Purpose of hysterectomy (2023)

because of aHysterectomyThis is a major surgical procedure and the decision to perform it is not taken lightly. Most hysterectomies are elective, but are recommended by a doctor when it's the best option to help with a medical problem like fibroids or cancer.

A hysterectomy can be used to treat a variety of conditions, but in most cases other treatments are available. This may involve medication or minimally invasive surgery.

Hysterectomy can be a personal choice, but you should expect detailed advice from your doctor about the decision.

Hysterectomy surgery has many risks and long-term health effects to consider. If you are considering a hysterectomy, you should consult with your doctor for individualized guidance.

Diagnosis related to hysterectomy

There are many medical conditions that may cause you to consider a hysterectomy, including:

  • adenomyosis.When the lining of the uterus (endometrium) starts growing where it doesn't belong, it's called adenomyosis. This condition causes the lining of the uterus to thicken, which can cause severe pain and heavy bleeding.
  • Rak.Many forms of cancer affect the pelvis and reproductive organs, such as cervical, ovarian, uterine and endometrial cancer. About 10% of hysterectomies are performed to treat one of these cancers.
  • ENDOMETRIOSIS.It occurs when cells that are normally found in the uterus (called endometrial cells) leave the uterus. These cells can stick to other organs and grow in the pelvis, where they don't belong. This can cause general pelvic pain, painful sex, heavy bleeding, infertility and cramps.Although hysterectomy is sometimes used to treat endometriosis,it is not a cure.
  • endometrial hyperplasia.It occurs when the lining of the uterus (endometrium) becomes too thick. An imbalance of estrogen and progesterone is a common cause, especially with serious hormonal changes in perimenopause. The endometrium is usually shed monthly, but when it becomes too thick due to hyperplasia, it can cause abnormally heavy bleeding.
  • fibroma. These non-cancerous tumors can grow and take up space in the uterus. Although they may not cause cancer or spread to other organs, fibrous growths can cause pressure on the uterus and surrounding organs, pain throughout the pelvis, and heavy vaginal bleeding. About one-third of hysterectomies are performed to treat uterine fibroids.
  • pelvic block. Cancer or other tumors in the pelvis or uterus can block other vital organs, such as the bowel or bladder. A hysterectomy may be performed to remove these obstructions.
  • prolaps maternice. Multiple births, obesity, and even menopause can cause the uterus to slip into the vagina. This abnormal position of the uterus can lead to urinary and bowel problems, as well as pain and pressure in the pelvis.

If you request a hysterectomydisinfector for other personal reasons, your health care provider may request that you complete a mental health evaluation or deny your request. According to American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) guidelines, there are several sterilization techniques that are less invasive and less risky than hysterectomy. Hysterectomy for the purpose of sterilization is not medically or ethically advisable when it is not medically necessary to preserve a pregnancy or treat a disease, ACOG said.

A 2018 study found that hysterectomy rates fell 12.4 percent between 2010 and 2013. The biggest declines were in hysterectomies used to treat uterine fibroids, abnormal bleeding, and endometriosis in women younger than 55.

There are many ways toachieveHysterectomy, depending on the indications and purpose of the operation. The decision about which surgery to perform will be made by you and your doctor based on your diagnosis and personal circumstances.

For example, an open hysterectomy is often performed when the disease has spread outside the uterus (such as cancer) or when surrounding structures, such as the ovaries, need to be removed. On the other hand, vaginal hysterectomy may be the method of choice when performing a surgical procedure such as uterine prolapse.

1:31

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This video has been medically reviewed.Anju Gore, dr.med., MPH.

What to Expect After a Hysterectomy: Scars and Postoperative Care

Tests and laboratories

A hysterectomy is a major operation. As with any surgery, your doctor will start by making sure you are stable and healthy enough to undergo major surgery. Laboratory work and many other tests can be done. Counseling may also be part of your preparation for surgery, as fertility loss, hormonal changes, and emotional challenges may occur after your decision to have a hysterectomy.

Some tests that may be done before a hysterectomy include:

  • Blood cell count.Your doctor will check your white blood cell count for infection or immune problems, as well as your red blood cell count before surgery. Both can be performed with a complete blood count (Canadian Broadcasting Corporation). This test is done by drawing blood.
  • coagulation research.It is very important that your doctor sees how well your site is clotted before surgery. This is done using the prothrombin time/partial thromboplastin time (PT/PTT) test, which is done by drawing blood.
  • Metabolism dashboard.basic or fullmetabolomaYour doctor will get a lot of information about your general health, which can help determine your suitability for surgery and your recovery. This blood test will tell your doctor about the levels of important minerals and electrolytes in your body, including potassium, sodium, and glucose.It can also reveal information about your renal system and the health of your kidneys.
  • Urine analysis.AUrine analysisIt is done on a urine sample and gives your doctor more information about your health status or whether you have any infections that may complicate surgery or recovery.
  • EKG.oneelectrocardiogramIt's usually done before surgery to make sure you don't have heart problems or underlying conditions that affect the heart and could cause problems with surgery or recovery.
  • Chest X-ray and breathing test.Your doctor may also order a chest X-ray or various breathing tests to reduce the chance of complications during surgery from the anesthesia or breathing tube used during surgery.
  • Physical exam.Your doctor may order a complete head-to-toe evaluation to determine your overall health. This is very important for the success of the operation and recovery.
  • Pelvic ultrasound/examination.you may also need apelvic examinationOr especially before an ultrasound hysterectomy. This will help your doctor assess or visualize your internal structures and prepare for surgery.

the word of life

There are many reasons why you might want to have a hysterectomy or why your doctor might recommend it. Even if a vaginectomy is performed instead of an open hysterectomy, it is still a major surgical procedure that requires a longer recovery time.

You should discuss your plans andoptionsConsult your doctor based on individual factors before deciding to have a hysterectomy. have treatmentalternativeFor many conditions, hysterectomy can be used as a treatment, either with medication or with minimally invasive surgery.

6 sourcesa

Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed research, to support the facts in our articles. read oursediting processLearn more about how we verify data and keep our content accurate, reliable and trustworthy.

  1. Office of Women's Health.Hysterectomy.

  2. Medicine Johnsa Hopkinsa.Hysterectomy.

  3. Harvard Health Publishing, Harvard Medical School.Hysterectomy.

  4. Ethics Committee of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.Committee opinion no. 695: Female Sterilization: Ethical Issues and Considerations.

  5. MorganDM.National trends in utilization and payment for hysterectomy for commercially insured women in the United States.American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology。 2018;218(4):425。 doi:10.1016/j.ajog.2017.12.218

  6. Medicine Johnsa Hopkinsa.tests done before surgery.

Purpose of hysterectomy (1)

crossRachael Zimlich, BSN, Registered Nurse
Rachael is a freelance health writer and critical care nurse near Cleveland, Ohio.

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