During a partial hysterectomy, a surgeon removes the upper portion of a woman's uterus while keeping the cervix intact. Women who undergo a partial hysterectomy, also called supracervical or subtotal hysterectomy, may experience normal menstrual bleeding after surgery and still need to be screened for cervical cancer routinely, according to UpToDate. Partial hysterectomy complications should be discussed with a surgeon before a woman undergoes this surgical procedure.
Constipation or Urinary Retention
Intestinal or bladder injuries can arise as complications during a partial hysterectomy. Inadvertent damage to these organs during surgery can affect a woman's ability to produce a bowel movement or urinate normally. Constipation complications can typically be managed through the use of a prescribed laxative or stool-softening medication. Urination problems may cause some women to develop urinary retention, a complication in which small amounts of urine remain within the bladder, UpToDate says. Women who are unable to fully empty the bladder after having a partial hysterectomy are at an increased risk of developing a urinary tract infection. Symptoms of a urinary tract infection are generally resolved with antibiotic medication and can include increased, urgent urination or back or abdominal pain. A doctor may insert a thin tube called a catheter within a woman's bladder to help drain excess fluid waste from her body.
Infection
After having a partial hysterectomy, certain women can develop infection complications, according to the Cleveland Clinic. Though a low-grade fever is common among women who have this type of surgery, a persistently high fever can be a sign of infection. Women who develop a fever above 100 degrees Fahrenheit or experience escalating pain sensations after surgery should seek medical care immediately. Infection complications in women after a partial hysterectomy can require antibiotic treatment to fully resolve symptoms.
Hemorrhage or Bleeding
Bleeding problems during or after a partial hysterectomy are rare, though they can occur, according to Penn State Hershey Obstetrics and Gynecology. Affected women may require additional surgery to locate and repair the site of bleeding. Extensive blood loss can result in a blood transfusion in certain women. Though mild vaginal bleeding after partial hysterectomy is normal, profuse vaginal bleeding can be a sign of a problem. Women who develop bright red vaginal bleeding after having a partial hysterectomy should seek prompt medical care, the Cleveland Clinic says.
Blood Clots
Serious blood clot complications can affect certain women after a partial hysterectomy, the University of Maryland Medical Center says. A blood clot can form within a woman's veins, restricting blood flow to her vital organs. Such complications can be life-threatening and necessitate immediate medical intervention.
