Except for cesarean delivery, hysterectomy is the most common surgical procedure performed on women who are of reproductive age, The American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists reports. Hysterectomy surgery is typically performed on women who have chronic uterine problems such as cancer, fibroids or unusual bleeding, or pain. Before having this surgical procedure, women should be aware of the potential complications that can occur during hysterectomy surgery.
Hemorrhage
During a hysterectomy, a surgeon removes a woman's uterus through incisions made in the lower abdomen or vagina. Certain women can experience hemorrhage or excessive bleeding complications during hysterectomy surgery as a result of these incisions. Though such complications are rare, affected women may require additional surgery to locate and repair the site of bleeding, UpToDate explains. In most cases, bleeding complications are immediately rectified during hysterectomy surgery, limiting the risk of additional medical problems.
Injury to Internal Organs
Surgical tools used to remove the uterine tissue during hysterectomy surgery can accidentally injure or damage other internal organs near the uterus. The organs most frequently affected by this hysterectomy complication include the bladder, rectum and urinary tract, according to MayoClinic.com. Prompt detection of internal organ injury allows a surgeon to immediately repair the affected organ. Infrequently, organ damage may not be detected until after surgery, and may cause additional postsurgical complications in affected women.
Postsurgical Complications
Undetected urinary tract or bowel damage can cause postsurgical urinary or bowel movement complications. Affected women may develop a blocked bowel, which can lead to symptoms of constipation, Cleveland Clinic explains. Urinary tract injury may increase a woman's risk of experiencing urinary retention or urinary tract infections after hysterectomy surgery. Infection, an anesthesia reaction or blood clot complications may also affect certain women after surgery. A doctor should be contacted immediately if a woman experiences unusual vaginal bleeding, increased abdominal or vaginal pain, frequent urination or fever.
