomy​, prolapse of the uterus, and cancer. The healthcare professionals will discuss a case properly and figure out which type of hysterectomy is needed for the patient. Different types of hysterectomy include:

1. Total hysterectomy surgery​: This surgery involves the removal of the uterus and cervix. Ovaries are left behind in this surgery, hence, the patient won’t enter menopause right after the surgery.
2. Supracervical Hysterectomy: It involves the removal of only the upper part of the uterus and not the cervix. The fallopian tubes and ovaries can also be removed in the same procedure. Since the cervix is still left behind in the patient, she might need Pap smears.
3. Total Hysterectomy with bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy: This procedure involves the complete removal of the uterus, cervix, fallopian tubes, and ovaries of the patient. Since the ovaries are removed, the menopause starts immediately after the procedure, if it has not already started yet.
4. Radical hysterectomy​ with bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy:  This surgery involves the removal of the uterus, fallopian tubes, cervix, ovaries, upper part of the vagina, and some surrounding tissues and lymph nodes. This surgery is mostly used when the problem of cancer is involved. Since ovaries are removed in this procedure, the patient will enter menopause right after the procedure.

Which conditions are treated by a hysterectomy?

Healthcare providers often suggest hysterectomy only when other treatment options like medication and other alternatives don’t seem to work. A surgeon will perform a hysterectomy to treat conditions like abnormal bleeding from the vagina, uterine fibroids or other non-cancerous tumors, severe pelvic pain, severe cases of endometriosis, serious childbirth complications like uterine rupture, uterine prolapse, cervical, uterine or ovarian cancer, and conditions with the lining of the uterus like hyperplasia or adenomyosis. Hysterectomy can also be done to prevent cancer in individuals who are at high risk of developing certain types of cancers. 

A hysterectomy can be done through various methods, like vaginal hysterectomy surgery, abdominal hysterectomy, abdominal laparoscopic hysterectomy, vaginal laparoscopic hysterectomy, and robotic-assisted hysterectomy. Out of all these, laparoscopic and robotic-assisted hysterectomy are the most common and popular methods used. Robotic hysterectomy is the least invasive and the smoothest procedure among all these procedures.

What happens during a robotic hysterectomy?

During robotic hysterectomy surgery​, the surgeon performs the procedure with a robotic machine. The surgeon has full control over the robotic equipment. The robotic arms require smaller incisions to deliver small surgical instruments. This requires three to five small incisions around the area of the belly button of the patient. It offers many benefits compared to traditional and laparoscopic hysterectomy surgery​. Robotic surgery can be used to treat complex cases with higher efficiency. It is highly precise and accurate, minimally invasive, and causes less pain and scarring. It requires shorter hospital stays and offers smoother recovery and less risk of complications. Apart from the patient, it also benefits the surgeon by providing high-quality, 3D visuals of the surgical area, and more scope of movement as compared to human hands, through the small spaces between internal organs. 

If you are looking for the Best Gynecologist Near me or robotic hysterectomy for fibroids​, Sohana Hospital can be the right choice for you. Sohana Hospital Mohali offers World-class, ultra-modern robotic surgeries, along with North India’s most trusted and renowned Robotic Surgeons and Gynecologists who provide the most comprehensive and holistic care for all female health-related surgical issues of the patients in the region. Book your appointment today!