Hysterectomy is a surgery for removing the uterus. Following a hysterectomy , you will no longer have your periods or be able to conceive. It is a prevalent treatment option for different conditions affecting a woman’s reproductive organs. In the country, almost half a million hysterectomies happen every year. It is the second most prevalent surgical procedure after a C-section. Typically, hysterectomies occur in women between 40 and 50.

Types of hysterectomies?
When you visit your doctor, they will tell you about different kinds of hysterectomies and discuss the costs, requirements, risks, recovery, and potential side effects of every hysterectomy. Before proceeding with the procedure, consult your doctor if you should have fallopian tubes and ovaries removed.

Some common types of hysterectomies are as follows:

• Total hysterectomy
  It involves removing the entire cervix and the uterus. It is the most commonly performed hysterectomy.
• Radical hysterectomy
  Under this, the surgeon will remove the vagina’s upper part, cervix, and uterus. It is primarily a treatment option for cancer.
• Partial hysterectomy
  It removes the uterus, leaving behind the cervix.

Why is it needed?
Typically, healthcare providers may recommend a hysterectomy for one of the following reasons:

• Severe pain in menses that is unmanageable with other treatment options
• Uterine fibroids or leiomyomas
• Heavy or abnormal vaginal bleeding unmanageable by other treatments
• Uterine or cervical cancer abnormalities
• Excessive pelvic pain associated with your uterus and not managed by other treatments
• Conditions with the uterus lining, like recurrent uterine polyps, hyperplasia, or adenomyosis
• The uterus gets into the vaginal canal because of weakened support muscles, resulting in difficulty with bowel movements or urinary incontinence.

Understanding the risk and recovery

• Risks
  Typically, a hysterectomy is a safe procedure. However, as with most surgeries, it may have some risks involved. Some people might experience an adverse reaction to anesthesia. Further, a few may endure an infection or heavy bleeding around the incision site. Some other risks involve injury to the surrounding organs or tissues, such as the bladder, blood vessels, or intestines. Though these risks are rare, if they happen, you will need another surgery for correction.
• Recovery
  Depending on the kind of hysterectomy you undergo, you may spend one to five days in the hospital. Your healthcare professional will recommend some pain relievers and keep a check on your vitals, such as your heart rate and bleeding. If you undergo a laparoscopic or vaginal hysterectomy, recovery can be expected within three to four weeks.
  Recovery time is longer in the abdominal hysterectomy, but you will heal completely in six to eight weeks.

Pre and post-surgery precaution
Proper pre and post-surgery precautions can help avoid complications and make the recovery smoother.

Pre-surgery
Before the surgery, your doctor will explain everything you must know to prepare for the hysterectomy. The requirements usually vary depending on the reason and type of hysterectomy. However, people might hear the below-listed precautions or advice:

• Discontinue blood thinners and aspirin for one week before the surgery
• Abstain from eating and drinking for several hours before the procedure
• Prepare an overnight bag if the doctor advises an extended hospital stay
• Make transportation arrangements to/from the hospital

Further, before the surgery, inform your doctor if you:

• Use any OTC or prescribed treatment options, supplements, or vitamins
• Suspect a pregnancy
• Experience respiratory concerns like sleep apnea or asthma
• Are allergic to anesthetics

Post surgery
Most people feel sleepy following the surgery until the anesthesia wears off. The doctor will give some pain relievers and monitor your vitals. While some people may get discharged the same day, others might have to stay a little longer. Stay is typically recommended if the hysterectomy is a cancer treatment. You will be advised to walk around the hospital post-surgery to prevent blood clots from developing in the legs.

If you undergo a vaginal hysterectomy, you will have your vagina packed with gauze to prevent the leaking. The doctors remove the gauze within a few days from the surgery, but you might endure brownish or bloody discharge from the vagina a few days after the surgery. Wearing a menstrual pad can help avoid staining. Some may even have some pain in the lower abdomen. It is best to take it slow.

Further, after you return home from the surgery, follow a regular exercise routine. You can walk around inside your house or around the neighborhood. However, you must avoid some activities during recovery, such as:

• Sexual intercourse
• Bending
• Lifting heavy items
• Pulling and pushing objects, say a vacuum cleaner
• Swimming
• Douching
• Using tampons

Cost
The hysterectomy cost can depend on several factors, including the clinic/hospital, the professional doctor, health condition of the patient, among others. Generally, it can range between $9,661 and $22,534.