A hysterectomy can be done to remove the uterus only, or the uterus ovaries and the fallopian tubes.
What is a hysterectomy?
There are approximately 30 000 hysterectomies performed across Australia annually at a rate of 255 hysterectomies per 100000 women.
A hysterectomy is a surgical procedure involving removing a woman’s uterus (womb). It may also include the removal of the cervix, ovaries, and Fallopian tubes.
It is the second most common gynaecological surgery after a caesarian section.
Women experiencing chronically heavy periods, that are painful and adversely affect their well-being, may discuss this procedure with a doctor as a means to improve their quality of life.
If you are seeking hysterectomy surgery in Orange, Bathurst and Parks, you can contact Lotus Medics. We are able to assist with advice and treatment options.
A hysterectomy is a major surgical procedure to remove a woman’s uterus either through an incision in the lower abdomen (similar to a c-section cut), through the vagina or laparoscopically, which is the use of thin instruments inserted via small incisions in the abdomen.
A partial hysterectomy removes just the uterus, leaving the cervix intact. Whereas a total hysterectomy removes the uterus and the cervix.
It may also involve the removal of the ovaries and fallopian tubes.
The vast majority of these procedures are performed on women between the ages of 40 and 60.
Signs and symptoms you may need
to have hysterectomy surgery
When could a hysterectomy be necessary and most likely be a valuable procedure to have?
The below includes conditions where a hysterectomy may be beneficial:
- Cancer
- Uterine fibroid
- Endometriosis
- Uterine prolapse
- Abnormal or heavy bleeding
- Conditions with the lining of the uterus, such as hyperplasia
Cancer
A hysterectomy may be recommended for uterine, cervical, endometrial or ovarian cancer, depending on how advanced the cancer is and if other treatment options have not been effective.
Uterine Fibroids
Uterine fibroids are one of the most common reasons for a hysterectomy. They are non-cancerous growths found in the uterus and can cause pain and heavy bleeding. A hysterectomy may be necessary when medications and other lesser invasive and more conservative management options have not been effective.
Endometriosis
A hysterectomy may be recommended when hormonal therapy and surgical procedures to remove endometriosis have not worked. This is also an effective treatment option in cases of adenomyosis (endometriosis-like cells in the muscle off the uterus)-especially after childbearing is completed and if other options have not worked)
Uterine prolapse
A hysterectomy may be the treatment of choice when your uterus slips from its normal position and descends into the vagina, and when exercises and devices have not worked.
Abnormal or heavy vaginal bleeding
Heavy or irregular bleeding can be caused by many things and can be experienced with pain or cramps. Removing the uterus may be the only way to help if other treatments have failed to work.
Conditions with the lining of the uterus, such as hyperplasia
The thickening of the uterus, if left untreated may lead to cancer. In some cases, a hysterectomy may be recommended.
If you are experiencing any of the above conditions and would like to find out more about a hysterectomy as a treatment option, please book an appointment with us at Lotus Medics.
Surgery options available for a hysterectomy
A hysterectomy can be performed in several ways, depending on the reason for the procedure and the surgeon’s preference. The most common types of hysterectomy are:
Abdominal hysterectomy
This has been the traditional route for hysterectomy. It is an open surgery performed through an incision in the lower abdomen. The abdominal route is fast being replaced by lesser invasive routes like vaginal, laparoscopic and robotic hysterectomies as they are less invasive and carry a lower risk of bleeding, infection and venous thrombo-embolism, early ambulation and return to work and less pain.
Laparoscopic hysterectomy (keyhole surgery)
A laparoscopic procedure is performed through several small incisions in the abdomen. A laparoscope (a thin tube with a camera on the end) is inserted through one of the incisions.
The surgeon uses the camera to guide the removal of the uterus through the other incisions. This is considered a minimally invasive procedure.
Robotic-assisted laparoscopic hysterectomy
This type of surgery is similar to laparoscopic hysterectomy, but the surgeon uses a robotic system to control the laparoscope.
Vaginal hysterectomy
This type of hysterectomy is performed through an incision in the vagina. Vaginal hysterectomy may be an option for women with Pelvic Organ Prolapse (POP).
