Hysterectomy
What is hysterectomy?
The surgical removal of a uterus is called a hysterectomy. Hysterectomy in Endometrial cancer usually involves removing ovaries and fallopian tubes. Your doctor may also do a Biopsy of the pelvic and para-aortic lymph nodes to determine the stage and grade of cancer. Most endometrial cancer cases are diagnosed at the earliest stage, when it can be cured. Your Surgery will depend on how much of the endometrial cancer will affect the reproductive system.
- A total hysterectomy is the removal of cervix and uterus.
- A total hysterectomy with bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy is the surgical removal of the uterus, fallopian tubes, cervix, and the ovaries. This is the most common Surgery performed for endometrial cancer.
- A radical hysterectomy is the removal of the cervix, uterus, surrounding tissue, upper part of the vagina, and usually the pelvic lymph nodes.
- A hysterectomy may be done with an incision (cut) in the abdomen. A laparoscopic hysterectomy is also possible. General anesthesia is used in both procedures. The type of hysterectomy you have depends on your medical history and general health status, and on the severity of cancer. During the surgery, pelvic and para-aortic lymph nodes are biopsied to help assess the stage of cancer.
How is Hysterectomy performed?
Abdominal hysterectomy: In this type of hysterectomy, an incision in the lower abdomen removes the uterus, ovaries, and fallopian tubes. An abdominal incision provides a large opening into the abdomen that allows the surgeon to see the organs easily and find out the extent of the cancer. It leaves a scar on the abdomen (generally 5 inches). After an abdominal hysterectomy the usual hospital stay is 3 days.
Laparoscopic hysterectomy: A tiny camera and special instruments are used to perform laparoscopic Surgery. The surgeon puts these instruments in the abdomen through multiple small incisions. In a laparoscopic hysterectomy, the surgeon will see the organs clearly enough on a monitor to determine the location and severity of the cancer. After a laparoscopic hysterectomy you may stay in hospital for 1 or 2 days. Or you could go home the same day.
What are the side effects of Hysterectomy?
- Fever.
- Difficulty urinating.
- Urinary incontinence.
- Continued heavy bleeding
- The formation of scar tissue (adhesions).
- Infection.
- Blood clots in the legs (thrombophlebitis) or lungs (pulmonary embolus).
- Injury to other organs, such as the bladder or bowel.
- A collection of blood at the surgical site (hematoma).
