Hysterectomy Background:

A hysterectomy is the removal of a woman's uterus and sexual organs through surgery. There are three different kinds of hysterectomies: partial, total and radical. A partial hysterectomy removes the uterus, a total hysterectomy removes the uterus and cervix and a radical hysterectomy removes the fallopian tubes, uterus, ovaries, oviducts and the top of the vagina. There are three ways to perform a hysterectomy as well. They can be performed through the vagina, the abdomen or with the use of a laparoscope.

Hysterectomy Recovery Time:

The time period for a hysterectomy recovery depends on a few things. The first is the type of hysterectomy one is getting. The recovery time is quicker for a vaginal or laparoscopic hysterectomy than for an abdominal hysterectomy. In addition, a person who had a partial hysterectomy will generally recover quicker than one who had a total or radical hysterectomy. Recovery also depends on the woman's habits. A healthy diet and light exercise can aid in a speedy recovery, while eating greasy or spicy foods might slow it down.

Hysterectomy Side Effects:

The biggest side effect of a hysterectomy is that a woman's menstrual cycle will stop. A partial or total hysterectomy will have a gradual stop while a radical hysterectomy will be immediate. Side effects of the actual surgery might be fatigue, cramps or pain. The hysterectomy might cause some women to go into early menopause. A woman may find that she gains unwanted weight and has mood swings as well.

Laparoscope Hysterectomy:

A laparoscope is the latest piece of medical technology to be used when performing a hysterectomy. It is a tiny video camera that can record what the inside of the body looks like. This gives a doctor the chance to see the organs clearly while operating without making a large incision in the abdomen. It is preferred because it has the accuracy of an abdominal hysterectomy with the swifter recovery time of a vaginal hysterectomy.

Partial Hysterectomy:

A partial hysterectomy is the removal of just the uterus. It is the least invasive of all hysterectomy procedures. A doctor will be the one to advise a woman on her options when it comes to a hysterectomy, but a woman will usually prefer to have a partial, rather than a total or radical hysterectomy if possible.

Total Abdominal Hysterectomy:

A total abdominal hysterectomy is the removal of the cervix and the uterus through the abdomen. This type of hysterectomy will have a long recovery period.

Laser Hysterectomy:

A laser hysterectomy is one that is performed with the use of a laparoscope. While this type of hysterectomy does have many benefits, it also has a downside. Currently, an individual can not have a laser hysterectomy if they are dealing with cancer. A laser hysterectomy can help when it comes to bleeding or pain. Cancer has to be removed with an abdominal hysterectomy.