Facts Relating To Hysterectomy Waco Residents Need To Be Aware Of

By Charles Edwards


The decision to have the uterus removed is often quite difficult to make on the part of the patient as well as the gynecologist. In some cases, however, it is absolutely necessary that it be carried out so as to save the life of the affected woman. Hysterectomy, as the surgery is commonly referred to, makes it impossible for a woman to carry future pregnancy. Therefore before having hysterectomy Waco patients need to make an informed decision.

Broadly, hysterectomy is carried under two circumstances. The first is during emergencies related to labor and delivery. Excessive bleeding from the uterus is a leading cause of maternal mortality worldwide. While there are a number of conservative methods that can be used, these may fail in some instances leading to removal of the vital organ. The other category is where the procedure is done electively (at a scheduled time).

Most cases of hysterectomy are done electively. Conditions that may necessitate the procedure include cervical cancer, uterine tumors (fibroids, choriocarcinoma and endometrial cancer among others), and excessive uterine bleeding (menorrhagia) due to any other reason. Like in the emergency setting, the decision to do conduct the surgery is reached only after other options have been exhausted.

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.

The instructions that need to be followed before having the surgery are usually given by your surgeon. These will vary slightly depending on the condition one is suffering from. In general, they are aimed at minimizing the risk of complications arising from the surgery. Smokers are usually asked to abstain from the habit for a specified period of time. Those on blood thinners may also have to interrupt the therapy until after the operation.

One of two approaches will be used to access the uterus. These are the abdominal and the trans-vaginal routes. The choice is determined by a number of factors including the condition affecting the uterus, the size of the lesion and the surgical skill of attending surgeons among others. The trans-vaginal route is highly preferred because it does not leave visible scars after healing takes place.

When the abdominal approach is chosen the surgeon has the option of doing an open procedure or a laparoscopic procedure. The former entails the creation of a large incision in the lower abdomen hence is associated with larger residual scars. In the laparoscopic technique, the incisions are quite small which means that the resultant scars are quite small. Other complications such as bleeding and damage to other organs are also fewer with this method.

The surgery typically takes between one and two hours except in instances where complications are encountered. The surgical team has the option of choosing between regional and general anesthesia. The choice is mainly determined by the preference of the surgeon and the anesthesiology team. Recovery is usually quite rapid with the majority of patients being allowed home after about 72 hours. Resumption of normal duties may take a few more days.




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