Prab at 13:42, 11 May 2023

2023-05-11T13:42:10Z

New page

A '''hysterectomy''' is a surgical procedure to remove a woman's uterus or womb ([[uterus]]). The uterus is the organ in which a baby grows during pregnancy. Hysterectomy is a common gynecological surgery, and it may be performed for various reasons, including cancer, fibroids, and endometriosis.
[[File:Diagram showing parts of the body removed with a radical hysterectomy CRUK 180.svg|Diagram showing parts of the body removed with a radical hysterectomy|thumb]]
== Types of Hysterectomy ==

There are several types of hysterectomy:

* '''[[Total hysterectomy]]''' – the entire uterus and cervix are removed
* '''[[Partial hysterectomy]] (subtotal or supracervical)''' – only the upper part of the uterus is removed, leaving the cervix intact
* '''[[Radical hysterectomy]]''' – the uterus, cervix, tissue on both sides of the cervix, and the upper part of the vagina are removed; usually performed for certain types of cancer
== Indications ==

Hysterectomy may be recommended in the following cases:

* [[Uterine fibroids]]
* [[Endometriosis]]
* [[Uterine prolapse]]
* [[Adenomyosis]]
* Abnormal uterine bleeding
* Chronic pelvic pain
* [[Gynecologic cancer]] (e.g., uterine, cervical, or ovarian cancer)
== Surgical Approaches ==

There are several surgical approaches to performing a hysterectomy:

* '''[[Abdominal hysterectomy]]''' – an incision is made in the lower abdomen to remove the uterus
* '''[[Vaginal hysterectomy]]''' – the uterus is removed through an incision in the vagina
* '''[[Laparoscopic hysterectomy]]''' – several small incisions are made in the abdomen for inserting a laparoscope and surgical instruments to remove the uterus
* '''[[Robotic-assisted hysterectomy]]''' – a surgeon uses a robotic system to perform the surgery through small incisions in the abdomen
== Risks and Complications ==

As with any surgery, there are risks and potential complications associated with a hysterectomy. These may include:

* Infection
* Bleeding
* Blood clots
* Injury to surrounding organs (e.g., bladder, bowel, or ureters)
* Anesthesia complications
* Early menopause (if the ovaries are removed)
* Hormonal changes
* Changes in sexual function
* Emotional effects
== Recovery ==

Recovery time after a hysterectomy varies depending on the type of procedure performed. Abdominal hysterectomy typically requires a longer recovery time, while laparoscopic and vaginal hysterectomy may have a shorter recovery period. Patients are advised to avoid heavy lifting, strenuous exercise, and sexual activity for a certain period of time after surgery.

== Alternatives ==

In some cases, alternative treatments may be available, depending on the reason for the hysterectomy. These can include:

* [[Hormone therapy]]
* [[Uterine artery embolization]] (for fibroids)
* [[Myomectomy]] (removal of fibroids only)

== Summary ==
A '''hysterectomy''' is [[surgery]] to remove the [[womb]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.rcpa.edu.au/Library/Practising-Pathology/Macroscopic-Cut-Up/Specimen/Gynaecology-and-perinatal/Uterus-hysterectomy/Uterus-benign|title=RCPA - Uterus benign|website=www.rcpa.edu.au|access-date=2018-08-21}}</ref> This is usually done by a [[gynecologist]].
Women who undergo a hysterectomy can no longer bear children. Hysterectomies are done for certain forms of [[cancer]] of the reproductive system (affecting womb, [[cervix]], [[ovary|ovaries]]), or [[tumor]]s.
{{stub}}
{{Medical resources}} {{Female genital procedures}}
[[Category:Gender-affirming surgery (female-to-male)]] [[Category:Gynaecology]] [[Category:Gynecological surgery]] [[Category:Reproductive system]] [[Category:Sterilization (medicine)]] [[Category:Surgical oncology]] [[Category:Surgical removal procedures]]
[[Category:Female reproductive system]]

Hysterectomy - Revision history

Prab at 13:42, 11 May 2023