| Hysterectomy is the surgical removal of the uterus. It is the second most common major surgical procedure performed in the US; 600,000 women undergo hysterectomy annually (Parker). Types of hysterectomy include total (or complete) hysterectomy, in which the uterus and cervix are removed; radical hysterectomy, in which the uterus, cervix, upper part of the vagina, and some surrounding tissue and lymph nodes are removed; and partial or supracervical hysterectomy, in which the upper part of the uterus is removed but the cervix is left intact. A radical hysterectomy is the most extensive surgery and is indicated in certain forms of cancer, including cancer of the cervix. A total hysterectomy with bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy involves removal of the uterus, cervix, fallopian tubes, and ovaries. Removal of the ovaries initiates menopause in premenopausal women.
The primary reasons to perform hysterectomy are fibroids (40%), abnormally heavy or frequent bleeding (10%), and endometriosis, a condition affecting the uterine lining (13%) (Parker). All types of hysterectomy end menstruation and a woman's ability to become pregnant. |
Source: Medical Disability Advisor
| Hysterectomy is indicated for emergency or urgent situations such as cancer of the vagina, cervix, uterus, fallopian tubes, or ovaries; severe, uncontrollable bleeding; severe, uncontrollable infection; and procedures requiring removal of the uterus in order to treat life-threatening conditions affecting other organs.
If medical therapies (e.g., hormone therapy, anti-inflammatory medication, or analgesics) have not effectively addressed symptoms affecting women’s lives, a hysterectomy may be indicated in non-emergency situations such as recurrent pelvic infection (i.e., bacterial infection of fallopian tubes and ovaries); widespread buildup of extra tissue that normally lines the uterus (endometrial hyperplasia); large or excessive fibroid tumors in the muscle tissue of the uterus; loss of pelvic muscle support severe enough to interfere with bowel or bladder function (uterine prolapse); and uterine bleeding extreme enough to cause anemia that cannot be controlled by medication and hormones (menorrhagia). |
Source: Medical Disability Advisor
| Hysterectomy is a major surgical procedure that almost always requires hospitalization. Prior to surgery, a series of tests are performed to evaluate general health and to rule out the presence of infection or anemia; routine diagnostic tests include a complete blood count (CBC), urinalysis, chest x-ray, and electrocardiogram (for individuals over age 35 years).
Hysterectomies are performed in an operating room under general anesthesia. Surgeons have many options to consider such as surgical approach, organs to be removed besides the uterus, blood vessels that require ligation during surgery, and whether to perform total or partial procedures. Hysterectomy procedures can be performed through vaginal access, abdominal wall incisions, or small laparoscopic incisions. The access method is determined by anatomic factors such as size of the uterus, patient preference, and the nature and severity of the underlying condition. A vaginal approach is usually performed on individuals who also require bladder or vaginal repair, and when the uterus is not too large. Open abdominal approaches, using either horizontal or vertical abdominal incisions, are used in the presence of pelvic inflammatory disease, tissue scarring from previous pelvic surgery (adhesions), endometriosis, or are used when a uterus is abnormally large or uterine descent or mobility is lacking. Laparoscopic surgeries involve a tiny abdominal incision and the use of laparoscopic tools that pass through a narrow, lighted tube into the surgical area; they are considered less invasive and are preferred by gynecologic surgeons today for most indications. One advantage is the ability to view the surgical procedure on a monitor by using a small laparoscopic telescoping device with a camera. Each type of surgery takes between 1 and 3 hours to perform. Laparoscopic-assisted abdominal procedures take up to an hour longer than other procedures. Abdominal and laparoscopic hysterectomies are now more common (75%) than vaginal hysterectomies (Parker).
A laparoscopically assisted vaginal hysterectomy (LAVH) combines a laparoscopic procedure requiring two or three small abdominal incisions with a vaginal wall incision. Similarly, a laparoscopic-assisted abdominal hysterectomy combines laparoscopic incisions with a vertical or horizontal abdominal incision. In these surgeries, the laparoscopic part of the procedure is finished before the uterine arteries are incised (ligation) through either the vaginal or abdominal incision. After removal of the uterus and other structures (ovaries, tubes), laparoscopic and abdominal incisions are closed with sutures or staples. Average recovery time from a combined procedure is approximately 4 to 6 weeks.
Increasingly, supracervical hysterectomy is being performed to remove the uterus and spare the cervix. In this procedure, the uterus may be broken into small pieces (morcellated) rather than incised. “Cutting current” may be used to cauterize the cut end of the cervix. Surgeons who prefer this procedure suggest that keeping the cervix is less apt to disturb nerves related to bladder and bowel function, thereby reducing complications. Sexual function is also thought to be preserved by retaining the cervix. Supracervical procedures can be performed abdominally or laparoscopically and are generally simpler procedures that take less time to perform. Recovery times parallel those of other types of hysterectomy. One possible disadvantage of the procedure is that risk of cervical cancer is not eliminated. |
Source: Medical Disability Advisor
| The prognosis following an uncomplicated hysterectomy is good, regardless of the type of procedure performed. Symptoms are usually relieved by the procedure, and a full return to normal activities can be expected.
When hysterectomy is performed for cancer of the cervix or uterus, the prognosis depends upon the extent and severity of the cancer. Early-stage or low-grade cancer has a generally good prognosis, whereas more advanced stages or high-grade cancer with extensive spreading (metastasis) has a poor prognosis.
A woman who has not previously undergone menopause may experience early menopause or symptoms associated with menopause. |
Source: Medical Disability Advisor
| Complications may vary according to the type of hysterectomy performed. Complications may include adverse reaction to anesthesia, infection at the surgical site, and excessive bleeding. Urinary problems are possible after the procedure, such as varying degrees of incontinence and urinary tract infections. Injury to the bladder, ureter, or bowels can occur, which would require surgical repair. Another complication is abnormal blood clotting in the legs or pelvic veins (thrombophlebitis). Depression, altered perceptions of one’s femininity, and sexual dysfunction may rarely occur after a hysterectomy. |
Source: Medical Disability Advisor
| Heavy lifting, prolonged standing, and strenuous physical activity will be restricted for as long as 6 to 12 weeks. |
Source: Medical Disability Advisor
| Parker, W. H. "Total Laparoscopic Hysterectomy and Laparoscopic Supracervical Hysterectomy." Obstetrics and Gynecology Clinics 31 3 (2004): 523-537. |
Source: Medical Disability Advisor
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