Partial Hysterectomy

Perimenopause After Partial Hysterectomy

2011-07-10T23:41:00.000-07:00

If a woman has a partial hysterectomy done, she will definitely want to know how to find out whether she is going through perimenopause. While a woman will not have irregular or missed menstrual period that is one of the first symptoms of perimenopause, she will notice many other symptoms.

A partial hysterectomy does not involve surgical removal of the ovaries. Hence, the woman will end up reaching menopause in a natural manner. Perimenopause after partial hysterectomy has many symptoms and some of them are listed below:

1. After partial hysterectomy, when a woman enters perimenopause phase of her life, she will experience mood swings as well as irritability. These mood swings occur due to hormonal changes that take place in the body and have nothing to do with the circumstances in the woman’s life.

2. Sleeping problems is another sign of perimenopause. Here, the woman will either find it difficult to fall off to sleep, or if she falls off, she will find it difficult to sleep through the night. In case a woman has not had sleeping problems earlier and is now in her mid-40s, most probably she is in perimenopause.

3. Fatigue is another sign of perimenopause.

In addition to the aforementioned symptoms, the woman will experience other symptoms of perimenopause, like hot flashes, lowered sexual desire, dryness of the vagina, depression, dizziness, and memory problems.

If you notice any of these signs, you are most probably in perimenopause. However, a woman should consult a doctor to confirm this as these symptoms can be brought on by many other health problems. While a woman will not have menstruation or irregular menstruation, the above symptoms should give a clue to the doctor whether she is in perimenopause after partial hysterectomy or not.

Partial Hysterectomy Side Effects (Partial Hysterectomy)

2010-10-31T01:47:00.000-07:00

Partial Hysterectomy

Hysterectomy, in any form, affects the reproductive capacity of the woman, as the uterus is removed. This is the one of the basic side effects of hysterectomy. Almost all other side effects are common for all types of hysterectomy. It includes hormonal changes, which can happen even if the ovaries are not removed. This is due to the decreased levels of blood supply to the ovaries as a result of a hysterectomy. However, the situation worsens if the ovaries are also removed with the uterus. The levels of estrogen in the blood decreases and the person is exposed to the risk of cardiovascular and skeletal diseases. Studies show that the risk of these diseases is three times higher in women who have undergone hysterectomy. If the ovaries are also removed, the risk is seven times, as compared to normal women.

Partial hysterectomy side effects include a reduced testosterone level, which may result in height loss and reduced bone density. Apart from the physical problems, partial hysterectomy side effects include hormonal changes that may cause emotional disturbances, like mood swings, depression, irritability, nervousness and anxiety. It can also cause hot flashes, fatigue, insomnia, weight gain, urinary incontinence, joint pain, hair loss, loss of sexual desire and painful sexual intercourse, vaginal dryness, headaches, palpitations, etc. Hysterectomy is often referred to as surgical menopause, as the person may experience menopause symptoms at an earlier stage itself. These are the side effects of partial hysterectomy, which may also include surgical complications like bleeding, pain and infection.

Partial Hysterectomy

Pap Test After Partial Hysterectomy

2010-07-15T08:47:00.000-07:00

Partial Hysterectomy

Q: Is it necessary to get an annual pap and gynecologic exam if I've had a partial hysterectomy?

A: Periodic visits to a health care provider for a screening physical exam and laboratory tests are important aspects of health maintenance and preventive medicine. To be most effective however, the interval at which the visits occur and the specific tests performed should be tailored to the individual patient’s circumstances and risk factors.

Pap smears have been a very successful screening test for reducing the risk of cervical cancer. The American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology recommends a yearly Pap smear beginning within three years of the onset of sexual activity and no later than age 21 and then continuing to age 30. After age 30, women who are at low risk for cervical cancer can extend the interval between Pap smears to every two to three years.

