A hysterectomy procedure is used to treat a number of gynecological conditions including endometriosis, uterine fibroids, uterine prolapse, several types of cancer and uterine disease . There are several different types of hysterectomy procedures. A total hysterectomy requires the complete removal of the uterus, the fundus, and the cervix, while a partial hysterectomy will leave the cervical stump. Finally, radical hysterectomies are used to treat various gynecological cancers, among other conditions. In radical hysterectomy procedures, a surgeon will remove the cervix and the uterus, as well as the fallopian tubes, pelvic lymph nodes, ovaries, and possibly part of the vagina depending on the spread of the gynecological cancer.
As previously mentioned, most often a hysterectomy procedure will involve an abdominal hysterectomy. The reason an abdominal hysterectomy is so widely used is that a large incision in the abdomen will allow surgeons to see the entire area and better facilitate the removal of the uterus as well as any other affected organs such as the cervix or ovaries.
An abdominal hysterectomy will give surgeons greater dexterity with their hands as well as their surgical instruments. If any other conditions or problems are discovered during an abdominal hysterectomy, these issues are easily addressed during the surgery.
Potential Drawbacks
While an abdominal hysterectomy is the most common method of hysterectomy, there are several potential drawbacks to the procedure . The risk of complications is higher, and the procedure itself can be extremely painful and strenuous for the patient as well as for the surgical team. In addition, an abdominal hysterectomy will result in more scarring.
Complications from an abdominal hysterectomy can include excessive bleeding, blood clots, and damage to other abdominal organs such as the bowels or bladder. There is a higher risk of infection from an abdominal hysterectomy than in a less invasive hysterectomy procedure.
The hospital stay after an abdominal hysterectomy usually lasts one to two days, however this could be as long as four days. The recovery period after the procedure is usually six to eight weeks. During recovery, activity is severely limited with patients slowly returning to normal life over time.
It is possible for a less invasive hysterectomy procedure to be performed, such as a laparoscopic hysterectomy, which only requires a few small incisions, or a vaginal hysterectomy, which does not require any incisions on the abdomen at all.
According to Dr. Eisenberg, "these hysterectomy procedures, as performed traditionally, do not allow the surgeon as great a view of the affected area, and further limit the dexterity of the surgeon during the procedure. In addition, these procedures are only for minor conditions such as fibroids and are not practical for a condition such as gynecological cancer. If anything else is found during the procedure, the surgeon will more than likely have to revert to an abdominal hysterectomy."
For More information on robotic hysterectomy, visit our website
Summary:
A hysterectomy procedure is used to treat a number of gynecological conditions including endometriosis, uterine fibroids, uterine prolapse, several types of cancer and uterine disease . There are several different types of hysterectomy procedures.
Our website is not responsible for the information contained by this article. Webworldarticles.com is a free articles resource thus practically any visitor can submit an article. However if you notice any copyrighted material, please contact us and we will remove the article(s) in discussion right away.
This article was sent to us by:
Jim Knight at
03032010
1. URINARY SEPTICAEMIA: TREATMENT
All articles in this directory are property of their respective authors. Additionally, read our Privacy Policy
© 2010 WebWorldarticles.com - All Rights Reserved. Partners: Gunblade Saga