Hysterectomy

Hysterectomy

Hysterectomy is the name of the surgical procedure through which the patient’s uterus is removed. This may involve a complete removal of the body and fundus of the uterus and of the cervix or a partial removal of the uterine body but leaving the cervix (also known under the name of “supracervical”). This procedure is probably the most commonly encountered gynecological surgery and in the vast majority of cases, it is performed for benign conditions which may be treated through alternative therapeutic options.

Patients that have undergone Hysterectomy are no longer able to bear children, and it also causes a considerable change in the patients’ hormonal levels. Normally, the procedure may only be performed in specific circumstances: if the patient is suffering from certain types of cancers of the reproductive system (such as cervical, uterine or ovarian cancer), as part of the prophylaxis in the case of patients that are coming from a family with a history of cancers of the reproductive systems or as part of the recovering therapy from such cancers. Also, this surgical procedure (Hysterectomy) may be employed for the treatment of severe, intractable endometriosis and adenomyosis (overgrowth of the lining of the uterus and its more severe form, where the lining grows into and through the uterine wall) in the case of patients that have not obtained any benefit from the use of non-surgical therapeutic options. Surgical removal of the uterus may also be necessary in cases of postpartum for the treatment of placenta praevia (where the placenta has formed inside or over the birth canal) or placenta accrete (when the placenta has grown into and through the uterine wall, attaching itself to other organs). Hysterectomy is also typically preformed in the case of patients with severe development disabilities, as well as in the case of the sex change process for females.

This surgical procedure is very often employed for patients presenting fibroids; however, such drastic action can be avoided. For example, an alternative surgical procedure is available – myomectomy, surgical removal of the fibroids and reconstruction of the patient’s uterus.

Hysterectomy Description

There are several ways through which Hysterectomy can be performed. It can be performed via abdominal incision or vaginal canal; however a supracervical procedure may not be performed through the vaginal canal. A laparoscopic-assisted vaginal procedure is less invasive while also allowing for faster recovery, and it also causes fewer complications. However, this procedure also is total – as in, the cervix is removed with the uterus as well. More recently, a new procedure has been developed – the laparoscopic-assisted supracervical Hysterectomy, which allows the removal of the uterus while leaving the cervix intact. This procedure involves the use of a morcellator, an instrument which cuts the uterus into pieces of manageable size which are then removed through the laparoscopic ports. In the case of patients presenting large and / or numerous fibroids, in situ morcellation allows total removal of the uterus.

Through recent technological applications, this procedure has become available as a robot-assisted laparoscopic procedure. While essentially similar to the original procedure, the technology allows visualization of the process in three dimensions, as well as enhanced precision, dexterity and control. This greatly improves the performance of the surgeons; however such systems are generally very expensive and thus unavailable in most medical facilities. The most recently developed surgical procedure of uterus removal is called an intrastromal abdominal Hysterectomy, and it aims at removing the patient’s uterus while sparing the nerves, reducing the blood loss to a minimum and avoiding any pelvic support system damage. Clinical trials have shown this technique to be superior to the traditional procedures, yielding improved results while minimizing some of the associated risks.

Some of the risks and side effects associated with this procedure are a faster onset of menopause (on average 3.7 years sooner), greater risk of cardiovascular disorders (up to three times higher than normal, or up to seven times in case the ovaries are removed as well), of osteoporosis and bone fractures, a reduction of the natural lubrication that occurs as part of the sexual arousal, a loss of support for the bowel and bladder as well as bladder function disorders.

Hysterectomy Related Medication

An individual who is scheduled to undergo such a clinical procedure (Hysterectomy) may be advised by his or her personal health care specialist to start a therapy course with special medical products called antipseudomonal penicillins. Such medication is sometimes referred to under the generic (common) name of Piperacillin. One of the most widely-spread clinical remedies that have been integrated in this pharmaceutical class is Pipracil; a powerful antibiotic like Pipracil can be employed with confidence in order to reduce the patient’s risk of developing a drug-resistant pathogen (bacteria). In order to keep the effectiveness of this product (along with that of other antibacterial remedies) very high this type of medication should only be prescribed in the case of patients who are at a high risk of developing a bacterial infection (after a Hysterectomy). Unfortunately, as with other medical products, the use of this powerful antibacterial agent is associated with certain contra-indications and side effects. For example, the use of nearly all antibacterial products (including that of Pipracil) can sometimes lead to the developing of CDAD (clostridium difficile associated diarrhea); the severity of this medical condition ranges from mild to very dangerous (fatal) colitis. Furthermore, abnormal bleeding manifestations have been reported in the case of certain individuals who have been treated with β-lactam antibiotic remedies. In case the patient develops such a symptom during his or her therapy course with this medication (or with any other similar antibiotic), the individual’s treatment should be discontinued as soon as possible; such a patient will have to undergo a new therapy that will help him or her correct the bleeding condition.

We strongly recommend all patients who present a keen interest in learning more about the most common pharmaceutical products that are related to this medical procedure (Hysterectomy) to seek further information about this topic from their personal health care practitioner. A pharmacist can also give you some details concerning specific types of medication.