Hysterectomy

A hysterectomy surgery is performed in the following cases:

1. Recurrent uterine polyps (non-cancerous growths attached to the inner wall of the womb)
2. Endometriosis (a condition in which the endometrial tissue, that is, the tissue that normally lines the uterus starts growing outside the uterus)
3. Adenomyosis (a condition in which the endometrial tissue will exist within and grow into the uterus wall)
4. Fibroids in the uterus (non-cancerous growths in the uterus that usually develop during the childbearing years of a woman)
5. Leiomyomas (a smooth, benign muscle tumor that usually occurs in the uterus or gastrointestinal tract)
6. Extensive menstrual discomfort and pain not relieved by other treatment methods
7. Anomalies resulting in cancer in the uterine or cervical lining
8. Excessive or irregular vaginal bleeding
9. Increasing, untreated pelvic discomfort due to uterus problems
10. Uterine prolapse (when the uterus drops down from its original position due to the weakening of the tissues and muscles around the uterus) that leads to urinary incontinence and bowel irregularities 

1. Physical examination: The patient is examined physically by the doctor. The symptoms and medical history of the patient are noted.
2. Pelvic exam: The female reproductive organs are checked by the doctor by inserting one or two lubricated, gloved fingers into the patient’s vagina.
3. Pap test: It helps in detecting the cancer of the cervix or the presence of any abnormal cervical cells.
4. Pelvic ultrasound: This test uses sound waves to obtain images of the female reproductive organs.
5. Endometrial biopsy: A sample of the endometrial lining is excised and sent to the laboratory to check for the presence of any abnormal cells in the lining of the uterus.

The hysterectomy surgery is generally done under general anesthesia, that is, the patient is put to sleep during the procedure, or epidural anesthesia, that is, anesthesia is administered near the nerves in the lower back to numb the area waist downwards.
Hysterectomy surgery can be performed in the following different ways:

1. Open abdominal hysterectomy:

• The surgeon makes a six- to eight-inch-long incision extending from the belly button to the public bone or across the public hairline in the abdominal region.
• The uterus is then removed through the incision made.
• The incision is then closed using sutures or staples.

2. Vaginal hysterectomy:

• An incision (cut) is made by the surgeon at the top of the vagina. 
• The uterus is removed through the incision created.
• The surgeon will then give dissolvable sutures (stitches) inside the vagina.

3. Laparoscopic hysterectomy:

• The surgeon creates three to five small key-hole incisions in the abdominal or vaginal region.
• A laparoscope (a thin tube with a camera on one end) and other small surgical instruments are inserted through the incisions created. 
• The uterus will then be removed in small pieces through the incisions created.

4. Robotic-assisted laparoscopic hysterectomy:

• This type of procedure is performed with the help of a robotic machine.
• The procedure is similar to laparoscopic hysterectomy, the only difference being that the surgery is performed by robotic arms that are being controlled and monitored by the surgeon.

The following complications may be associated with a hysterectomy surgery:

• Infection
• Blood clot formation
• Bleeding 
• Adverse reactions to the anesthesia used 
• Early onset of menopause 
• Damage to the other pelvic organs
• Blockage of bowel movements
• Injury to the urinary tract 
• Tearing of the internal stitches

• You may be discharged from the hospital on the same day or one to two days after surgery, depending on the type of hysterectomy being performed.
• You will have some vaginal bleeding for several days or weeks after the surgery.
• If you have undergone an abdominal hysterectomy, the incision will heal gradually, but it will leave behind a visible scar on the abdomen.
• It will take about six weeks for complete healing after hysterectomy surgery.
• You will no longer get your menstrual periods or be able to get pregnant after the surgery.
• In the case of premenopausal women, you may experience menopause at an earlier-than-expected age if your ovaries are left intact.
• In case of partial hysterectomy, get regular Pap screening tests to detect cervical cancer.
• Heavy bleeding and pain will be relieved after a hysterectomy surgery thereby improving the quality of your life.

Home remedies:

1. Take lots of rest during the recovery period.
2. Avoid heavy lifting for approximately six weeks after the surgery.
3. Avoid any strenuous activities for six weeks after hysterectomy surgery.
4. Sexual intercourse should be avoided for six weeks after surgery.
5. Follow all the instructions given by the doctor about when to resume your daily activities.

Cost of a hysterectomy in India- 

The cost of a hysterectomy in Mumbai is between INR 1,25,000 to INR 3,00,000.
The cost of a hysterectomy in Delhi is between INR 1,10,000 to INR 2,75,000.
The cost of a hysterectomy in Bangalore is between INR 1,10,000 to INR 2,75,000.
The cost of a hysterectomy in Chennai is between INR 1,00,000 to INR 2,50,000.