A hysterectomy can be performed abdominally, laparoscopically or through the vagina.
The potential risk of having
a hysterectomy procedure
As with any surgery, a hysterectomy has risks and potential complications.
These include:
- Infection
- Bleeding
- Blood clots
- Damage to surrounding organs – bladder, bowel, ureter and blood vessels – this risk is usually rare at 1:100 patients
It is important to discuss the risks and potential complications of a hysterectomy with your doctor before having the surgery.
Ovarian removal versus conservation
A common myth is that hysterectomy will leave women in menopause. This is not entirely true.
In most women, unless there are significant ovarian lesions, suspicious malignancy, or other familial genetic cancer conditions like BRCA, usually ovaries are conserved and hence in someone who is pre-menopausal, the ovarian function continues till their natural age of menopause.
Your doctor will discuss this specific to your case if you are undergoing a hysterectomy.
Fertility
Hysterectomy should only be contemplated if all other less invasive and conservative options have been exhausted, and once the family is complete. Hysterectomy is a fertility non-sparing procedure.
Recovery after a hysterectomy is important, and it can take up to 6 weeks to fully recover from the surgery.
Recovery
post-surgery
It is important to follow post-surgery recovery recommendations from your doctor. Below is some information on what to expect.
Recovery Time
Recovery time from a hysterectomy depends on the type of surgery performed and the individual’s health. Most women stay in the hospital for 2-3 days after surgery.
Women with a laparoscopic or robotic-assisted procedure usually have a shorter hospital stay and quicker recovery than those with an abdominal hysterectomy. Most women take 4-6 weeks to recover from surgery fully.
Medication for pain
During the first few days after surgery, you will likely feel tired and have some pain in your abdomen. Your doctor will prescribe medication to help with the pain.
Exercise
You will need to avoid strenuous activity for at least six weeks to allow your incisions to heal. Short walks may be recommended.
Return to normal daily life
Most women return to their usual selves within a few months after surgery, however, following the doctor’s instructions and taking it easy during the recovery is essential. If you have any concerns or problems, contact your doctor.
Most women who have a hysterectomy will not experience any long-term side effects. However, discussing all possible side effects with your doctor before the procedure is essential.
Dispelling some common
hysterectomy myths
Hysterectomies are always major surgeries
While hysterectomies can be major surgeries, there are also minimally invasive options, such as laparoscopic or robotic hysterectomies, that involve smaller incisions and shorter recovery times.
Hysterectomies cause early menopause
A hysterectomy does not cause menopause, as the ovaries – which produce the hormones that regulate a woman’s menstrual cycle – are not removed during the procedure. Please refer to the paragraph above.
Hysterectomies cause a loss of sexual desire
Often sexual drive is improved after a hysterectomy as this results in the treatment of heavy bleeding and pelvic pain.
Since in most women, the ovaries are conserved, this often does not result in deteriorating sexual function.
Hysterectomies are always the only option
A hysterectomy may not be necessary in many cases. Depending on the condition, other, less invasive treatments may be available.
How much does a hysterectomy cost?
A hysterectomy cost at our Orange, Parkes and Bathurst practices largely depends on the condition and the specific type of surgery recommended.
At your initial consultation, a thorough examination will be conducted to determine the best form of treatment option for your stage of the condition.
Dr Kotasthane will walk you through your options when it comes to
- Consultation costs
- Surgery costs
- Laparoscopy costs (if necessary)
Please do not hesitate to contact us for more information on our pricing. You can also visit our costs page on our website for more information.
Hysterectomies do not bring on immediate onset of menopause when the ovaries are not removed. Conserved ovaries will continue to produce hormones till menopause occurs naturally.
How Lotus Medics can help with hysterectomy surgery
At Lotus Medics, we always put the safety of our patients first. We understand that everyone is different, with unique symptoms and causes, and we offer a customised service to each one.
Dr Sachin Kotasthane has extensive experience in performing hysterectomy surgery for women with severe uterine issues.
