Hysterectomy – When it is Needed

Posted on December 13, 2007 in Latest News

Hysterectomy is an operation performed exclusively on women. It is a surgical process involving the removal of the uterus, fallopian tubes and ovaries. Hysterectomy renders the patient unable to conceive and changes the hormone levels considerably.

Types

There are three basic types of hysterectomy. These are:

Complete or total hysterectomy - This type of hysterectomy removes both the uterus and the cervix. The majority of women undergoing hysterectomy have a complete or total hysterectomy.

Partial or subtotal hysterectomy - This is sometimes called supracervical hysterectomy. This type of hysterectomy removes the upper two-thirds of the uterus and leaves the lower third of the uterus, which is called the cervix, intact. Women who have never had an abnormal Pap smear result may be a candidate for this type of hysterectomy. Some believe a partial or subtotal hysterectomy helps to reduce sex related consequences.

Radical hysterectomy - During a radical hysterectomy, the uterus, the cervix, the upper part of the vagina and supporting tissues are removed.

When it is needed

The surgery is normally recommended for only a few specific diseases and circumstances:

Certain types of reproductive system cancers (uterine, cervical, ovarian);
As a prophylactic treatment for those with either a strong family history of reproductive system cancer or as part of their recovery from such cancers;
Severe and intractibe endometriosis and/or adenomyosis(a more severe form of endometriosis).
Postpartum, to remove either a severe case of placenta praevia(a placenta that has either formed over or inside the birth canal) of placenta accreta(a placenta that has grown into and through the wall of the uterus to attach itself to other organs), as well as a last resort in case of excessive postpartum bleeding;
Female to male transsexuals,as part of their gender transition.

Hysterectomy – When it is Needed

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