Hysterectomy

Hysterectomy is defined as the "surgical removal of the uterus" (womb). It is one of the most common of all surgical procedures and can also involve the removal of the fallopian tubes, ovaries and cervix to cure or alleviate a number of gynecological complaints like heavy and/or painful periods endometriosis, etc. Following this operation you will no longer have periods, you will not be fertile and you will not be able to have any more children.

The majority of hysterectomies are performed when a woman is aged between 40 - 50 however many do occur before and after this age group. Women who have a hysterectomy that removes their ovaries, as well as other organs, will go through menopause immediately (if they haven't already) following the operation regardless of their age.

There are two main ways to perform a hysterectomy. The most common way is to remove the uterus through a cut in the lower abdomen, the second, less common, way is to remove the uterus only through a cut in the top of the vagina, the top of vagina is then stitched. Each operation lasts between one to two hours and is performed, in hospital, under a general anaesthetic.

A Hysterectomy will sometimes become necessary for the following medical reasons:

• Heavy vaginal bleeding or bleeding that is irregular or very painful
• Fibroids that are painful and cause heavy, irregular bleeding or are very large. A fibroid is a non-cancerous growth of muscle and fibrous tissue.
• Cancer of the uterus, ovaries, fallopian tube/s or cervix
• Endometriosis caused by tissues that normally form inside the uterus forming outside the uterus in the abdominal cavity.
• Prolapse of the uterus, where the uterus falls into the vagina.
• Pelvic inflammatory disease or adhesions which has pain that is not controlled by other means.

A hysterectomy may be recommended if none of the initial treatments for these conditions has been successful. When you will actually have the hysterectomy will depend on why you need it. Some of the conditions may clear up on their own or after you have had a D&C operation (Dilation and Curettage where the lining of the uterus is scaped away and if necessary examined).