Your uterus or womb is your baby’s home for nine months. That’s where the embryo gets all the nourishment it needs for growth until it’s ready to enter the world. Hysterectomy (uterus removal surgery) in Navi Mumbai can be a life-saving procedure for some women. For others, it’s advised to improve their quality of life.
Hysterectomy is the second-most common surgery among women after cesarean delivery. It often offers relief from heavy bleeding, prolonged and painful periods, endometriosis, uterine prolapse, and other reproductive issues. In this post, we’ll walk you through the five common types of hysterectomy and when they are advised.
1. Partial Hysterectomy
Although less common these days, some women might opt for a partial hysterectomy — a procedure that removes the uterus surgically, but keeps the cervix (the part that connects the uterus to the vagina) in place. Your gynecologist may recommend this option if your cervix appears healthy and normal.
However, with the cervix intact, you may need to take pap smears regularly. The advantage of a partial hysterectomy is that the recovery is slightly smoother and less drastic compared to a total hysterectomy.
2. Total Hysterectomy
This is the most common hysterectomy procedure. As the name suggests, your gynecologist removes the uterus with the cervix. A total hysterectomy can be performed using laparoscopic, robot-assisted, or open-cut procedures.
Your gynecologist in Navi Mumbai may recommend a total hysterectomy if you have fibroids, uncontrollable vaginal bleeding, endometriosis, or uterine cancer. After a uterus removal, your periods will stop, but you won’t enter menopause immediately unless the ovaries are also removed.
3. Radical Hysterectomy
Radical hysterectomy is the most complex form of hysterectomy and is usually reserved for patients with cervical cancer. The surgery removes the uterus, cervix, a part of the vagina, surrounding tissues, and in some cases, lymph nodes.
Since the surgery is considered quite major and may affect your bowel function due to the involvement of healthy surrounding tissues, it’s only performed when absolutely necessary. Your surgeon will most likely weigh the risks and benefits of a radical hysterectomy before recommending this procedure.
4. Hysterectomy with Oophorectomy
Hysterectomy can involve the removal of one or both ovaries. It’s recommended for women with ovarian cancer, pelvic inflammatory disease, or ovaries that look abnormal. Gene mutations, such as BRCA genes, that increase ovarian cancer risk can be the reason your gynecologist might advise you to get a hysterectomy with oophorectomy.
If both ovaries are removed, you’ll enter menopause immediately. The symptoms of menopause include hot flashes, night sweats, mood swings, and an increased risk of osteoporosis.
5. Hysterectomy with Salpingo-Oophorectomy
This surgical procedure removes your uterus with fallopian tubes and ovaries (one or both). The recovery can take 4-6 weeks or less if advanced surgical methods, such as laparoscopic or robotic, are followed. Sometimes, your surgeon may remove lymph nodes, tissues, part of the vagina, both tubes, and both ovaries, along with the uterus, for cancer treatment.
The most suitable procedure for your case depends on your age, health, and the reason for your hysterectomy. Consult a gynecologist to know your best treatment option.