Reasons for needing a hysterectomy vary. The most common include cancer, excessive bleeding, fibroid tumors, infection, pain and uterine prolapse. Some of those reasons make an abdominal hysterectomy necessary, while for others, a vaginal procedure is an option. No matter the cause behind the procedure, however, even a vaginal hysterectomy should not be entered into lightly. Research should be done to determine the right option to choose.
Degrees of Hysterectomies
The one thing every hysterectomy has in common is they all involve removal of the uterus. The type of hysterectomy procedure chosen depends upon the reason for the operation, the health of the woman and the desired end result.
A complete hysterectomy is the most common procedure. It involves removing both the cervix and uterus. A partial hysterectomy removes the upper part of the uterus but leaves the cervix. Both of these procedures can be done vaginally. Other types of hysterectomy involve removal of additional organs, making a vaginal procedure unfeasible. These include a hysterectomy done in tandem with an oophorectomy, or a radical hysterectomy.
Reasons to Choose a Vaginal Hysterectomy
Women often choose the vaginal option because the recovery time is shorter, the pain level is lower and no visible scars are left behind. Still, there are minor drawbacks to this option. The surgeon has very little working space during the process. That means he will not have a full view of the pelvic region. For that reason, he cannot, with 100 percent certainty, rule out other problems like infections or localized cancer.
Pre-Surgery Preparation
Patients receive a general anesthetic prior to the procedure. Legs are put into stirrups, in a V position, to put the body in a raised position and to make the procedural view easier for the surgeon. A catheter may be inserted into the urethra to aid urine output. It may or may not be removed immediately following surgery. If the area has not yet been prepared, pubic hair is shaved away and sterile solution is swabbed on and around the incision areas.
Types of Vaginal Hysterectomy
A laparoscope hysterectomy is a vaginal procedure that involves making several small incisions in both the abdomen and vagina. A small cylindrical scope with a magnifying glass, known as a laparoscope, is then inserted and used to view the uterus. With its help, the surgeon disconnects the organ from its blood supply and surrounding tissue, pulling small pieces of it out through the incisions.
A standard vaginal hysterectomy involves the surgeon making incisions in the upper part of the vagina. Using long instruments, he cuts the organ away from connective blood vessels and tissues and the fallopian tubes. The uterus is cut into small sections and pulled out through the vagina. If the cervix requires removal as well, an incision is made at the top of the cervix so that both organs can be removed.
After surgery is completed, stitches that can be absorbed over time seal the area. This prevents additional bleeding.
Tags: vaginal procedure, involve removal, most common, upper part, Vaginal Hysterectomy