Hysterectomy Melbourne
A surgical procedure involving the removal of a woman’s internal reproductive organs.
What is a Hysterectomy?
A hysterectomy is a specialist gynaecology surgery that involves the removal of the uterus. The uterus is the organ where menstrual blood and tissue are shed each month, and where a fetal develops during pregnancy.
During the procedure, the surgeon carefully ties off (ligates) the blood vessels and supporting ligaments connected to the uterus before removing it.
Different Types of Hysterectomy
There are several types of hysterectomy, chosen based on the patient’s condition and surgical goals:
- Total Hysterectomy: Removal of the entire uterus and cervix.
- Subtotal (Partial) Hysterectomy: Removal of the uterus while preserving the cervix
- Hysterectomy with Salpingo-Oophorectomy: Removal of the uterus , cervix, ovaries, and Fallopian tubes.
- Radical Hysterectomy: Usually performed for cancer treatment; involves removal of the uterus, cervix, ovaries, Fallopian tubes, supporting uterine ligaments, the upper third of the vagina, and often pelvic lymph nodes.
Why Might I Need a Hysterectomy?
A hysterectomy may be recommended to address various gynaecological issues, including:
- Heavy periods or painful periods
- Uterine fibroids
- Adenomyosis (where uterine tissue grow into the muscular wall)
- Endometriosis
- Uterine prolapse
- Endometrial hyperplasia
- Endometrial/uterine/ovarian cancers
- Severe chronic pelvic pain
Is a hysterectomy the only option? Discuss with the Create Health team today.
Types of Hysterectomy Procedure
The duration of a hysterectomy usually ranges from 45 minutes to 2 hours depending on factors like uterine size and complexity.
Common surgical approaches include:
- Abdominal (Open) Hysterectomy: A larger incision in the lower abdomen; suitable for large uteri or complex cases.
- Vaginal Hysterectomy: Removal through the vaginal canal; preferred for faster recovery and no visible scars.
- Laparoscopic Hysterectomy: Minimally invasive keyhole surgery using small abdominal incisions and a camera.
- Robotic-Assisted Hysterectomy: An advanced laparoscopic technique where the surgeon uses robotic instruments for precision.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the recovery period after a hysterectomy?
Hospital stay typically lasts 1-2 nights. Mild vaginal bleeding or spotting can continue for several weeks post-surgery. Recovery involves rest, avoiding heavy lifting or strenuous activities, and following your surgeon’s advice to promote healing.
Will I enter menopause after a hysterectomy?
If your ovaries remain intact, you will continue to produce hormones and will not immediately enter menopause. Menopause generally occurs naturally around the same age it would have without surgery. However, if your ovaries are removed during the hysterectomy, menopause will occur immediately.
Will my libido and sexual pleasure be affected?
Many women experience no change or even an improvement in sexual satisfaction after hysterectomy, especially if the surgery relieved pain or heavy bleeding. Sexual desire typically remains unchanged, but individual experiences can vary depending on the underlying condition and type of surgery.
What are the risks of hysterectomy surgery?
Though common, hysterectomy is major surgery with potential risks such as:
- Infection
- Blood clots
- Excessive bleeding
- Injury to nearby organs (bladder, bowel, ureters)
- Adverse reaction to anaesthesia
Your surgeon will discuss these risks and how they apply to your case before surgery.
Why Create Health?
Leading Gynaecologists
Our team of gynaecological surgeons has decades of experience in providing care for women of all ages.
Consulting All Over Melbourne
With rooms in Mount Waverley, East Melbourne, and Berwick, we also consult in Moorabbin and in regional Victoria.
Minimally Invasive Techniques
We offer minimally invasive techniques, like laparoscopic surgery, which allows for minimal scarring and a quicker recovery time.
Wondering if a Hysterectomy is the Right Choice?
For many women, hearing the phrase “hysterectomy” can be quite intimidating. Still, there are sometimes very valid reasons for this procedure to be performed, and you don’t have to do it alone.
The dedicated team at Create Health has performed hysterectomies for many different reasons. We are here to answer your questions and ease your concerns, from that first consultation right up until your follow-up appointment. Our team is just a phone call away.