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28-08-2024 Team Medicover woman-and-child

Written by Medicover Team and Medically Reviewed by Dr Lalitya Swarna Pethakamsetty

Uterus Removal Surgery

Uterus removal surgery is a common medical procedure that helps women with various health issues related to their reproductive system that haven’t improved with other treatments. While this surgery can bring about significant changes in a woman’s life, it is an important decision that requires careful consideration.

This article will help you understand what the surgery involves, why it’s done, its recovery process and what to expect afterwards.

What is Uterus Removal Surgery?

Uterus removal surgery is a medical procedure in which the uterus (womb) is surgically removed. Once the uterus is removed, a woman can no longer become pregnant or have menstrual periods.

Why Uterus Removal Surgery is Done?

Hysterectomy is performed to treat several gynaecological conditions that do not respond well to other treatments. Common medical reasons for uterus removal include:

Uterine fibroids: Noncancerous growths that cause heavy bleeding, pain or pressure symptoms.
Endometriosis: A condition where tissue similar to the uterine lining grows outside the uterus and causes chronic pain and infertility.
Adenomyosis: When the uterine lining grows into the muscle wall, causing severe cramps and heavy bleeding.
Chronic pelvic pain: Persistent pain that doesn’t respond to other treatments and is linked to uterine problems.
Heavy or abnormal menstrual bleeding: Especially when medications and other procedures fail to provide relief.
Uterine prolapse: When the uterus slips into the vaginal canal due to weak pelvic muscles.
Gynecologic cancers: Including uterine, cervical or ovarian cancer, where removal of the uterus is part of the treatment.

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Can You Get Pregnant After Uterus Removal?

It is not possible to get pregnant after a uterus removal surgery. The uterus is essential for carrying a pregnancy and once it is removed, natural conception and pregnancy cannot occur, even if the ovaries are left intact.

Why Pregnancy isn't Possible:

The uterus is where the fertilised egg implants and grows into a baby. Without it, there is no place for pregnancy to develop.
Even if ovaries are present and ovulation continues, the eggs have nowhere to go and menstruation stops.
Eggs cannot be fertilised and carried naturally.

Are there any alternatives for motherhood?

Yes. Women who have had a hysterectomy can still become parents through:

Surrogacy: If the ovaries are intact, your eggs can be harvested and fertilised in a lab and then implanted in a surrogate.
Adoption: A meaningful option for starting or growing a family after hysterectomy.

If you are considering uterus removal but wish to have children in the future, talk to your doctor about fertility preservation options before surgery.

Types of Uterus Removal Surgery Approach:

Uterus removal surgery is performed to treat various gynaecological conditions such as fibroids, heavy bleeding, endometriosis or cancer. There are several types of surgical approaches like.

Abdominal Hysterectomy

Done through an open incision in the lower abdomen. Recommended when the uterus is large or other organs need to be examined.

Vaginal Hysterectomy

The uterus is removed through the vagina. This method leaves no visible scars and has a quicker recovery time than open surgery.

Laparoscopic Hysterectomy

A minimally invasive surgery using small incisions and a camera to remove the uterus. It results in less pain and a shorter hospital stay.

Robotic-Assisted Hysterectomy

A type of laparoscopic hysterectomy where a surgeon uses robotic tools for more precision, often used for complex cases.

Uterus Removal Surgery Procedure

Uterus removal surgery or hysterectomy is performed under general or spinal anaesthesia. The choice of surgical technique depends on the patient’s condition, the size of the uterus and the need for removing other reproductive organs.

How to Get Ready for Surgery?

Before your surgery, you might need some tests like imaging, blood tests and a physical check-up.
Your doctor will let you know if you should stop taking some medicines.
It’s also important to avoid eating or drinking for about 8 to 12 hours before the surgery.

Surgical Procedure:

Anesthesia administration: Before the surgery begins, anesthesia is given to make sure the patient feels comfortable and doesn’t experience pain.
Surgical approach: The surgeon decides how to approach the surgery, which can be through the abdomen, the vagina or using tools like a laparoscope or robotic technology. This choice depends on the patient’s specific condition.
Dissection and removal of the uterus: Next, the doctor carefully separates the uterus from the surrounding tissues and removes it.
Closure of the surgical site: After the uterus is taken out, the surgical area is closed up with stitches and the doctor checks to make sure there isn’t any bleeding.

