Is a Hysterectomy the Right Choice for Me?

What Is a Hysterectomy?

A hysterectomy is the operation where a doctor removes a woman’s uterus. There are different types of hysterectomies, and a surgeon can choose to remove only parts of the uterus. A total hysterectomy is the removal of the whole uterus and cervix. A radical hysterectomy consists of removing the whole uterus, the tissue around the uterus, the cervix, and the top part of the vagina–this is generally only performed when cancer is present. A subtotal hysterectomy is when the surgeon removes the upper part of the uterus, leaving the cervix in place (Hysterectomy, n.d.).

Side Effects of Hysterectomy

There are a few complications of a hysterectomy including pain, infection, and bleeding of the surgical area. Abdominal hysterectomy has a higher rate of postoperative infection than a vaginal hysterectomy.

When to get a Hysterectomy?

There are many different reasons why a woman may require a hysterectomy, including:
• Uterine fibroids causing pain, bleeding, and other problems
• Uterine prolapse: When the uterus slides from the normal position into the vaginal canal
• Cancer in the uterus, cervix, or ovaries
• Endometriosis
• Abnormal vaginal bleeding
• Chronic pelvic pain
• Adenomyosis: thickening of the uterus

Post Hysterectomy

Depending on the patient’s personal health conditions and the type of hysterectomy that was performed, a physician will instruct how much time should be taken off. Patients will gradually return to their day-to-day life and routines. In addition, those having periods will stop after the operation. If the hysterectomy did not consist of removing the ovaries then the patient will experience normal monthly hormonal changes even though there will be no menstrual flow (Cornforth, T, n.d.).

Women who are suffering from any of the listed conditions may require a hysterectomy as a treatment option. Call (626) 338-5377 to make an appointment with Dr. Dumrong Tangchitnob and Dr. Edward Tangchitnob today. Dr. Tangchitnob will focus on providing the best experience and the highest level of patient satisfaction. Located in West Covina, the offices of Dr. Tangchitnob can provide minimally invasive, gynecologic & robotic surgery for your OB/GYN treatment options.