The term "partial hysterectomy" is used in different ways, and the question of whether to continue Pap smears depends on precisely what was removed at surgery. If the body of the uterus was removed but the cervix was left in place (technically, a "supracervical hysterectomy"), you should continue Pap smear screening as before. If the entire uterus including the cervix was removed and the reason for the hysterectomy was not the presence of cancer or a precancerous growth, then Pap smears can be discontinued.

The gynecologic exam consists of many other elements besides taking the Pap smear. For this reason, all women should continue to have regular pelvic exams, even after a hysterectomy. During the gynecologic exam the skin of the genital region and vagina are inspected and the internal exam is done to assess for abnormalities in the pelvic structures, including the Fallopian tubes and ovaries. The visit will also provide an opportunity for your doctor to counsel you about healthy lifestyle choices and for you to ask questions about health concerns that are unique to women.

Source: health.msn.com

Partial Hysterectomy

Well-being Similar After Total or Partial Hysterectomy

2010-07-15T08:38:00.000-07:00

Partial Hysterectomy

Women who have a hysterectomy for non-cancerous conditions seem to fare similarly well in terms of psychological well-being whether they have all or part of the uterus removed, a new study finds.

Studies have shown that rates of partial hysterectomies have been on the rise since the 1990s, in the U.S. and other countries. A total hysterectomy removes the entire uterus, while the partial procedure leaves the lower part of the uterus -- the cervix -- intact. Uterine fibroids benign -- growths that, in some women, cause troublesome symptoms like persistent bleeding and chronic pelvic pain - are the most frequent reason for the procedure.

Some have speculated that one reason for the increase in partial hysterectomies is the belief that women tend to have a better quality of life after a partial, rather than total, hysterectomy.

A pair of influential Scandinavian studies from the 1980s suggested that because partial hysterectomy is less invasive, women may have better psychological and sexual outcomes in the long run, explained Dr. Par Persson of Uppsala University Hospital in Sweden, the lead researcher on the current study.

Still, partial hysterectomies have potential downsides, such as continued bleeding related to fibroids.

In their study, Persson and his colleagues found that among 179 hysterectomy patients they followed for one year, psychological well-being improved over time regardless of whether the women had undergone a partial or total hysterectomy.

And there was no evidence that one group fared better, on average, than the other, the researchers report in the British medical journal BJOG.

Most of the women in the study had undergone hysterectomy to treat fibroids: 94 women who underwent a partial hysterectomy and 85 who had the whole uterus removed. All patients underwent an abdominal hysterectomy, in which the uterus is removed through small cuts in the belly. Women were randomly assigned to receive one type of operation or the other, but they were told before the procedure which one they would have.

Before surgery, and again six months and one year afterward, the women completed four standard tests of psychological well-being, including measures of anxiety and depression symptoms.

On average, the researchers found, women in the two hysterectomy groups had similar scores on each test before surgery, and those scores improved to a similar degree over the year following surgery.

All of the average scores were within normal range, according to Persson.

There was one significant difference between the two groups in the study: 20 percent of partial hysterectomy patients complained of regular bleeding one year after surgery, versus one patient who'd had a total hysterectomy. One to three patients in each group complained of sexual dysfunction or pelvic pain at the one-year mark.

For women like these, Persson told Reuters Health in an email, the bottom line is that both partial and total hysterectomy are generally safe procedures that improve quality of life for the "vast majority of patients."

Women considering a hysterectomy need to talk with their own doctors about whether a total or partial hysterectomy is right for them, said Persson.

Source: www.reuters.com

Partial Hysterectomy

Laparoscopic Surgery For Endometriosis

2009-10-15T08:02:00.000-07:00

Partial Hysterectomy

Laparoscopy is the most common procedure used to diagnose and remove mild to moderate endometriosis. Instead of using a large abdominal incision, the surgeon inserts a lighted viewing instrument called a laparoscope through a small incision. If the surgeon needs better access, he or she makes one or two more small incisions for inserting other surgical instruments.