The whole procedure usually takes 1 to 3 hours and may involve removal of the cervix, ovaries or fallopian tubes, depending on the type of hysterectomy performed.

How Long Will It Take and Stay in the Hospital?

The surgery itself usually lasts between 1 to 3 hours.
Hospital stay depends on the type of surgery:
- If it is a vaginal or laparoscopic surgery, you might stay for 1 to 2 days.
- If it is an abdominal surgery, you could be there for 2 to 3 days.

Anesthesia and Pain Management

General or spinal anaesthesia is used.
Post-operative pain is managed with oral or IV medicines.

Recovery Time After Uterus Removal Surgery

Recovery time varies depending on the surgical method:

Abdominal Hysterectomy: 6–8 weeks of recovery, with more time needed before returning to strenuous activities.
Vaginal or Laparoscopic Hysterectomy: 2–4 weeks recovery, usually with less postoperative pain and faster healing.
Robotic Hysterectomy: Similar to laparoscopic, with minimal scarring and faster recovery.

Patients can expect mild abdominal pain, fatigue and light vaginal bleeding during the early recovery phase. Most women can resume light activities within a week, but should avoid lifting heavy objects or sexual activity until advised by the doctor.

Side Effects of Hysterectomy or Uterus Removal Surgery

Uterus removal surgery is generally safe, but it may cause some physical and emotional side effects:

Early menopause symptoms: If ovaries are removed, hormonal changes can cause hot flashes, mood swings and vaginal dryness.
Hormonal imbalance: The removal of ovaries can affect libido, bone health and metabolism.
Emotional changes: Some women may feel a sense of loss or mood changes after surgery.
Urinary or bowel changes: Temporary issues like constipation or difficulty urinating may occur.
Surgical site discomfort: Mild pain or swelling is common during the early stages of healing.

What are the Risks of Uterus Removal Surgery?

Although uterus removal surgery is considered a safe procedure, there are potential risks like with any major surgery:

Infection: At the surgical site or internally.
Bleeding: Significant blood loss may require transfusion.
Damage to surrounding organs such as the bladder, ureters or bowel.
Anaesthesia-related risks such as breathing problems or allergic reactions.
Blood clots, particularly in the legs or lungs post-surgery.
Scar tissue formation (adhesions) may cause future complications.

Alternatives to Uterus Removal Surgery

In some cases, uterus removal can be avoided through less invasive or conservative treatments like:

Medications: Hormonal therapy or non-hormonal drugs to control fibroids, bleeding or endometriosis.
Uterine artery embolisation (UAE): A minimally invasive option for shrinking fibroids.
Endometrial ablation: A procedure that destroys the uterine lining to reduce heavy bleeding.
Myomectomy: Surgical removal of fibroids while preserving the uterus.
Lifestyle changes: Diet, stress reduction and exercise may help manage mild symptoms.

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Conclusion

Uterus removal surgery is a major surgery that many women may need to address ongoing health problems related to their reproductive system. It's important to know what the surgery involves, how recovery will go and what long-term effects to expect, so you can make the best decision for your health. Always feel comfortable discussing your symptoms, what you hope to achieve and any worries you have with your doctor.

Frequently Asked Questions

It’s typically recommended for conditions like fibroids, endometriosis, cancer or chronic pelvic pain that don’t improve with other treatments.

You’ll be under anaesthesia during surgery. Post-surgery pain varies but is usually well-controlled with medications.

Recovery usually takes about 2 to 6 weeks, depending on how the surgery was done.

The price can vary depending on the hospital and city and can vary between ₹35,000 to ₹1,00,000.

You may experience some bleeding, fatigue and discomfort initially. Long-term effects depend on whether the ovaries are removed.

If you have a hysterectomy, which means your uterus is taken out, you will no longer have your periods.

You’ll only go through menopause if your ovaries are taken out during the surgery. If your ovaries stay in place, your body will keep its regular hormone cycles and you won't experience menopause right away.