Women who have a hysterectomy can anticipate remaining in the hospital a few
days after surgery. In addition, time off from employment is necessary for
several weeks. On average, women can return to normal daily activities within
six weeks; however more time should be taken if necessary. During a
hysterectomy, the surgeon will remove the uterine, which involves detaching it
from the fallopian tubes, ovaries, and vagina. If cancer is present, additional
organs and tissues may also be removed. Hysterectomy consists of:
Partial hysterectomy-
Uterus is removed, but cervix remains
Complete hysterectomy
– Uterus and cervix are removed
Hysterectomy and bilateral
salpingo-oophorectomy – Removal of uterus, cervix, fallopian tubes,
and ovaries
Surgeons may perform a hysterectomy one of two ways:
Abdominal hysterectomy
Vaginal hysterectomy
Abdominal Hysterectomy
Abdominal hysterectomy involves performing the surgery through an incision
in the lower abdomen. The incision made is either vertical or horizontal, and
provides a visual of the uterus and organs. Surgeons are more inclined to
perform an abdominal hysterectomy when a gynecological cancer is the reason for
the hysterectomy, or when large tumors are present. The disadvantage of this
procedure is that women are subjected to a longer hospital stay; they may
experience more pain or discomfort, and will have a permanent scar.
Vaginal Hysterectomy
Vaginal hysterectomies involve making a small incision around the cervix.
The recovery time for a vaginal hysterectomy is shorter. Unlike abdominal
hysterectomies, vaginal procedures do not afford surgeons a lot of working
room. Therefore, surgeons must be skilled to avoid accidentally damaging pelvic
organs. This procedure is better suited for treating non-cancerous conditions
such as fibroids. Women who require a large abdominal incision procedure may be
able to have a vaginal incision with the assistance of a laparoscope. This
surgery involves making a small incision in the abdomen, and using a
laparoscope and surgical instruments to detach the uterus. After the uterus is
detached, it may be removed through the vagina.