Hysterectomy: Procedure, Benefits, Risk and Recovery

Who Is The Right Candidate For Hysterectomy?

The decision of a hysterectomy is typically made by a gynaecologist based on the woman’s symptoms, condition, and the impact on her daily life. While each case is unique, certain criteria help decide if someone is a suitable candidate for this surgery. These criteria include:

• Symptoms and Condition: A hysterectomy may be considered when conditions like fibroids or endometriosis significantly impact a woman’s health and well-being. Certain cancers affecting women’s reproductive organs also necessitate this surgery.
• Impact on Daily Life: Women experiencing chronic pelvic pain, and heavy or abnormal periods that affect their quality of life may be candidates for a hysterectomy. This is usually after other treatments have failed to relieve symptoms.

What Are The Benefits Of Hysterectomy?

Undergoing hysterectomy surgery, which is essentially a uterus removal procedure, can potentially deliver significant benefits for women grappling with certain gynaecological conditions. The key advantages of this surgical procedure include:

• Relief from Symptoms: A hysterectomy can put an end to abnormal menstrual bleeding, alleviate chronic pelvic pain and pave the way for pain-free sexual activity.
• Cancer Prevention and Treatment: Hysterectomy can serve as a life-saving measure in cases of uterus, cervix or ovary cancers by removing the cancerous tissues.
• Improved Quality of Life: Post-surgery, many women experience a noticeable improvement in their overall quality of life since they are liberated from distressing symptoms that necessitate surgery.
• Reduction of Future Health Risks: In specific scenarios, removal of the uterus and ovaries can lower the risk of developing certain cancers, such as ovarian cancer.

How To Prepare For Hysterectomy?

As you prepare to undergo hysterectomy surgery, there are several steps you need to take:

• Consultation: Have a detailed conversation with your doctor about why you need the surgery, what outcomes to expect, and any alternative treatments.
• Medical Evaluation: Submit essential tests like blood work and imaging studies to ascertain your overall health status and identify potential risks.
• Medication Review: Furnish details about all the medications you are consuming; some may need to be tweaked or stopped before the operation.
• Lifestyle Adjustments: Stick to a healthy diet and indulge in light exercise as recommended. Quit smoking and keep alcohol consumption in check to facilitate recovery.
• Plan for Recovery: Line up help at home post-surgery, including assistance with daily activities.

Recovery Tips and Precautions To Follow After Hysterectomy

As you embark on the road to recovery after a hysterectomy procedure, here are some crucial tips:

• Follow Medical Advice: Strictly adhere to your surgeon’s post-operation instructions regarding medicines, activity levels, and follow-up appointments.
• Rest and Gradual Activity: Initially, allow ample rest; gradually increase activity as tolerated but steer clear of heavy lifting or rigorous exercise for several weeks.
• Monitor Symptoms: Keep an eye out for signs of complications like excessive bleeding, severe pain, fever or unusual discharge. Contact your doctor if these manifest.
• Emotional Support: Understand that you may undergo emotional changes following the surgery due to hormonal fluctuations or feelings associated with loss of fertility; consider counselling if need be.

Potential Risks Or Complications Associated With Hysterectomy

Despite being a generally safe procedure, hysterectomy carries potential risks and complications:

• Surgical Risks: As with any major surgery, there are risks such as bleeding, infection, and reactions to anaesthesia.
• Long-term Effects: Removal of the ovaries can lead to early menopause and associated symptoms like hot flashes and mood swings.
• Pelvic Floor Issues: Some women may experience urinary incontinence or pelvic organ prolapse post-surgery.
• Changes in Sexual Function: While many report improved sexual satisfaction post-surgery due to relief from previous pain, others may experience changes in libido or discomfort.

In summation, while hysterectomy can deliver critical benefits for women experiencing severe gynaecological issues, thorough preparation and a keen understanding of recovery processes are vital for optimal outcomes. Engage in detailed consultations with healthcare providers to weigh the benefits against potential risks based on individual circumstances.

