You have been offered an abdominal hysterectomy because conservative or medical treatment of your problem has failed or is unsuitable.
Abdominal hysterectomy is most commonly used in the treatment of:
- menorrhagia (heavy bleeding) and/or dysmenorrhoea (painful periods).
- fibroids (non-cancerous growths) that grow in the wall of the uterus.
- Endometriosis.
- cancer (womb, cervix. ovary, fallopian tubes, vagina).
- chronic pelvic inflammatory disease.
- ovarian cysts.
Pelvic pain is any pain you feel in the lower abdomen or pelvis. Healthcare professionals consider pelvic pain to be long-term if:
- you experience it either constantly or intermittently for at least six months
- it happens at times other than when you have your period or sexual intercourse.
Chronic or long-term pelvic pain is very common. Almost one in six women suffers from pelvic pain that has been going on for more than 6 months. Unfortunately, many women will suffer for years before a diagnosis is made.
Endometriosis is where tissue similar to the lining of the womb grows outside the womb, on the lining of inside of pelvis, on ovaries, bowel and many other organs. The cause is not known. Research shows that on average, it takes 7 years from the time of onset of pain to diagnosis.
Sometimes there are no symptoms and it is found by chance when a woman is having an operation. However, for many women it can be a very painful condition and it is diagnosed when these symptoms are investigated. In other cases it is identified in women who are having difficulty getting pregnant.
How to recover quickly from a laparoscopy
A laparoscopy (also known as keyhole surgery) is performed under a general anaesthetic. 3-4 small cuts (half to one centimetre in length) are made in the abdomen which allows your surgeon to insert a small telescope so that they can see inside your abdomen and your reproductive organs directly. Your abdomen will be filled with gas to allow us some space to gain a clear picture and if necessary, to treat any problems as agreed with you before your operation. Before you agree to surgery and sign your consent form, your surgeon will discuss what is planned (This is called an informed consent).
You have been offered a laparoscopic hysterectomy because conservative or medical treatment of your problem has failed or is unsuitable.
Laparoscopic hysterectomy is most commonly used in the treatment of:
- menorrhagia (heavy bleeding) and/or dysmenorrhoea (painful periods).
- fibroids (non-cancerous growths) that grow in the wall of the uterus.
- Endometriosis.
- chronic pelvic inflammatory disease.
- ovarian cysts.
This leaflet aims to help you understand how laparoscopic procedures on pelvic nerves are performed and what potential complications of such surgery are. Please read this carefully and consider all the information contained in this leaflet and ask any questions that you may have from us before making your decision.
Pre-Operative Bowel Preparation for Gynaecological Laparoscopic Surgery
Prior to your admission for laparoscopic surgery, we would like to ensure that your bowel is completely empty as this makes surgery easier to perform and reduces the risk of bowel injury to you. In the unlikely event of this occurring, it makes the management much easier as there is much less risk of contamination. It does, however, mean that you will have to go on a special diet for four days prior to your surgery and take strong laxatives. The laxatives will be given to you at your Preadmission assessment appointment together with instructions.
Bowel preparation is not suitable for all individuals if you have other medical problems for example diabetes or kidney problems. If you feel there is any reason why you may not be suitable for bowel prep then please discuss this with your doctor or nurse.
Removing Temporary Ovarian Suspension Stitches
Ovarian suspension has been done after your surgery to reduce post operative adhesions.
The dissolvable stitches (blue coloured stitches) may be released after 5-7 days post operatively.
Vaginal hysterectomy is most commonly used in the treatment of uterine (womb) prolapse. A prolapse of the uterus occurs due to a weakness in the supporting tissues to the vagina. This weakness can cause symptoms of a bulge that appears from the vagina. It is usually worse on straining, walking and lifting. Commonly symptoms are worse in the evening.
Vaginal hysterectomy is also used in the treatment of women with menorrhagia (heavy bleeding) and/or dysmenorrhoea (painful periods) and small benign fibroids (non-cancerous growths) that grow in the wall of the uterus.