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Hysterectomy – Common Medical Tourism Procedures

Hysterectomy

Definition:

Hysterectomy is a gynaecological procedure, involving removal of uterus from the body. This procedure can be done either through laparoscope or as a standard open surgery and the incisions are made in the vagina or on abdomen. In some cases, ovaries are also removed along with uterus. However, this is entirely dependent on the health condition of the patient.

Why it needed?

Hysterectomy is advised in conditions that includes

  • Cancer of the uterus or Ovaries
  • Uterine fibroids
  • Endometriosis
  • Pelvic adhesions and prolapsed uteri
  • Uterine bleeding not controlled by medicine
  • Uterine prolepses
  • Adenomyosis
  • Complications during childbirth

Facts and figures

  • Hysterectomy is the second most common operation performed on women in the United States. About 556,000 of these surgeries are done annually.
  • The United States has the highest rate of hysterectomies of any country in the world.
  • By age 60, approximately one out of every three American women will have had a hysterectomy.
  • It is estimated that 30% of hysterectomies are unnecessary.
  • The number of hysterectomies performed on younger women aged 30s and 40s is increasing, and 55% of all hysterectomies are performed on women ages 35–49

Advantages

  • Hysterectomy saves life of the women in cases of uterine cancer
  • A women get rid of many of the complains and problems due to uterine fibroids and endometriosis, prolapsed
  • There is overall improvement in health after the hysterectomy in the women was suffering from severe uterine bleeding
  • The operation improves a woman’s quality of life. According to a study 71% of women who had hysterectomies, reported feeling better mentally, physically, and sexually after the operation.

Disadvantages

  • Some women feels depressed and had loss of sexual pleasure after hysterectomy
  • Women may need to take hormone replacement therapy if the ovaries are also removed, as removal of ovaries increased the risk of osteoporosis and heart disease.

Risk and complications associated with hysterectomy surgery includes

  • Haemorrhage in the pelvic region
  • Infection
  • Damage to adjacent organs- bladder or bowel injuries
  • Anaesthesia reaction
  • Unwanted scarring on the abdomen

Preoperative preparation

  • Complete physical examination
  • Blood and urinalysis
  • X-rays and USG
  • Consultation with surgeon or doctor a week ago, and have a list of medicine which is to be taken or needed to be stopped.
  • Inform the surgeon about habit of smoking and alcohol. Quit smoking
  • Have an arrangements with family and/or friends to help during the post-operative rehabilitation
  • Do not eat or drink anything after midnight the night before surgery

Post operative care

  • Most patients may need to stay at hospital for about 4-5 days after the abdominal hysterectomy where as laparoscopic surgery may required less hospital stay.
  • The medications will be given to control pain and to prevent infection
  • The patient who needs remove ovary may need to start hormone replacement therapy

Do’s, Don’ts and Precaution to be followed after the surgery includes

  • Do follow the medication schedule and diet suggested by the dietician.
  • Don’t indulge in heavy physical activity for 1-2  weeks after operation
  • Avoid sexual activity for 6 weeks post surgery.
  • Avoid usage of douche, tampons or any other vaginal insert for 6 weeks

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