Advantages And Disadvantages Of Hysterectomy Or Uterus Removal Surgery

Deciding to have uterus removal is an important and emotionally difficult decision. It would result in the loss of fertility. It is always better for the patients to have a minimally invasive hysterectomy as recovery is faster than open. Also, each method has its own limitations. Look carefully at the advantages and disadvantages of hysterectomy.

Advantage of Uterus Removal Surgery (Hysterectomy)

• The primary reason why women undergo hysterectomy is to get rid of the abnormal bleeding. Abnormal bleeding can be irritating, draining and uncomfortable. But these days there are other treatments available for this condition, such as uterine balloon therapy. But this might not work in all cases.
• It prevents the possibility of future uterine cancer. Many women who have had cancerous growths, or who have a family history of them, choose to have a hysterectomy in order to prevent future problems. A hysterectomy can literally be a lifesaver for some of these women.
• It is used to treat uterine prolapse, which is a condition in which the uterus descends into or beyond the vagina.
• It solves the problem of uterine fibroid or growths. These can cause great discomfort, as when a woman suffers from endometriosis, a hysterectomy can bring great relief. However, nowadays there are many alternative treatments, such as hormonal treatments and balloon uterine therapy that can be used to treat these conditions.
• Above all, laparoscopic hysterectomy has advantages over traditional procedures. There is no blood loss and fewer complications. The procedure takes less than an hour and the patient can get back to home the same day. All this leads to fast recovery.

Disadvantages of Uterus Removal Surgery (Hysterectomy)

• A hysterectomy is a major surgical procedure that involves significant recovery time, discomfort, and, like all surgery, a small risk of death; especially abdominal hysterectomy (as it involves long incisions).
• Studies have shown that the removal of the ovaries can bring about health problems of their own. The ovaries carry on producing hormones, such as estrogen, ovarian testosterone and androstenedione years after the menopause. Preserving the ovaries appears to reduce women’s risk for heart disease and hip fracture.
• The emotional impact of having a uterus removed is often huge. If hormone therapy or other treatment can be used to prevent radical surgery, it would prevent emotional problems that some women experience after having a hysterectomy.
• A complete hysterectomy may necessitate the taking of hormone replacement therapy (HRT). While several studies have found HRT in the short term to be beneficial, long-term use of HRT may bring about health problems of its own.
• There are many women who encounter sexual dysfunction. It puts a pause on sex life for some time. If the ovaries are removed, your sexual desire decreases. That is because your ovaries produce testosterone and estrogen.

What is the cost of Hysterectomy (Uterus Removal Surgery) in India?

The approximate cost of hysterectomy (Uterus Removal Surgery) in India is Rs. . But, as with any other surgery, the specific price may increase or decrease a little depending upon the technique of your hysterectomy, the parts removed, your choice of the gynecologist, their years of experience, hospital vicinity, and other medical and non-medical expenses.

The most common factors that affect hysterectomy cost include:

• Consultation charges of the gynecologists
• Experience of the gynecologists
• Preference of hospital (Government or Private)
• Type of surgery to be performed
• Cost of pre-operative tests
• Medication charges
• Anesthesia charges
• Follow-up consultation charges

Consult with best Gynecologist at Pristyn Care and Get the cost estimate of hysterectomy (Uterus Removal Surgery).

Does Insurance Cover Hysterectomy Cost in India?

Yes. Most insurance companies in India offer coverage for hysterectomy surgery, irrespective of the type of hysterectomy the patient is scheduled for. A hysterectomy or uterus removal surgery is only recommended in medically necessary scenarios, i.e., when the uterine issues can not be resolved through conservative methods and there’s a risk to the patient’s well-being. Therefore, patients can claim insurance for their uterus removal surgery. 

The insurance coverage provided by different insurance companies for hysterectomy surgery varies. The amount one can claim may also differ based on the terms and conditions of the policy. So, it is important that the patient get a proper understanding of the coverage they’ll receive for their treatment from the insurance provider in advance. 

At Pristyn Care, we provide complete assistance to patients in the insurance claim process so that they can claim the maximum amount for their hysterectomy surgery. To get your uterus removal surgery done at Pristyn Care, contact our team and schedule your appointment with our expert gynecologists. Call us today.

Know more: Is Uterus Removal Surgery (Hysterectomy) covered under Insurance?