The surgical removal of the uterus is called a hysterectomy, according to MedlinePlus, a service of the National Institutes of Health. A hysterectomy can be performed via incisions in the abdominal or vaginal area. Supracervical or partial hysterectomies involve the removal of the upper section of the uterus without removing the cervix. While generally safe, partial hysterectomies are not without risk or possible complications.
Change in Sexual Responsiveness
Partial hysterectomies can affect sexual responsiveness, notes BMC Women's Health. The 2002 article suggests that the degree to which sexual responsiveness is affected differs between women who underwent total abdominal hysterectomies vs. partial hysterectomies. However, partial hysterectomies still affect overall sexual responsiveness and satisfaction.
Coagulated Blood
Partial hysterectomies may run the risk of blood coagulation in the areas surrounding the surgical site, notes the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. One way to avoid such an occurrence is to walk at the soonest possible opportunity after the partial hysterectomy has been performed. Otherwise, blood may coagulate in the legs and areas affected by the surgical procedure.
Damage to Urinary Tract and Adjacent Organs
Supracervical hysterectomies may sometimes inflict damage to the urinary tract and organs surrounding the uterus, according to a March 2003 article in the journal "American Family Physician" as well as the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. As such, it is possible to develop urinary dysfunctions even months after the surgical procedure. However the risk of developing such a complication is not noticeably different between women who underwent partial and total hysterectomies.
Impaired Bowel Movement
Partial hysterectomy may sometimes cause bowel movement problems, notes MedlinePlus. This complication can occur if the intestines are damaged during surgery. However, the risk of such an occurrence is not significantly different between partial and total hysterectomies, explains the "American Family Physician."
Painful Sexual Intercourse
Partial hysterectomies may sometimes cause pain during sexual intercourse, notes the BMC Women's Health article. However, this complication may be avoided if sexual activity and other forms of strenuous activity are avoided at least six weeks after surgery so as to ensure a steady recovery rate, according to the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Moreover, if medical expert advice is followed, it is quite possible for painful sexual intercourse to decrease, explains the "American Family Physician."
Possible Infection
Points of incision made during partial hysterectomy may become infected if not properly cleaned and kept sanitary after surgery, according to MedlinePlus and the the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Infection can be treated using antibiotics. It is important to follow doctors' advice to lower the risk of infection after surgery.
References
- "American Family Physician"; POEMs and Tips from Other Journals -- Does Any Advantage Result from Subtotal Hysterectomy; 2003 March
- "BMC Womens Health"; Supracervical Hysterectomy Versus Total Abdominal Hysterectomy: Perceived Effects on Sexual Function; 2002 January
- The American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists: ACOG Education Pamphlet AP008 Hysterectomy
- MedlinePlus: Hysterectomy
