The surgical removal of a woman's uterus or womb is a procedure called a hysterectomy. Each year, an estimated 600,000 women in the United States undergo this surgical treatment, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Women should discuss potential hysterectomy complications that can occur during surgery with a medical professional prior to having this procedure performed.
Organ Damage
The primary complication that can occur during hysterectomy surgery is organ damage, MayoClinic.com reports. A surgeon can accidentally injure internal organs that surround a woman's uterus, such as the intestinal tract, bladder or rectum. If these complications are promptly detected, a surgeon can repair the intestinal, rectal or bladder damage immediately. In certain instances, organ damage is not detected until after hysterectomy surgery is completed, requiring additional surgery to locate and repair the organ damage.
Excessive Bleeding or Hemorrhage
Mild bleeding during uterine removal is normal and typically subsides without additional medical intervention. Infrequently, women can experience excessive bleeding or hemorrhage as a complication during hysterectomy surgery, UpToDate explains. Bleeding complications are generally detected and addressed during surgery and do not result in additional medical problems. In rare instances, excessive bleeding may occur after surgery, which can require a woman to undergo additional surgery.
Complications After Surgery
Intestinal or bladder damage during hysterectomy surgery can cause bowel movement or urination problems after surgery. Affected women can experience constipation, or difficult bowel movements, and urinary retention. These complications after surgery can typically be addressed with laxative or antibiotic medication. Additional hysterectomy complications that can arise after surgery include infection, blood clots or reactions to the anesthesia, Cleveland Clinic warns. Women who develop any complications after hysterectomy surgery, such as fever, vaginal bleeding, urinary urgency or increased pain, should contact a medical professional as soon as possible.
