Types of hysterectomy operation

When making a decision about the hysterectomy, a patient should consider that it is not reversible. After the hysterectomy, a patient will no longer be able to bear children and will no longer menstruate. During the operation a surgeon detaches your uterus from the blood vessels and connective tissue that supports it, as well as from the vagina.

Types of hysterectomy surgery include:

Partial (subtotal) hysterectomy
Removes the uterus but leaves the cervix in place. By keeping the cervix, your risk of cervical cancer remains, so you'll still need regular Pap tests for screening.

Total hysterectomy
During this operation, a surgeon removes the uterus, including the cervix.

Hysterectomy and bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy
During this type of hysterectomy, surgeon removes the uterus, cervix, fallopian tubes and ovaries. If you haven't already experienced menopause, removing your ovaries initiates it.

Radical hysterectomy
This operation extends even farther, removing the upper portion of the vagina and some surrounding tissue and lymph nodes. The doctor removes not only uterus, but also the cervix, the upper part of the vagina, and supporting tissues. This is done in some cases of cancer. A hysterectomy is typically performed under general anesthesia, and the procedure itself lasts about one to two hours.



Incisions in the operation can be different and done in different places:

• An incision in the vagina
• A small incision just at or above the pubic hairline
• A large incision made in the lower abdomen
•  Laparoscopy, which is less invasive than other methods. In this procedure, a special viewing instrument (laparoscope) is inserted through a small incision. The uterus can then be removed through a vaginal incision or a small abdominal incision.

Indications for the operation

There are several indications for this kind of operation. Some of the most common are:

Cancers in this region
If a patient has some kind of gynecologic cancer, such as cancer of the uterus or cervix, a hysterectomy could be the best treatment option. Depending on the specific cancer the patient might have other options including radiation or chemotherapy.

Fibroids
Fibroids are benign uterine tumors that cause persistent bleeding, anemia, pelvic pain or bladder pressure. Hysterectomy is the only certain, permanent solution for fibroids. Of course, there are some non-surgical treatments but most of them offer minimal relieving of symptoms.

Endometriosis
Endometriosis is a specific pathological process in which the tissue lining the inside of your uterus called endometrium, grows outside the uterus on ovaries, fallopian tubes, or other pelvic or abdominal organs. Although there are some non-invasive methods and medications available, hysterectomy is probably the most effective method.

Uterine prolapse
Uterine prolapse is a specific condition characterized by the descent of the uterus into your vagina which can happen when the supporting ligaments and tissues weaken. Uterine prolapse can lead to urinary incontinence, pelvic pressure or difficulty with bowel movements. 

Persistent vaginal bleeding
If on the patient complains about periods which are heavy and irregular or last for many days every time, a hysterectomy may bring relief when the bleeding can't be controlled by non-surgical methods.

Chronic pelvic pain
Occasionally, this surgery is the last resort for women who experience chronic pelvic pain that clearly arises in the uterus.