Meet Dr Sachin Kotasthane
Dr Sachin Kotasthane, due to his experience and training, is able to offer comprehensive care for women that are considering a hysterectomy. He is an experienced Obstetrician and Gynaecologist who trained in the UK across various specialised skills, including advanced Laparoscopy, Urogynaecology, Pelvic Ultrasound, High-risk Obstetrics and Menopause Management.
Having worked as a Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist in Glasgow, he then moved to Orange NSW and is now able to offer world-class women’s health advice, services and procedures.
Our locations for offering a hysterectomy
We are conveniently located at the following physical locations. Please contact us to book an appointment at the practice closest to you.
Orange
Bloomfield Medical Campus, Level 2/1521 Forest Rd, Orange NSW 2800
Bathurst Specialist Centre
Bathurst Specialist Centre, Building 1470, Panorama Ave, Charles Sturt University, Bathurst NSW 2795
Parkes
Ochre Health Medical Centre 335 Clarinda St, Parkes NSW 2870
Frequently Asked Questions
If you still require more information on hysterectomy please read our most frequently asked questions.
Should you still have more questions hereafter please feel free to contact us for more clarification.
What is the most common mode of hysterectomy?
In the past, an abdominal or “open hysterectomy was the commonest form of hysterectomy. But since advances in laparoscopic surgery- and robotic surgery-minimally invasive options for doing this procedure exist.
How long is the recovery from a hysterectomy?
A minimally invasive option like laparoscopic hysterectomy will mean an earlier return to normal activities for most women-this translates into early ambulation, early return to light duties and driving, etc. However, it is important to know that the recovery from surgery in ongoing and women should allow at least 4 to 6 weeks for complete recovery after having a hysterectomy and follow the doctor’s recommendations carefully.
Is a hysterectomy an urgent surgery?
In some cases, a hysterectomy can be an urgent and life-saving procedure, such as for uterine cancer or Intractable bleeding not responding to conservative management.
What is removed during a hysterectomy?
A woman’s uterus is removed during a hysterectomy, and individual cases of removal versus conservation of the cervix, tubes and ovaries are discussed. Pros and cons are weighed for each and an informed choice and informed consent process is followed to decide removal versus conservation of the above.
Is a hysterectomy considered major surgery?
Yes, a hysterectomy is considered major surgery and depending on the nature, route of hysterectomy and other procedures required may take anywhere from 1-2 night stay in the hospital as part of the recovery process.
How long does a hysterectomy surgery usually take?
A hysterectomy procedure is performed under general anaesthetic and typically takes one to two hours to complete, depending on the complexity of the procedure and associated auxiliary surgeries required, like endometriosis treatment, fibroid management or treatment of prolapse at the same time.
How painful is hysterectomy surgery?
Minimally invasive routes of hysterectomy mean that the pain is much lesser than in traditional “open” hysterectomies.
Women who have had previous “open” surgeries like a caesarean section typically report much lesser pain (up to 70-80 per cent less pain) from a laparoscopic hysterectomy-something that over-the-counter pain medications will help settle. The worst pain most women feel is shoulder-tip pain from the gas in their abdomen from laparoscopy- but this usually responds well to heat packs and resolves in a day or two.
How many days should you rest after a hysterectomy?
Minimally invasive routes of hysterectomy mean that most women are active and ambulant soon after the procedure in a few days. But as this is a major surgery, the internal healing does continue from 3 weeks to 3 months and hence it is very important to give the body a chance to heal properly.
Whilst “complete bed rest” is not ideal, as this will increase the chance of venous thromboembolism, “taking it easy” and gradually increasing activity should be the mantra until recovery is complete.
Do you lose weight after a hysterectomy?
A hysterectomy does not cause any weight loss. As most women focus on their recovery after surgery, this may lead to the enhancement of general health if the right dietary and exercise regimens are followed.
PLEASE NOTE: This information is not intended to be used for diagnosis or treatment. It is aimed at presenting a perspective only and is not a substitute for a prescription. Anyone experiencing a medical condition should consult their doctor. A second opinion is also encouraged.
How to schedule a consultation
To schedule your consultation please contact our family-focused practice via telephone at 1300 3LOTUS (1300 356887)
or email us at info@lotusmedics.com.au to set up your appointment. You can also leave your contact details via our online form.
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