Hysterectomy-Ahmedabad

Hysterectomy is performed in the following cases:
● Abnormal vaginal bleeding. It is performed to treat heavy, prolonged or irregular menstrual bleeding (the vaginal bleeding that occurs every month as a part of the menstrual cycle).
● Chronic pelvic pain. Hysterectomy is often performed as a last resort for treating chronic pelvic pain. It is persistent non-cyclic pain in the pelvic region.
● Uterine prolapse. It is a condition where the muscles and ligaments around your uterus weaken and the uterus protrudes out of the vagina. It is more common in post-menopausal women who have had one or more vaginal deliveries.
● Endometriosis. It is a painful condition where the endometrium or the tissues which line the inside of your uterus grows outside the uterus.
● Uterine fibroids. These are non-cancerous growths in the uterus that develop during the child-bearing years of women. Hysterectomy is indicated when these growths cause symptoms such as persistent bleeding, pelvic pain or bladder pressure.
● Cancer. A hysterectomy is a treatment option for cancers affecting the uterus, ovaries, cervix (the narrow portion between the uterus and the vagina) or the endometrium.

○ Your doctor will discuss your medical history and perform a physical examination.
○ Inform your doctor about the medications and supplements that you are currently taking. Also, keep your doctor informed in case you are allergic to any medications.
○ You will need to stop medications such as blood thinners for a brief period before the procedure as it increases the risk of bleeding during and after the surgery.
○ The doctor will discuss the steps of the procedure and the risks involved with it. You will be asked to sign an informed consent form giving permission to perform the surgery.
○ If you are going to receive general anaesthesia, you will be asked to avoid eating or drinking for at least 8 to 10 hours before the procedure. This helps avoid complications such as vomiting while under anaesthesia.
○ You will need to plan the necessary arrangements for the hospital stay and arrange for help.

○ A preoperative cleansing of your vagina (vaginal douche) and rectum (enema) will be performed.
○ Before the procedure, you will also receive intravenous (IV) antibiotic medications to reduce the risk of infections.

● Infection. The procedure holds a minor chance of infection. The possible signs of infection include pain, swelling, redness and drainage from the wound site.
● Bleeding. Though rare, bleeding from the site of the incision is one possible complication after the surgery.
● Blood clots. Blood clots can form in the blood vessels obstructing the blood flow and oxygen supply in the body.
● Injury to the surrounding structures. There is a chance of injury to the surrounding structures such as the urinary tract, bladder, rectum and other pelvic structures.
● Risks from general anaesthesia. Some may experience complications from anaesthesia such as breathing difficulty and other allergic reactions.

● At The Hospital                                           
○ After the procedure, your vital signs such as your blood pressure, pulse and breathing rate are monitored regularly.
○ You will be shifted to the ward once you are stable.
○ In the case of laparoscopic surgery, you will be discharged on the same day once your vitals are stable
○ You will be encouraged to start walking once you are stable. This will help in preventing the formation of blood clots.
○ Your doctor will give you the necessary instructions to take care of the incision and also schedule a follow-up appointment, which is mostly after a period of 2 to 3 weeks.

● At Home                                                       
○ You should take care of your incisions and keep the area dry and clean.
○ Avoid any strenuous activities such as lifting heavy objects and limit yourself to light movements such as walking.
○ Drink plenty of fluids and consume a fibre-rich diet to prevent dehydration and constipation.
○ You should take sufficient rest and continue the medications prescribed by your doctor.
○ If you have been given non-absorbable stitches, then they will be removed during your follow-up visit.