A number of medical conditions are known to lead to the removal of the uterus in a woman, a procedure commonly referred to as hysterectomy. Before undergoing hysterectomy Waco residents need to understand some vital information beforehand. Among the most important things to know is the fact that an individual that undergoes the operation loses their ability to carry a pregnancy.
There are two main categories of hysterectomies. The first type is where the procedure is done as an emergency to save the life of a woman. This may be needed, for instance when there is excessive bleeding from the uterus. There are many methods that are first tried as intervention with hysterectomy only coming in as a last resort. The second type is termed elective hysterectomy and is scheduled to be done at a convenient time.
Elective procedures are by far the more common. Some of the reasons that may create a need for them include uterine tumors, cervical cancers and prolonged or excessive bleeding from the uterus due to any other reasons. It is important that alternatives are first considered by a decision to have the operation is made. In a significant proportion of these cases, patients have a choice to turn down the surgery.
Since this is a major operation with potential risks and complications, there is a need to undergo some form of preparation so as to minimize these risks. This preparation is both physical and psychological. One of the most important things that need to be done is to determine the extent of the condition. This can be done, for instance, by subjecting the patient to radiological imaging studies that help estimate the size and position of a uterine lesion.
You will be issued with instructions that you need to follow in the days following to performance of the operation. These are mainly aimed at minimizing the risk of the procedure. For example, if you are a smoker you will be advised to abstain from the habit for a few weeks as a continuation of the same may delay wound healing. It is the same reason that informs the stoppage of blood thinners before surgery.
There are two main approaches that are used when performing the procedure. These include the abdominal approach and the trans-vaginal approach. The choice of which of these two to use will be determined by the nature and extent of the illness. The trans-vaginal approach is ideal when the uterus is relatively small and can be maneuvered easily through the birth canal once it has been separated from the supporting structures.
The trend among most surgeons is to use a minimally invasive technique when the abdominal approach is chosen. This technique involves the use of very small incisions (ports) to gain access to the pelvic cavity. It is a lot better than the traditional open technique that is associated with large ugly scars, a greater risk of bleeding and other complications.
This operation usually takes one to two hours. The duration may be longer if complications are encountered. Either general or regional anesthesia is chosen depending on the preference of the surgical team. Regardless of the type of anesthesia used, recovery from the operation is quick and the majority of patients are released from hospital within three days. Full recovery takes a couple of weeks.
There are two main categories of hysterectomies. The first type is where the procedure is done as an emergency to save the life of a woman. This may be needed, for instance when there is excessive bleeding from the uterus. There are many methods that are first tried as intervention with hysterectomy only coming in as a last resort. The second type is termed elective hysterectomy and is scheduled to be done at a convenient time.
Elective procedures are by far the more common. Some of the reasons that may create a need for them include uterine tumors, cervical cancers and prolonged or excessive bleeding from the uterus due to any other reasons. It is important that alternatives are first considered by a decision to have the operation is made. In a significant proportion of these cases, patients have a choice to turn down the surgery.
Since this is a major operation with potential risks and complications, there is a need to undergo some form of preparation so as to minimize these risks. This preparation is both physical and psychological. One of the most important things that need to be done is to determine the extent of the condition. This can be done, for instance, by subjecting the patient to radiological imaging studies that help estimate the size and position of a uterine lesion.
You will be issued with instructions that you need to follow in the days following to performance of the operation. These are mainly aimed at minimizing the risk of the procedure. For example, if you are a smoker you will be advised to abstain from the habit for a few weeks as a continuation of the same may delay wound healing. It is the same reason that informs the stoppage of blood thinners before surgery.
There are two main approaches that are used when performing the procedure. These include the abdominal approach and the trans-vaginal approach. The choice of which of these two to use will be determined by the nature and extent of the illness. The trans-vaginal approach is ideal when the uterus is relatively small and can be maneuvered easily through the birth canal once it has been separated from the supporting structures.
The trend among most surgeons is to use a minimally invasive technique when the abdominal approach is chosen. This technique involves the use of very small incisions (ports) to gain access to the pelvic cavity. It is a lot better than the traditional open technique that is associated with large ugly scars, a greater risk of bleeding and other complications.
This operation usually takes one to two hours. The duration may be longer if complications are encountered. Either general or regional anesthesia is chosen depending on the preference of the surgical team. Regardless of the type of anesthesia used, recovery from the operation is quick and the majority of patients are released from hospital within three days. Full recovery takes a couple of weeks.
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