The uterus or womb is a part of the female reproductive system, which houses the foetus or unborn baby, until it is ready to be delivered.
Some conditions that can affect the uterus are infections, malformations, tumours, and prolapse, where the uterus protrudes from the vaginal opening.
Although some of these conditions can be treated with medicines, most of them require a surgery. Hysterectomy is a surgery where the uterus is removed. After the uterus is removed, women do not have their menstrual periods and cannot become pregnant.
Your doctor might suggest a hysterectomy in the following conditions:
- Fibroids
- Endometriosis
- Prolapse
- Uterine cancer
- Cervical cancer
- Cancer in the ovaries
- Vaginal bleeding that doesn’t stop with treatment
- Chronic pain in the pelvic region
The different hysterectomy surgeries include:
- Total hysterectomy – In this surgery, the complete uterus, with the cervix included is removed.
- Supra-cervical or subtotal or partial hysterectomy – In this surgery, the cervix is retained and the top part of the uterus is cautiously removed.
- Radical hysterectomy – Surgery is performed to treat cancer. In this procedure the uterus, cervix, ovaries, fallopian tubes, part of the vagina, lymph glands, and fatty tissues are removed.
Patients can choose and book surgery packages online after a thorough enquiry. Before the surgery, blood tests and general health checkups are performed. Additionally, it is very important to eat healthy food, be in good health, exercise regularly and control weight gain. If you are obese, it is advised to lose weight.
The surgery is performed by different methods, which include:
- Vaginal hysterectomy – In this procedure, an incision is made at the top of the vagina to remove the cervix and womb. The womb and the cervix are removed by inserting special surgical instruments. Post the surgery, the opening is stitched. The procedure which is done by using a general, local, or spinal anaesthesia, is preferred over the abdominal hysterectomy because it helps in recovering sooner and also minimizes the stay in the hospital.
- Abdominal hysterectomy – In this procedure, a vertical or horizontal incision is made in the abdominal region. Vertical incisions are made for fibroids or cancerous growths. A general anaesthesia is used. Pelvic tumours, fibroids, and ovaries cannot be removed through a vaginal hysterectomy.
- Laproscopic hysterectomy – In this procedure, a keyhole is made in the abdomen, a tiny tube with a telescope (known as laparoscope) and a tiny video camera are inserted through this keyhole. A general anaesthesia is used. This enables the doctor to see the organs and insert instruments through other incisions to remove the uterus, ovaries, cervix and other parts.
A supracervical surgery can be performed laproscopically or abdominally.
Some of the common problems that can occur after a hysterectomy include, fever, heavy bleeding, urinary tract injuries, blood clots, breathing or heart problems.
The cost of hysterectomy varies depending on the hospital that you choose and factors such as, the surgery type, the method used, type of anesthesia used, condition of the patient, and the complexity of the case. Although it is a common surgery, it is advisable to consult an experienced surgeon to perform the surgery.
The hysterectomy cost can run into a few thousands depending on various parameters. However, it is appropriate to contact the hospitals to get an idea about the approximate cost for the surgery. Hospitals also provide various surgery packages.