What is a Vaginal Hysterectomy?
A hysterectomy is an operation to remove your womb (uterus) and
may also involve removing one or both of the fallopian tubes and
one or both of the ovaries, depending on the reason why the
operation is being carried out.
The following are the three most common reasons for having a
vaginal hysterectomy
- Uterine prolapse - where the uterine support becomes weak,
causing the womb to drop down into the vagina.
- Heavy periods not controlled by other treatments and often when
a cause cannot be found - dysfunctional uterine bleeding
- Fibroids - where the muscle of the womb becomes overgrown
There are also some less common reasons and your gynaecologist
will discuss with you why they have recommended a hysterectomy.
What does this involve?
A vaginal hysterectomy is performed under general anaesthetic
and normally requires a hospital stay of two to four days.
Your gynaecologist will make a cut around the cervix at the top
of your vagina so your womb and cervix can be removed. Your
gynaecologist will firstly separate your womb and remove it through
your vagina using special instruments. They can then remove
your ovaries through the same cut at the top of your vagina,
although this is not always possible. Your cut will then be
closed with stitches and the support ligaments of your womb will
usually be stitched to the top of your vagina to reduce the risk of
a future prolapse.
You may be fitted with a catheter to help you pass urine after
the operation.
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When will I recover?
You will be given fluids through a drip for the first 24 hours
after your operation and you will probably feel some pain and
discomfort which will be treated with painkillers.
The drip and catheter (if one is fitted) will usually be removed
the next day and you will start drinking and eating. You
should expect a slight discharge or bleeding from your vagina and
you will be recommended exercises to get you back to normal as soon
as possible.
You will usually be released from hospital one to three days
after the procedure.
For the first two weeks at home you should rest and continue to
do the exercises that you were shown in hospital. You can usually
go back to work after six to twelve weeks and after three months
you should be feeling more or less back to normal.
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What risks should I know about?
A vaginal hysterectomy is a routinely performed operation but
nevertheless carries some small risks.
- Pelvic infection or abcess - less than 1%
- Damage to internal organs - the bladder, ureters, bowel and
blood vessels lie close to the womb and may be damaged during the
operation - risk less than 2%
- Conversion to abdominal hysterectomy - This involves a cut in
the abdomen which may be necessary if the vaginal approach is
difficult to perform.
- Developing a haematoma - Normally small collections of blood
inside the abdomen which can be treated with anti-biotics
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Circle care
Hysterectomy surgery is carried out at our state of the art
facilities and we have a dedicated team of surgeons and nurses who
will guide you through the process from first consultation to
after-care and will be available to answer any questions or queries
you may have.
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