Vaginal Hysterectomy

Vaginal hysterectomy is a surgical procedure for the removal of the uterus, accessed through the vagina, rather than through an incision in the abdomen. This route of surgery is often chosen because it is less invasive than abdominal hysterectomy; hence, recoveries are faster, pain is reduced, and there are no visible scars. Vaginal hysterectomy is usually done to treat conditions such as uterine prolapse, fibroids, abnormal uterine bleeding, and some cancers of the gynecological tract.

What is Vaginal Hysterectomy?

By eliminating the uterus through the vagina, a vaginal hysterectomy avoids the requirement for the specialist to make entry points in the stomach. This approach causes less pain, allows faster recovery, and doesn’t cause scars that might have been apparent. In view of your condition, the specialist might eliminate the ovaries and fallopian tubes, whenever required. The procedure requires 1 or 2 hours which can be performed with general sedation.

Symptoms

This approach can be done for various conditions such as:

Uterine Prolapse: When the uterus drops inside or outside the vaginal waterway considering feeble or hurt pelvic tissues.
Fibroids: These are innocuous developments in the uterus that can cause torment or extend bleeding.
Unusual Bleeding: Inordinate or delayed bleeding.
Endometriosis: When tissue covering of the uterus begins to develop outside the uterus. It’s very painful.
Gynaecologic Cancers: Prometrial or cervical cancer in early stage in some patients.

Benefits

• Rapid Recovery: A return to regular activities takes a week for most patients.
• Minimal Pain: there are no major incisions involved, so postoperative pain is minimal.
• Low Chance of Complication: There are minimal chances of potential complications, like an infection and hernia formation.

How the Surgery Works

Preparation: Patient is anesthetized. The person is settled into the lithotomy position to enable the surgeon to gain substantial access to the vagina.

Incision: Small incision through the vaginal wall.
Hysterectomy: The womb is cut free from surrounding ligaments and tissues and taken out. Removal of ovaries and fallopian tubes may also be done as per requirement.
Closing: The incision is closed with sutures in the vagina and completed.

Recovery and Aftercare

Recovery of vaginal hysterectomy is usually faster than other procedures of hysterectomy.
Hospital Stay: Nearly all patients are sent home after one or all days in the hospital.
Pain Management: Pain is generally minimal and can be treated with medication.
Physical Activity Limitation: Patients should avoid lifting anything that weighs more than ten pounds, physical activities, and sexual intercourse for approximately six weeks.
Follow Up: A follow-up visit would be used to assess healing and any issues that may arise.

Risks and Possible Complications

While the surgery is very safe, there are some risks to be aware of which may include:
Bleeding: Has an extremely low incidence but can happen during or after surgery.
Infection: There is a low infection, but it can occur after any surgery.
Damage to Others: Such as the bladder, the intestines, or blood vessels, but this is very rare.
Vaginal Vault Prolapse: In some rare conditions, vaginal enterocele presents when the support to the top of the vagina is lost.

Conclusion

Vaginal hysterectomy is a less invasive, successful and safe procedure for the cure of a variety of diseases affecting the pelvis area. With hidden scars, shorter time for recovery as well as lessened pain, it is the favourite of most women if one needs to have a hysterectomy. If need be for a hysterectomy, consultation with the health advisor would give direction to have a vaginal hysterectomy, which is worthwhile to do.