For a laparoscopy, the abdomen is inflated with gas (carbon dioxide or nitrous oxide). The gas, which is injected with a needle, pushes the abdominal wall away from the organs so that the surgeon can see them clearly. The surgeon then inserts a laparoscope through a small incision and examines the internal organs. Additional incisions may be used to insert instruments to move internal organs and structures for better viewing. The procedure usually takes 30 to 45 minutes.

If endometriosis or scar tissue needs to be removed, your surgeon will use one of various techniques, including cutting and removing tissue (excision) or destroying it with a laser beam or electric current (electrocautery).

After the procedure, the surgeon closes the abdominal incisions with a few stitches. Usually there is little or no scarring.

Source: www.revolutionhealth.com

Partial Hysterectomy

Endometriosis Recur After a Total Hysterectomy (Partial Hysterectomy)

2009-10-02T08:30:00.001-07:00

Partial Hysterectomy

In endometriosis, the endometrial cells grow over the fallopian tubes, ovaries or the tissue lining the pelvis. So, if a partial or subtotal hysterectomy is done, only the uterus is removed, leaving the ovaries, fallopian tubes and cervix. The endometrial cells requires estrogen to prevail. Ovaries produce estrogen which influences the endometrial cells outside the uterus. That is why even after a partial hysterectomy, endometriosis can recur, rather it remains, with same symptoms as before the hysterectomy surgery, specially during ovulation. A total hysterectomy also does not remove the ovaries hence, there are chances of endometriosis recurring. However, if both the ovaries are removed, it minimizes endometriosis recurrence, since the source of estrogen i.e. the ovaries are removed. The process of removal of both the ovaries along with the uterus and fallopian tube is called hysterectomy (complete or partial) with bi-lateral salpingo-oophrectomy. Nevertheless, if you are taking estrogen therapy for any reason, this may stimulate the endometriosis again.

All the above surgical methods will not necessarily bring about complete menopause in women. However, it does terminate the possibility of bearing children. In partial hysterectomy, since a very small part of the uterus is left along with the cervix, some women may experience mini-periods. But in total hysterectomy, the entire uterus along with the cervix is removed, so ideally there should not be any periods or bleeding. If the ovaries are still present, they produce the hormones required for the monthly cycle. Hence, the monthly cycle persists i.e. all the other PMS symptoms will persist while only the bleeding will have stopped.

It is always suggested that women who undergo hysterectomy for endometriosis should ask their gynecologist to check the extent of the endometriosis, and then opt for the appropriate removal method to avoid the side effects of a hysterectomy. Do not feel depressed if you are suffering from endometriosis after hysterectomy. Remember, there may be many like you out there, so always have faith!

Article source: www.buzzle.com

Partial Hysterectomy

Hysterectomy Side Effects Information (Partial Hysterectomy)

2009-10-02T08:13:00.000-07:00

Partial Hysterectomy

In a total hysterectomy "surgical menopause" and bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy, the uterus, fallopian tubes and ovaries are removed which results in the interruption of the ovarian hormone production.

And after this type of surgery women experience several side effects from a hysterectomy.

After the surgical procedure called hysterectomy, since hormone production has been altered, a woman may experience one or more of the following side effects of a hysterectomy:

• Hot flashes
• Fatigue
• Insomnia
• Anxiety
• Depression, mood swings
• Urinary problems, urinary incontinence
• Weight gain
• Headaches
• Irritability
• Heart palpitations
• Heart disease
• Vaginal dryness
• Pain in the joints
• Memory lapses
• Osteoporosis
• Hair loss
• Low sex drive and painful sexual intercourse
• Dizziness and nervousness

Women who have had a hysterectomy are also at increased risk for heart disease, arthritis and osteoporosis - side effects after a hysterectomy.

Article source: www.safemenopausesolutions.com

Partial Hysterectomy

Ovaluting After Partial Hysterectomy

2009-09-13T01:21:00.000-07:00

Partial Hysterectomy

Is it possible to be ovlating with only one ovary after a partial hysterectomy over a year ago?

