In medical terms, the process of removing the uterus is called hysterectomy is called. (Greek, hystrea: womb, ectome: extraction) If there are large and problematic fibroids in the uterus, cancer, severe endometriosis, or the adhesion of the uterus to neighboring organs in the lower abdomen and
If a condition such as constant groin pain occurs as a result or if there is excessive bleeding that cannot be controlled with medication, the uterus may need to be removed. Apart from this, if the uterus has fallen down or is protruding from the vagina, hysterectomy (uterus removal) is required.
Not all of these operations are performed with the same technique. In partial hysterectomy, the cervix and uterine floor are left behind. In a complete hysterectomy, the entire uterus, including the cervix, is removed. Removing bilateral ovaries via hysterectomy is also a decision made by the surgeon together with the patient. In women who are thought to have an average of 4-5 years or more until menopause, ovarian removal is not performed if the problem does not concern the ovaries. If the ovaries are removed, the estrogen (female hormone) hormone secreted from the ovaries decreases greatly in the blood and menopause occurs. to this "surgical menopause" is called.
Sudden and severe menopausal complaints (such as hot flashes, vaginal dryness, dizziness, night sweats, constipation, depression) may begin immediately after surgery. When only the uterus is removed, the patient does not menstruate after the surgery. However, if the ovaries remain in place, the patient will not have such complaints. Because the ovaries continue to show activity and secrete estrogen. In patients whose ovaries have been removed, complaints can be reduced by supplementing the missing hormone. Especially patients whose ovaries were removed at a young age should definitely receive this hormone treatment. Because the lack of female hormones can lead to vital problems such as osteoporosis and increased risk of heart disease after years. Radical hysterectomy is a technique used in cases of cancer. In this method, in addition to the uterus and ovaries, the upper part of the vagina and some lymph nodes are also removed. The extent of the problem determines the amount of part removed by hysterectomy.
During hysterectomy, the operator makes an incision in the lower abdomen, either horizontally just above the pubic hair, or vertically from the navel to the hair level. In cases where uterine prolapse is present, removal of the uterus is performed through an incision through the vagina. Both surgeries take 1-2 hours on average and are usually performed under general anesthesia. After the hysterectomy, you need to stay in the hospital for an average of 2-3 days. Possible complications that may occur due to surgery are lower abdominal inflammation, kidney and bladder inflammation, and bleeding. However, after an experienced and careful surgery, such problems are seen less than 1%.