A hysterectomy is very common procedure in the U.S. It refers to the procedure of removing the uterus. The partial hysterectomy is a procedure in which only the uterus is removed. It is different from total hysterectomy which involves removal of cervix and uterus. It is also different from radial hysterectomy which involves removal of oviducts, ovaries, fallopian tubes, uterus, lymph nodes, and vagina’s top portion.
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A partial hysterectomy is preferred by gynecologist because its time of recovery is considerably shorter as compared to total or radial hysterectomy procedures. The procedure is frequently used in treating fibroids and uncontrollable or severe vaginal bleeding. Before undergoing this procedure, you should have adequate information about the way in which it works and how it affects your body.
How partial hysterectomy works
Although a partial hysterectomy can be performed abdominally or vaginally, most surgeons and gynecologists prefer the abdominal procedure.
Abdominal technique:
In the abdominal procedure, the surgeon makes incision that is similar to that which is utilized with Caesarian Section. The surgeon will then detach the uterus from its supply of blood and the ligaments and then remove it. One of the major advantages of the abdominal technique is that it enables the surgeon to have adequate vision of the reproductive organs and there is adequate space of working. However, there are some disadvantages of this procedure such as prolonged time of recovery and discomfort may also be experienced because of the large size of incision. The procedure may also leave visible scars on the abdomen.
Vaginal technique:
The virginal technique as the advantage that it does not leave scar which is visible and the recovery period is shorter. However, it is not possible to remove the large fibroids through the vaginal technique. Also, there is less visibility of the surgeon uses the vaginal technique, thus in most cases mandating the need of using laparoscope so as to improve the visibility. This device is available to only those surgeons who are trained on how to use it.
In the vaginal or abdominal partial hysterectomy, the patient is put under local or general anesthesia.
Are there any risks associated with this procedure?
Most invasive surgical procedures arte associated withy some risks and partial hysterectomy is not an exception. It should be performed as the last option when all other intervention or treatment procedures have failed to work or have not worked effectively. In general, although the procedure is over-sparing, after the surgery, the flow of blood to ovaries decreases and will gradually cease. Because of this reason, women who undergo the procedure can and in fact do experience side effects because of hormonal changes.
Menopausal symptoms may also be experienced by patients who have undergone partial hysterectomy. These include decrease in sex drive, urinary problems, and gain in weight, osteoporosis, headaches, irritability and hot flashes among others. Menstruating women also stop having the monthly menstrual periods after the procedure. Also, there may be occurrence of surgical side effects including hemorrhaging, infections to incision, adhesions, injuries or infections to the balder or bowel, and reactions to the medications used in local or general anesthesia.