You can ask your doctor to do a transvaginal ultrasound to look at your ovary for a little peace of mind. It will show whether the ovary's enlarged, cysts, etc, but not a lot of small detail. I think if it gives you peace of mind, it's worth having it done. Especially because it's non-invasive. If you've not had one done before, your're placed in the same position as for a Pap/exam.

An ultrasound wand is covered w/a condom, lubricated and inserted into the vagina. Sometimes it's pushed against the upper walls of the vagina to get a clearer picture, which is not painful but you may feel a little pressure. The wand is larger than a tampon in diameter. Again, it is not a painful procedure, as nothing is penetrating through the vaginal wall, just ultrasound waves are being emitted. You usually can view the screen while it's being done.

Check to see if your health insurance will cover it because you do have a complaint of pain and discomfort in that area and this could be used to rule out ovarian enlargement, large cysts, etc.

Partial Hysterectomy

Will A Partial Hysterectomy Remove Uterine Fibroids?

2009-09-09T07:15:00.000-07:00

Partial Hysterectomy

Women who have searched the internet for all different types of fibroids surgery tend to often ask the same question. “Will a partial hysterectomy remove uterine fibroids?”

Now if you have done your research then you are well aware that in a hysterectomy the surgeon will go in and remove the uterus of a women. This is one of the main reasons that most women will not choose this option.

If they do decide to go forward with it then most likely they are not planning on having anymore babies; because once you choose this type of surgery then you can not conceive anymore.

However a partial hysterectomy is slightly different than a full hysterectomy as the surgeon will only remove the upper two-thirds of the uterus. The ovaries, cervix and fallopian tubes remain in place. This is the reason that most women tend to wonder about this type of surgery to get rid of their fibroid tumors.

While most women tend to wonder if this will prevent the fibroid tumors growing new tumors; the truth is that it will not. Unfortunately as long as your uterus remains in your body; then you have a chance of still dealing with this problem.

You will want to seek medical advice and talk to your family doctor before you even consider this option. They will be better able to explain the benefits of using a fibroid surgery to remove the tumor or not. However you should never close your eyes to learning how to treat your condition naturally.

Most women are unaware that in today’s society it is possible to treat almost any type of illness or condition without having to undergo surgery. However most people never take the time to find out what they can do. We all seem to want to choose the most simple and easy method; however sometimes that does not mean that we will be cured.

Partial Hysterectomy

Pregnancy after a Partial Hysterectomy (Partial Hysterectomy)

2009-09-06T22:23:00.000-07:00

Partial Hysterectomy

A partial hysterectomy is a hysterectomy where becoming pregnant after the procedure is still possible according to some documentation supporting this. However, in all likelihood, other options will have to suffice. Options for having a child should now include finding a surrogate or an adoption. Depending on your financial situation, either of these options should work for you if you truly want to be a parent.

Before your hysterectomy, talk to your doctor and ask him or her the following:

• What are my chances for becoming pregnant after a hysterectomy?
• Which hysterectomy should I have if I want to be left with some possibility for a later pregnancy?
• What are those chances for each procedure?
• Is there any way to become pregnant now and postpone the procedure and if so, what complications do I face?

Talk openly and honest with your doctor and ask her what she recommends for you. If you know child bearing is of importance to you, see if you can realistically postpone the surgery for a hysterectomy. If you are having a hysterectomy because of heavy bleeding, then it’s likely you can try to become pregnant before the procedure.

Pregnancy isn’t something you should take lightly and neither is a hysterectomy. It is possible to become pregnant after a partial hysterectomy but honestly, you should talk to your doctor about whether or not it is likely. In all probability, it will limit your chances of a pregnancy.

Source: www.hysterectomyresources.com

Partial Hysterectomy

Undergoing a Partial Hysterectomy (Partial Hysterectomy)

2009-09-05T08:08:00.000-07:00

Partial Hysterectomy

A hysterectomy is a surgical procedure that removes the uterus or womb. Generally, the uterus is detached from the blood vessels, supporting tissues and even the vagina. In some cases, other organs and tissues near the uterus are also removed, such as the fallopian tubes, cervix and ovaries. There are several types of hysterectomy. Performing each method usually depends on the condition of the patient.

