Risks of Hysterectomy and Myomectomy

Published On: April 8, 2017
doctor and patient

HYSTERECTOMY:
It is astonishing that the most common reason for hysterectomy in the US is the presence of uterine fibroids. Hundreds of thousands of hysterectomies are performed. It is most often done via a large abdominal incision. It is a heavy surgery associated with a 30% complication rate and long recovery assuming you have no complications. In addition, removing an organ like the uterus does have a negative emotional and sexual impact. Mood swings and depression have also been described especially if the ovaries are removed. So, if you are offered hysterectomy as first choice treatment, it may not be a bad idea to get another opinion.

MYOMECTOMY:
This surgical procedure refers to removing the most bothersome fibroids from the uterus and leaving the uterus in place. This may be the procedure of choice for example if you have an isolated fibroid on the surface of the uterus that is unlikely to disturbed the uterine muscle or cavity, assuming there are no other fibroids. Unfortunately, this is a surgical procedure that carries risks like uterine scarring, weakening of the walls and high fibroid recurrence/regrowth rates in the 30% range. Paradoxically, these can interfere with fertility. Let our interventional specialists at Image Guided Surgery guide you through the process with ease. Contact us in Clinton, Maryland, to book an appointment today.

 

Here are some of the few risks that may accompany such a procedures:

The use of general anesthesia: Requires placement of a tube down the throat to secure breathing. The surgery often takes hours to complete.

Injury to adjacent structures : In case this happens, patients may face a long recovery and additional interventions such as fixing an injured bladder or urine conduit blocking the kidneys.

Long downtime: Recovery may take weeks to months assuming there are no complications. A long recovery time makes for a negative experience and quality of life.

Long-Term complications: Open surgery inherently causes adhesions to form inside the abdomen / pelvis. This could make future interventions very difficult. Other effects reported are constipation and weight gain