Customer question:
How is the removal of the uterus? Anonymous customer's question
Pharmacist's answer:
Removal of the uterus, medically called hysterectomy, is a surgical procedure that can be performed in several ways, depending on the reason for the operation, the general health of the patient, and the doctor's opinion.
- Total hysterectomy: between a total or a complete hysterectomy, the uterus and cervix are removed. This is usually the preferred option over a subtotal hysterectomy, as removing the cervix means there is no risk of developing cervical cancer later on.
- Subtotal hysterectomy: this involves removing the central part of the uterus, leaving the cervix in place. As the cervix remains in place, there is still a risk of developing cervical cancer, and as a result, regular screenings will still be required.
- Total hysterectomy with bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy: this also includes removal of the fallopian tube (salpingectomy) and ovaries (oophorectomy). The National Institute for Health and Welfare recommends removing the ovaries only if there is a significant risk of further problems.
- Radical hysterectomy: This is usually done to remove and treat cancer when other treatments, such as chemotherapy and radiotherapy, are not suitable or do not work. During the procedure, the uterus and cervix are removed together with the fallopian tubes, part of the vagina, ovaries, lymph glands, and fatty tissue.
Hysterectomy can be performed in 3 ways:
- Laparoscopic hysterectomy: during the procedure, a small tube containing a laparoscope and a small video camera will be inserted through a small incision in your abdomen. Instruments are then inserted through other small incisions in the abdomen or vagina to remove the uterus, cervix, and other parts of the reproductive system. It is usually performed under general anesthesia.
- Vaginal hysterectomy: during a vaginal hysterectomy, the uterus and cervix are removed through an incision made at the top of the vagina. The operation usually takes about an hour. Vaginal hysterectomy is usually preferred over abdominal hysterectomy as it is less invasive.
- Abdominal hysterectomy: during an abdominal hysterectomy, an incision will be made horizontally along the bikini line or vertically from the navel to the bikini line. The operation takes about an hour, and general anesthesia is used. Abdominal hysterectomy is recommended if the uterus is enlarged due to fibroids or pelvic tumors and cannot be removed through the vagina.
Interesting reading: Hysteroscopy
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