Vaginal Hysterectomy : Procedure & Recovery

Hysterectomy, or the surgical removal of a woman's uterus, is frequently done for a variety of medical conditions, including fibroids, endometriosis, cancer, or persistent discomfort. Abdominal, vaginal, or laparoscopic approaches are all possible. With the removal of your uterus, it marks an end to your menstrual cycle and the chance to get pregnant. Most women resume their regular activities after a few weeks. However, the recovery time can vary among individuals. If you are someone for whom a hysterectomy has been recommended, it's critical to review the possible advantages and risks of the procedure with a healthcare professional.

A vaginal hysterectomy is a surgical procedure in which the uterus is removed through an incision in the vagina. It is frequently recommended when the uterus is standard size or due to conditions such as a vaginal prolapse (a condition where the pelvic organs descend or bulge into the vaginal canal). Compared to abdominal hysterectomy techniques, this treatment has certain benefits, including quicker recovery times and no abdominal scars.

There are several circumstances where a vaginal hysterectomy is advised, including:

• Uterine prolapse: The uterus slips into or out of the vagina because muscles in the region and other pelvic organs have weakened.
• Uterine fibroids: Round lumps that grow inside the uterus and can cause painful or heavy periods.
• Endometrial hyperplasia: Extra, or thick, womb lining from which cancer develops.
• Endometriosis: Tissue lining the uterus grows outside of the womb and can cause pain or bleeding.
• Cervical dysplasia: The lower part of the womb has abnormal cells, but these cells are not cancerous.
• Chronic pelvic pain: When there is constant pain in the pelvic region and other treatments have not worked.
• Cancer: Cancer of the uterus, cervix, or endometrium.

The treatment method or type of hysterectomy that would suit you will always be selected based on the individual’s specific circumstances and overall health. It will be determined by the healthcare provider.

There are numerous measures to take both physically and psychologically to get ready for a vaginal hysterectomy:

• Medical Evaluation: Your physician will conduct a thorough medical examination, including blood tests, a chest X-ray, and an electrocardiogram, to evaluate your health for surgery.
• Discuss Medications: Inform your physician of any medications, supplements, and over-the-counter drugs you take. Some medications may need to be temporarily stopped before the procedure.
• Preoperative Bowel Preparation: A day before the surgery, you may be requested to take laxatives or enemas to clear your bowel.
• Fasting: Generally, you should avoid food or drinks for about 8 to 12 hours before the surgery. Review your physician's instructions regarding fasting.
• Shaving: Sometimes, the surgical area must be shaved to reduce your risk of infection.
• Consent Form: Understand and have all your questions about the potential risks and benefits of the surgery answered before you sign any consent forms.
• Coordinate Transportation: Since you will be under anesthesia and may feel slightly dizzy after the procedure, make sure that you arrange for someone to drive you home.
• Plan for Home Recovery: Make necessary changes at home for a smooth and comfortable recovery. Keep essential items within reach, and create a comfortable place for resting. You may also arrange for domestic help until you recover completely.

For personalized advice on how to prepare yourself for a vaginal hysterectomy, make sure to contact your surgeon.

The procedure may vary depending on your condition and specific needs. Generally, the procedure follows the following steps:

• Anesthesia: When anesthesia is administered, a person will either be asleep or unable to feel pain in a particular region. How the person feels depends on the type of anesthesia that is chosen.
• Positioning: The patient is placed in a reclining position with her feet in stirrups, in a dorsal lithotomy position.
• Incision: A circular incision is made around the cervix inside the vagina.
• Dissection: The surgeon carefully separates the uterus from the tissues around it, including the bladder and rectum. Blood vessels and tissue that hold the uterus in place on the sides and top are identified, clamped, and cut.
• Removal: Once the uterus is completely detached, it is taken out of the body through the vaginal opening. Your doctor might remove your fallopian tubes and ovaries. This is called a salpingo-oophorectomy.
• Stitching: The top of your vagina (now a cuff) is stitched closed. The stitches will dissolve by themselves.
• Completion: Once the procedure is complete, the instruments are removed.
• Recovery: You will be taken to a recovery room and carefully watched until the anesthesia wears off.

You will typically recover from a vaginal hysterectomy more quickly than an abdominal hysterectomy, have less overall postoperative pain, and have a smaller chance of getting an infection. 

Recovering and caring for yourself after a vaginal hysterectomy is important for your healing and helps prevent problems. Here’s what you usually can expect:

• Postoperative: After the surgery, you will be taken to the recovery room for observation. You may feel dizzy or sick to your stomach from the anesthesia.
• Hospital stay: Most women can return home on the same day. Sometimes, you may remain in the hospital for about one to two days. The length of the hospital stay may vary based on the individual circumstances.
• Pain control: You may experience mild pain and discomfort after your surgery. You will be prescribed pain medications to control any discomfort.
• Vaginal discharge: Vaginal discharge may last up to several weeks. It will gradually become a brownish color, then yellow, white, or clear. Consider wearing a sanitary pad for a week or as your doctor directs.
• Activity: Avoid lifting anything heavier than 10 pounds. Do not douche. Use tampons or insert anything into the vagina until about six weeks.
• Mobility: During the early recovery, walking is essential for promoting blood flow and preventing blood clots. Avoid lifting anything heavy or engaging in activities that require a lot of exertion.
• Hygiene: Keep the surgical area clean and dry. You may choose a sponge bath for a period that your doctor suggests.
• Follow-up appointments: It is crucial to attend all scheduled appointments with your surgeon so that he or she can monitor your healing and address any concerns you may have.

Please be aware that recovery will be different for everyone, and it is essential to pay attention to your body and follow only your doctor's instructions on your specific recovery.

Like any surgical procedure, vaginal hysterectomy also has certain Benefits and Risks. Read on to find out.

Benefits:

• Shorter Recovery Time: Recovery from vaginal hysterectomy is generally much quicker than recovery from abdominal surgery.
• Less discomfort after surgery: Many women report less pain after vaginal hysterectomy.
• No abdominal scarring: There are no external scars because the surgery is performed through the vagina.
• Less chance of infection: The risk of developing wound infections is usually lower with the vaginal approach.
• Shorter hospital stay: Most women stay there for a shorter period than women undergoing abdominal hysterectomy.

Risks:

• Bleeding: As with any surgery, there is a risk of bleeding after surgery.
• Infection: The risk is reduced, but there is still a slight chance of infection in the surgical area.
• Injury to Adjacent Organs: There is a slight chance that a urinary infection occurs. The risk for this is much higher if the appendix being removed has already burst.
• Anesthesia Complications: Whether surgery is performed with a spinal or general anesthesia, the risks associated with anesthesia are the same.
• Blood Clots: Surgery can increase the risk of blood clots in the legs, which could travel to the lungs and become life-threatening.
• Vaginal Cuff Dehiscence: Sometimes, the top of the vagina, called the “cuff,” can come apart, leading to complications.
• Premature Menopause: If your ovaries are removed, and you are not of menopausal age, you will be thrown into menopause immediately following your surgery.
• Chronic Pain: A small percentage of women experience ongoing pain after this procedure.
• Sexual Side Effects: Some women report changes in sexual sensation or function after a hysterectomy.

It's critical to go into depth with your healthcare provider about the risks and advantages. This will help you get a better understanding of the procedure and prepare well.

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