A hysterectomy is mostly recommended to those people who are suffering from painful pelvic symptoms and conditions like having fibroid tumors, endometriosis, uterine prolapse, uterine bleeding and gynecologic cancers (ovaries, cervix and uterus).

One kinds of hysterectomy is the partial hysterectomy. During the procedure, the uterus is removed but the cervix is left in place. However, in the case of cancer conditions, the medical operation is the only option. Retaining the cervical cavity can trigger the risk or recurrence of the growth of cancer cells. Pap tests are regularly performed to check for any new and recurring tumors.

A partial hysterectomy is carried out under general anesthesia. The entire operation usually lasts from one to two hours. Patients are usually admitted in the hospital for a certain amount of time and are monitored for any surgical complications. Take note that a hysterectomy can be risky. There is a possibility that you can damage your bladder, rectum, urinary tract and other nearby organs. You could also expect early menopause and ovarian failure. Infections can also surface after the medical process.

Many women are considering other alternatives than undergoing a hysterectomy. Having the surgery can mean losing the ability to become pregnant. For instance, painful and heavy menstrual periods can be treated through medications such as Mirena coil. Another example is a minor surgery, which removes the portion of the uterine lining using microwave or heat energy.

It is advisable that you discuss the matter with your doctor. You can also consult women who have already been through a hysterectomy. It is important to talk about it both before and after the surgery.

Partial Hysterectomy

5 Things You Need to Know About Hysterectomy (Partial Hysterectomy)

2009-09-03T23:56:00.000-07:00

Partial Hysterectomy

1. An Invasive Procedure
A hysterectomy is a surgical procedure in which the uterus is removed from a woman's body. Sometimes the ovaries and fallopian tubes are removed as well, which is known as a total hysterectomy. The removal of just the uterus is called a partial hysterectomy. Some of hysterectomy risks include blood loss, a bladder or bowel tear. There might be problems with the anesthesia administered during surgery. After surgery, the surgical site could reopen with vigorous movement. Your doctor can discuss the risks with you and help you make an informed decision.

2. Take my Uterus, Please!
There are many reasons why your doctor might suggest a hysterectomy. A patient might undergo a hysterectomy to relieve chronic pelvic pain. It might also be a way to get rid of fibroids, which can cause severe bleeding and pain, or menstrual cycles that are unusually heavy and frequent. Hysterectomies cure endometriosis, a condition in which the lining of your uterus grows outside and onto your ovaries. Uterine cancer is a common reason women choose to undergo a hysterectomy. If you're suffering with any of these conditions and less invasive treatments aren't helping, it may be time to consider a hysterectomy.

3. A Bright Future
Consider the positives of a hysterectomy. Once you recover, the health issues you struggled with before will be gone, freeing you to live your life to the fullest. You can also say goodbye to a monthly menstrual cycle and PMS. Many women fear they'll be less of a woman after a hysterectomy. While this is understandable, it's not the truth. In fact, you're free to be more of a woman. Sex carries no risk of pregnancy and is now solely for the pleasure it brings you and your partner. Remember those days before kids and carpools, when spontaneity ruled? Those days can return now if you relax and enjoy your new freedom.

4. Prepare to Recover
Recovery time following a hysterectomy will depend upon a variety of things, including your general health prior to the surgery and type of surgery you have. An abdominal surgery, where the surgeon cuts into your abdomen to access your uterus, will take a few months to heal. A vaginal procedure has a shorter recovery time, and most women can function normally after 2 weeks. Sexual activity should not resume for six weeks, and only after your doctor gives the green light.

5. Don't Get Hysterical
Beyond the surgery itself, you'll need to prepare for other medical issues associated with a hysterectomy. After the procedure, you'll be thrown into what is known as surgically induced menopause. Women who experience surgically induced menopause are likely to become depressed and have trouble sleeping. Osteoporosis is another negative side effect. Talk to your doctor about treatments for these issues before your surgery. Early treatment not only reduces the severity of your symptoms, it will make your recovery as comfortable as possible.

