Information On Hysterectomy Waco Residents Need To Know

By Charles Edwards


A number of medical conditions are known to lead to the removal of the uterus in a woman, a procedure commonly referred to as hysterectomy. Before undergoing hysterectomy Waco residents need to understand some vital information beforehand. Among the most important things to know is the fact that an individual that undergoes the operation loses their ability to carry a pregnancy.

There are two main instances in which there may be a need to remove a uterus. The first is in the emergency setting during which the woman has very little choice if at all. This may occur, for example, following the delivery of a baby that is complicated by excessive bleeding from the uterus. Although there are a number of conservative interventions that can be undertaken, surgery is usually needed when these fail.

Most cases of hysterectomy are done electively. Conditions that may necessitate the procedure include cervical cancer, uterine tumors (fibroids, choriocarcinoma and endometrial cancer among others), and excessive uterine bleeding (menorrhagia) due to any other reason. Like in the emergency setting, the decision to do conduct the surgery is reached only after other options have been exhausted.

Since this is a major operation with potential risks and complications, there is a need to undergo some form of preparation so as to minimize these risks. This preparation is both physical and psychological. One of the most important things that need to be done is to determine the extent of the condition. This can be done, for instance, by subjecting the patient to radiological imaging studies that help estimate the size and position of a uterine lesion.

You will be issued with instructions that you need to follow in the days following to performance of the operation. These are mainly aimed at minimizing the risk of the procedure. For example, if you are a smoker you will be advised to abstain from the habit for a few weeks as a continuation of the same may delay wound healing. It is the same reason that informs the stoppage of blood thinners before surgery.

There are two main approaches that are used when performing the procedure. These include the abdominal approach and the trans-vaginal approach. The choice of which of these two to use will be determined by the nature and extent of the illness. The trans-vaginal approach is ideal when the uterus is relatively small and can be maneuvered easily through the birth canal once it has been separated from the supporting structures.

When the abdominal approach is chosen the surgeon has the option of doing an open procedure or a laparoscopic procedure. The former entails the creation of a large incision in the lower abdomen hence is associated with larger residual scars. In the laparoscopic technique, the incisions are quite small which means that the resultant scars are quite small. Other complications such as bleeding and damage to other organs are also fewer with this method.

The surgery typically takes between one and two hours except in instances where complications are encountered. The surgical team has the option of choosing between regional and general anesthesia. The choice is mainly determined by the preference of the surgeon and the anesthesiology team. Recovery is usually quite rapid with the majority of patients being allowed home after about 72 hours. Resumption of normal duties may take a few more days.




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