"Madame, You're going to undergo a hysterectomy"

What is a hysterectomy?

A hysterectomy is the surgical removal of the uterus. One talks of total hysterectomy, if the entire uterus is removed (cervix and corpus) and of subtotal if the cervix is kept in place. During this intervention the ovaries may be removed too.

How can it be done?

There are two ways of performing an hysterectomy . Through "natural ways" . It's called a vaginal hysterectomy. Through an abdominal incision (laparotomy). It is an abdominal hysterectomy. In both cases the same things are done.

Vaginal or abdominal?

The choice is made by your surgeon (after fully discussing everything with you) depending on the reason for thehysterectomy, the anatomic conditions, your former surgical interventions and his own habits and skills. Sometimes the choice can not be made until the very moment of the intervention.

What will be the followings of the intervention?

 In case of a vaginal hysterectomy there is no opening of the belly and post operatory pains are less important and post-op care is reduced. There are scar cares for an abdominal, not for a vaginal. In both cases a bladder catheter is left till the next day, as well as a perfusion pump (IV) which is used for post-op pain killers. Vaginal bleedings stop in few days, but they may be followed by discharge, this approximately for about one month.

How long will I be unable to work?

It depends on your job. For a vaginal hysterectomy the hospital stay is usually two days and the out of work time is usually seven days. For an abdominal hysterectomy these durations are three and fifteen days respectively. Your surgeon would be pleased to see you at the end of this time.

What will be the consequences for you?

The removal of the uterus has two main consequences: The impossibility of any further pregnancy and the end of every bleeding . There will be no change in your sexual life. There is no menopause if the ovaries are kept. There is no weight gain. On the other hand, in a pre menopausal woman, the removal of the ovaries sets off the menopause, with its usual consequences.

Is there something forbidden after the operation?

As soon as you are discharged from the clinic you will be able to do what you feel like doing. But sexual intercourse is forbidden for one month and, if you had an associate procedure (Cf. infra), important efforts (lifting, extensive exercise) are forbidden for one month as well.

Associate procedures:

During the operation, and according to your case, some other procedures are possible. These procedures may, for instance, be justified by a genital prolapse and/or an urinary stress incontinence. The main procedure and its follow ups are not much different.

In case of trouble after your discharge please contact the clinic or your doctor.