Partial Hysterectomy

How Does a Partial Hysterectomy Work?

2009-09-03T20:49:00.000-07:00

Partial Hysterectomy

The second most common surgical procedure performed in the United States is a hysterectomy, which refers to the removal of a woman's uterus. A total hysterectomy is an operation that removes both the uterus and cervix, while a radical hysterectomy refers to procedures that involve removal of the uterus, fallopian tubes,ovaries, oviducts, top portion of the vagina, and lympth nodes. In contrast, a partial hysterectomy refers to a procedure where only the uterus is removed. This type of operation involves a shorter recovery time, and is commonly used in the treatment of fibroids and severe and uncontrollable vaginal bleeding. Before undergoing a partial hysterectomy, you should be familiar with how it works and the effects on your body.

Although partial hysterectomies can be performed vaginally or abdominally, by far the most prevalent method is the abdominal approach. When performing a partial hysterectomy via the abdominal technique, the surgeon will make an incision similar to the one utilized with a C-section, then detach the uterus from its blood supply and ligaments and remove it. One of the advantages to this method is the ability of the surgeon to adequately visualize the reproductive organs and have plenty of space in which to work. However, a few downsides of this procedure involve prolonged recovery time and discomfort due to the size of the incision, as well as leaving a visible scar. The vaginal approach does not leave a scar that can be seen and has a shorter recovery period. However, large fibroids cannot be removed in this manner. Also, it's more difficult for the surgeon to see when taking a vaginal approach, thus often mandating the need for the use of a laparascope, which is available only to those trained in its use. Both procedures are performed with the patient under anesthesia, either local or general.

Although partial hysterectomies are ovary-sparing, after surgery blood flow to the ovaries diminishes and gradually ceases. Therefore, women still can and do experience side effects from hormonal changes. The whole gamut of possible menopausal symptoms and consequences are also possible in hysterectomy patients, including hot flashes, irritability, headaches, osteoperosis, weight gain, urinary problems and decreased sex drive. Women that were menstruating also will stop once having a partial hysterectomy performed. Also, surgical side effects can occur as well, including bowel or bladder injuries and infections, adhesions, infections of the incision, hemorrhaging, and reactions to the anesthesia.

Source: www.eHow.com

Partial Hysterectomy

What is a Partial Hysterectomy?

2009-09-03T16:07:00.000-07:00

Partial Hysterectomy

There are two different types of hysterectomies. The first type is called a complete hysterectomy and the second is a partial hysterectomy. A doctor will decide which hysterectomy is right for you and should be able to tell you the advantages and disadvantages of each.

A partial hysterectomy involves removing only the upper part of the uterus. The top portion of the uterus is removed in a partial hysterectomy. Patients find the recuperation for both the complete hysterectomy and the partial hysterectomy is very similar.

Partial hysterectomies entail leaving the cervix in place and naturally, if your doctor thinks you are at risk for cervical cancer, this will not be an option for you because your doctor will likely prefer a complete hysterectomy.

Recovery from a hysterectomy is much like that after child birth. You will need to get up and get moving as soon as you can after the surgery. Lying around can promote blood clots and further complications. Just because you have a partial hysterectomy, don’t take this as an opportunity to continue on bed rest. It is very important for you to become active as quickly as possible after surgery. Check with your doctor to see what he or she recommends for you.

After a partial hysterectomy, you’ll be able to resume your normal activities. Your diet should not be a problem and you’ll find you can still eat normally.Your stitches should be completely dissolved by the time you meet with your doctor for your six week check-up after your surgery. Find out more information from your doctor for more information. They’ll tell you what to expect from your partial hysterectomy and will hopefully be able to answer all of your questions.

A partial hysterectomy should never be taken lightly. Seek medical advice. Learn what you can from other women and seek information out on the internet. Becoming informed will help you feel better about the procedure.

Source: www.hysterectomyresources.com

Partial Hysterectomy