A Hysterectomy is a procedure that removes the uterus from the body. This procedure may be performed for a variety of reasons, including:
- The uterus slides from its natural position into the vaginal canal, causing uterine prolapse.
- Adenomyosis, or uterine thickening, is a condition in which the uterus thickens.
- Cancer of the uterus, cervix, or ovaries is a cancer of the uterus, cervix, or ovaries.
- Fibroids in the uterus that cause pain, bleeding, or other issues
- Vaginal bleeding that isn’t normal
- Pelvic discomfort
- Endometriosis
When it comes to non-cancerous hysterectomy, it is usually only considered when all other therapeutic options have failed.
In this article, Dr. Himali Maniar who is one of the best gynecologists in South Bopal, Ahmedabad will discuss the types of Hysterectomy & will also compare them to find the key differences.
Hysterectomy Types
A surgeon may choose to remove all or part of the uterus depending on the cause for the hysterectomy. It’s vital to clarify if the cervix and/or ovaries are removed because patients and health care providers sometimes use these phrases interchangeably.
- Only the upper section of the uterus is removed in a supracervical or subtotal hysterectomy, leaving the cervix intact.
- The entire uterus and cervix are removed during a total hysterectomy.
- The uterus, tissue on the sides of the uterus, the cervix, and the top section of the vagina are all removed during a radical hysterectomy. Only when cancer is present is a radical hysterectomy performed.
The ovaries may be removed (a technique known as oophorectomy) or left in situ by the gynecologist. Salpingectomy refers to the surgery of removing the tubes. A hysterectomy and bilateral salpingectomy-oophorectomy is an operation that involves removing the entire uterus, both tubes, and both ovaries.
Hysterectomy Surgical Techniques
Depending on the surgeon’s experience, the cause for the hysterectomy, and the patient’s overall health, multiple ways to hysterectomy are used. The hysterectomy approach will have a role in determining how long it takes to recover and what kind of scar, if any, remains following the procedure.
There are two types of surgery: traditional or open surgery and minimally invasive procedure (MIP) surgery.
Hysterectomy by open surgery
An open operation is an abdominal hysterectomy. This is the most prevalent hysterectomy method, accounting for around 54% of all benign illness cases.
A surgeon makes a 5- to 7-inch incision across the belly, either up-and-down or side-to-side, to execute an abdominal hysterectomy. The uterus is then removed through this incision by the surgeon.
A person normally spends 2-3 days in the hospital after having an abdominal hysterectomy. There is also a noticeable scar at the incision site when it has healed.
Hysterectomy with MIP
An MIP hysterectomy can be accomplished in a number of ways:
- Vaginal hysterectomy: A cut in the vaginal wall is made, and the uterus is removed through this incision. The wound is closed and no scar is evident.
- Laparoscopic hysterectomy: This operation is performed with the use of a laparoscope, which is a tube with a lighted camera and surgical tools inserted through numerous small slits in the belly or one small cut in the belly button in the event of a single site laparoscopic treatment. The hysterectomy is done from outside the body, with the surgeon watching the procedure on a video screen.
- Vaginal hysterectomy with laparoscopic assistance: The surgeon employs laparoscopic equipment in the belly to aid with the removal of the uterus through a vaginal incision.
- Robot-assisted laparoscopic hysterectomy: Similar to a laparoscopic hysterectomy, except the surgeon directs a sophisticated robotic system of surgical equipment from outside the body. The surgeon can make normal wrist movements while viewing the hysterectomy on a three-dimensional screen thanks to advanced technology.
MIP Hysterectomy Vs Abdominal Hysterectomy
When compared to the more standard open surgery utilized for an abdominal hysterectomy, using a MIP technique to remove the uterus has a number of advantages. An MIP, in comparison to an abdominal hysterectomy, allows for a faster recovery, shorter hospital stays, less discomfort and scars, and a lesser risk of infection.
People who have a MIP can return to their typical activities in 3-4 weeks on average, compared to 4-6 weeks for an abdominal hysterectomy. And, depending on the equipment used and the amount of time spent in the operating room, the costs of a MIP are significantly cheaper than those of open surgery. Robotic operations, on the other hand, might be quite costly. An MIP also reduces the likelihood of incisional hernias.
A minimally invasive technique is not suitable for everyone. Scar tissue from previous surgeries, weight, uterine size, and health state can all influence whether or not a MIP is Recommended. You should consult your doctor to see if you are a candidate for a MIP.
