Vaginal hysterectomy
About this test
Vaginal hysterectomy is a surgical procedure to remove the uterus through the vagina. During a vaginal hysterectomy, the surgeon detaches the uterus from the ovaries, fallopian tubes and upper vagina, as well as from the blood vessels and connective tissue that support it, before removing the uterus.
Risks and complications
Although vaginal hysterectomy is generally safe, any surgery has risks. Risks of vaginal hysterectomy include: Heavy bleeding Blood clots in the legs or lungs Infection Damage to surrounding organs Adverse reaction to anesthetic Severe endometriosis or scar tissue (pelvic adhesions) might force your surgeon to switch from vaginal hysterectomy to laparoscopic or abdominal hysterectomy during the surgery.
How to prepare
As with any surgery, it’s normal to feel nervous about having a hysterectomy. Here’s what you can do to prepare: Gather information. Before the surgery, get all the information you need to feel confident about it. Ask your doctor and surgeon questions. Follow your doctor’s instructions about medication. Find out whether you should take your usual medications in the days before your hysterectomy. Be sure to tell your doctor about over-the-counter medications, dietary supplements or herbal preparations that you take. Discuss anesthesia. You might prefer general anesthesia, which makes you unconscious during surgery, but regional anesthesia — also called spinal block or epidural block — might be an option. During a vaginal hysterectomy, regional anesthesia will block the feelings in the lower half of your body. With general anesthesia, you’ll be asleep. Arrange for help. Although you’re likely to recover sooner after a vaginal hysterectomy than after an abdominal one, it still takes time. Ask someone to help you out at home for the first week or so.
What to expect
Talk with your doctor about what to expect during and after a vaginal hysterectomy, including physical and emotional effects.
Understanding your results
After a hysterectomy, you’ll no longer have periods or be able to get pregnant. If you had your ovaries removed but hadn’t reached menopause, you’ll begin menopause immediately after surgery. You might have symptoms such as vaginal dryness, hot flashes and night sweats. Your doctor can recommend medications for these symptoms. Your doctor might recommend hormone therapy even if you don’t have symptoms. If your ovaries weren’t removed during surgery — and you still had periods before your surgery — your ovaries continue producing hormones and eggs until you reach natural menopause.
Disclaimer: August is a health information platform and its responses don't constitute medical advise. