Compared to other types of hysterectomy, a radical hysterectomy calls for a longer period of stay in the hospital, and a longer period of recovery. Complications may also arise from the operation, such as damage to some internal organs.

Given the complexity of this procedure, it is then best to go into it prepared. Here are some things you should keep in mind if you\’re about to undergo a radical hysterectomy:

Expect some side effects from the radical hysterectomy. These would include swelling in the feet and legs, as well as numbness in the upper legs, lower abdomen, and the area around the incision.

Be aware of the risks that come with undergoing a radical hysterectomy. These risks include infections, blood clots, and damage to the bowels and bladder.

You will experience menopausal symptoms after undergoing a radical hysterectomy. These symptoms would include mood swings, night sweats, and hot flashes among others.

Menopausal symptoms such as mood swings, hot flashes, and night sweats would manifest after operation.

5. Also bear in mind that side effects may occur. These include swelling in the feet and legs, numbness in several areas like the upper legs, area of incisions, and lower part of the abdomen.

Avoid or quit smoking before going under the knife. Smoking thins the blood, hence ability to clot effectively may be hindered.

Be flexible with the extent of your hospital stay. Make the necessary preparations.

With the recovery period lasting around three months, make the necessary arrangements for the activities and responsibilities you won\’t be able to perform during this period.

9. Depression may come up because of loss of fertility. To cope with this loss by mourning is advisable.

The good news is that this operation won\’t prevent you from being sexually active.

The number of women having the surgery has dropped over the past five years. The figure used to be nearer 90,000 but Robin Parsons a specialist menopause nurse for the Amarant Trust – a research centre for women

Serious problems involving a woman\’s reproductive system are often treated with a hysterectomy surgery. These problems can include cancer, endometriosis, fibroids, severe cramps, and abnormal bleeding among others.

The uterus is removed in a hysterectomy, although it is also possible for the other reproductive organs such as the fallopian tubes, ovaries, and cervix to be removed if necessary. Conventional methods of performing a hysterectomy surgery involve incising the abdomen to remove the uterus, or having the uterus removed through the vagina. A laparoscope may be used in the latter, which allows for smaller incisions on the vagina.

Performing the hysterectomy through the vagina rather than the abdomen makes for a more comfortable experience for the patient. A vaginal hysterectomy is performed more quickly. It also results in fewer complications, shorter stays in the hospital, faster recovery, less visible scars, less complications, and less bleeding. Using a laparoscope in a vaginal hysterectomy has better results than an abdominal hysterectomy, but it cannot be said that a laparoscopically assisted vaginal hysterectomy is necessarily better than the standard vaginal hysterectomy, as the former would take longer to perform, cost more, and result in a longer recovery period.

Da Vinci Hysterectomy – The Best Option for a Hysterectomy?

Being minimally invasive, the incisions made in a Da Vinci surgery are only one to two centimeters. It still allows the surgeon to clearly see the insides of a patient\’s abdomen, though, so this procedure can be performed even in more complicated conditions.

A Da Vinci surgery has the following advantages:

* Fainter scars

* Speedier recovery

* Ability to resume normal activities faster

* Less exposure to complications

* Less blood loss and blood transfusions

* Decreased pain

* More patient contentment from the procedure

Da Vinci Surgery – How the System Works

The Da Vinci System is used for a Da Vinci surgery, and involves the following:

* EndoWrist instruments

* Vision system

* Patient cart that has four interactive robotic arms

* Surgeon\’s console

When performing a Da Vinci surgery, the robotic arms (two to three instrument arms and an endoscopic arm) on the patient cart serve as the surgeon\’s hands and fingers inside the patient\’s abdomen. The surgeon uses the controls on the console to manipulate the robotic arms and uses the console\’s vision system to look at three-dimensional images of the surgical area.

The surgeon controls these robotic arms through the console and is able to see the insides of the patient\’s abdomen through the three-dimensional images that display on the console. Aside from the surgeon, other members of the surgical team take part in the preparation of the port, the installation of the correct instruments, and the supervision of the laparoscopic arms that the surgeon uses.

Hysterectomy renders the woman barren, as the woman goes into menopause and stops menstruating. On the positive side, she can still enjoy sexual activities without the worry of unwanted pregnancies. In addition, she is sure to keep her youthful looks and an abdomen that doesn\’t look empty, as the space vacated by the removed organs are occupied by the bowels.

Although hysterectomy is capable of treating a lot of conditions, there are some conditions that may be completely treated only by incorporating other forms of treatment.

Classifications of Abdominal Hysterectomy

An abdominal hysterectomy may be performed through any of the following methods: total, total with bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy, and subtotal.

When only the uterus needs to be removed and the cervix can be kept, a subtotal abdominal hysterectomy is performed. This procedure can be performed more quickly than a total hysterectomy and also involves less risks of damaging other organs. In addition, the procedure poses less chance for vaginal prolapse, fever, and blood loss. With the patient recovering faster, prolonged hospital stays are not necessary. Spotting, however, can occur due to the endometrial tissue that remained in the endometrial canal. Since the cervix is not removed, the woman also remains exposed to the risk of cancer.

The removal of the ovaries and the fallopian tubes along with the uterus and the cervix is known as a total hysterectomy with bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy. A total abdominal hysterectomy is when only the uterus and cervix are removed.

Reasons for Undergoing Abdominal Hysterectomy

Abdominal hysterectomy may be required for the treatment of the following conditions:

* Cancer of the uterus or the cervix

* Fibroids

* Heavy bleeding

Measures to Take Before an Abdominal Hysterectomy

Make the following preparations to ensure that you\’re in the best condition for a hysterectomy:

* Make the necessary provisions in your home and work for the time you\’ll be undergoing and recuperating from the surgery.

* Do not take blood thinners at least five days before the surgery.

* Minimize the risk of blood clots after surgery by not using contraceptives at least a month prior. Your doctor should also inform you of other medications that you should put on hold.

Post Surgery Precautions

Keep the following in mind after your hysterectomy:

* Do not use tampons when dealing with any vaginal bleeding that occurs after surgery. Better use sanitary napkins.

* You should no longer be bleeding after you get back home. If you still are and if the secretions give off a foul smell then it would be best to seek your doctor\’s advice.

* You won\’t get addicted to pain killers as long as you follow your doctor\’s prescription. Take them to deal with the pain caused by the surgery.