Hysterectomy. Questions and Answers

02.02.2019 09:31:25

When the gynaecologist recommends removing the uterus, many women feel uncertain. On the one hand, this intervention may put an end to many years of suffering. On the other hand, in the past, many women were advised to undergo obviously unnecessary operations. Critical studies of the past years prove that in a number of cases the removal of the uterus was not necessary from a medical point of view. Care should be taken while determining when the removal of the uterus is the best solution and when other methods should come first.

Since the age of 47 I have been suffering from breast cancer (multifocal and very aggressive). I have been recommended just in case to remove the ovaries and the uterus. Now I’m 52. Would you also recommend this intervention?

Dr. K.Graubner: The removal of the ovaries makes sense, since it can reduce the risk of recurrence. Hysterectomy has no effect on this. However, the risk of getting uterine cancer may increase due to the use of tamoxifen.

What are the chances for success when treating adenomyosis and endometriosis by removing the uterus? I have chronic pain and infertility because of them.

Dr. K.Graubner: Unfortunately, adenomyosis is not treated with hysterectomy, nor is endometriosis in other areas of the abdominal cavity.

In about four weeks, I will have a laparoscopic supracervical hysterectomy. I fear probable psychological and physical problems, such as incontinence, pain and hormonal problems. And I also fear a long healing process. Can you advise me anything?

Dr. K.Graubner: With laparoscopic supracervical hysterectomy, the cervix is ​​preserved, so you will not notice changes during intercourse. There will be no hormonal changes either.

How many kilograms can I lift after surgery (hysterectomy)?

Dr. K.Graubner: During the first three weeks 5 kg, then you can slowly increase the burden.

How can I know that I have abdominal adhesions after surgery (hysterectomy) without having the abdomen dissected? Can this lead to back pain?

Dr. K.Graubner: Unfortunately, there is no way to accurately diagnose abdominal adhesions or accretions without surgery. Accretions usually lead to lower abdominal pain, and not back pain.

My gynaecologist recommends that I remove the uterus, as it is very large. I have no problems, no bleeding, no pain, or something like that. Should I expect that after menopause the uterus size will become smaller?

Dr. K.Graubner: If you have no complaints, you should not have the uterus removed. Its size will come to normal after menopause.

Is it necessary to take hormones after the removal of the uterus?

Dr. K.Graubner: No, the uterus does not produce hormones.

How does healing proceed after the minimally invasive removal of the uterus? What does one need to pay attention to? When can one swim again?

Dr. K.Graubner: Healing takes about three weeks, during which you cannot lift more than five kilograms. You can swim in about a month.