Vaginal hysterectomy is a surgical procedure to remove the uterus through the vagina.
During a vaginal hysterectomy, the surgeon detaches the uterus from the ovaries, fallopian tubes and upper vagina, as well as from the blood vessels and connective tissue that support it. The uterus is then removed through the vagina.
Vaginal hysterectomy involves a shorter time in the hospital, lower cost and faster recovery than an abdominal hysterectomy, which requires an incision in your lower abdomen. However, if your uterus is enlarged, vaginal hysterectomy may not be possible and your doctor will talk to you about other surgical options, such as an abdominal hysterectomy.
Hysterectomy often includes removal of the cervix as well as the uterus. When the surgeon also removes one or both ovaries and fallopian tubes, it's called a total hysterectomy with salpingo-oophorectomy (sal-ping-go-o-of-uh-REK-tuh-me). All these organs are part of your reproductive system and are located in your pelvis.
Why it's done :
Vaginal hysterectomy treats many different gynecologic problems, including:
Chronic pelvic pain can have several causes, so an accurate diagnosis of the cause is critical before having a hysterectomy for pelvic pain. For most of these conditions — with the possible exception of cancer — hysterectomy is just one of several treatment options. You may not even need to consider hysterectomy if your doctor recommends hormonal medications or other less invasive gynecologic procedures that are successful in managing your symptoms. You cannot become pregnant after you've had a hysterectomy. If you're less than completely sure that you're ready to give up your fertility, explore other treatments.
Risks :
Although vaginal hysterectomy is generally safe, any surgery has risks. Risks of vaginal hysterectomy include:
Surgical risks are higher in women who are obese or who have high blood pressure.
There is a risk of injury to other pelvic and abdominal organs during vaginal hysterectomy, including the bladder, ureters or bowel.
Severe endometriosis or scar tissue (pelvic adhesions) may force your surgeon to switch from a vaginal hysterectomy to abdominal hysterectomy during the surgery. Ask your surgeon about this possibility.
How you prepare?
Before the surgery, get all the information you need to feel confident about it. Ask your doctor and surgeon questions. Learn about the procedure, including all the steps involved if it makes you feel more comfortable.