A vaginal hysterectomy is the surgical removal of the uterus by way of the vagina. According to Mayo Clinic, a vaginal hysterectomy provides a quicker recovery time with a shorter stay in the hospital and a lower cost versus an abdominal hysterectomy. During a complete or total hysterectomy, the entire female reproductive system is removed including the uterus, cervix, ovaries and fallopian tubes.
Reasons for Vaginal Hysterectomy
Mayo Clinic states a variety of complications can lead to a vaginal hysterectomy. Gynecologic or female related problems requiring surgery include small fibroids or benign tumors on the uterus; endometriosis, a condition in which the lining of the uterus is growing outside the organ; prolapse or sagging of the uterus; abnormal vaginal bleeding that can't be controlled and ongoing pelvic pain. Cancers such as uterine, cervical, endometrial or ovarian are usually removed by abdominal hysterectomy.
Risks and Complications
Vaginal hysterectomy is typically a safe procedure but any type of surgery involves risks. Risks related to a vaginal hysterectomy include the formation of blood clots, infection or adverse reactions to the anesthesia provided. Obesity, diabetes and high blood pressure increase the chance of complications during any type of surgery. The location of the uterus also increases the risks of injury to surrounding organs such as the bowel and bladder. Women's Health, a nonprofit website devoted to women's health education, states fever and infection are the most common complications following a hysterectomy.
Preparing for Surgery
After hysterectomy, the patient will no longer be able to become pregnant. Mayo Clinic says anxiety is a normal response prior to having a vaginal hysterectomy. Patients should prepare for this type of surgery by reading medical literature, asking questions and talking with a qualified health care provider. Other ways to help the procedure go smoothly involve following the health care provider instructions related to medication administration and diet prior to the day of surgery. The patient may be asked to stop taking usual medication and to fast after midnight the night before surgery.
The Procedure
According to the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, the vaginal hysterectomy is performed by removing the uterus and other reproductive organs through the vagina. The surgeon makes all incisions inside the vagina or pelvic cavity leaving no external scarring. Another type of vaginal hysterectomy is the laparoscopic assisted vaginal hysterectomy or LAVH. The LAVH procedure also removes the female organs by way of the vagina but small incisions are made in the abdomen to accommodate addition surgical instruments. The LAVH may take longer to perform and increases the risk of injury to nearby organs.
Recovery
According to Women's Health, recovery time following a vaginal hysterectomy varies from patient to patient. Typically, women having a vaginal hysterectomy will have an easier and shorter recovery time. Patients must not lift heavy objects, bend at the waist or participate in sports or sex during the recovery period. A post-operative check-up is generally scheduled for six weeks after surgery at which time the health care provider determines how the healing has progressed.
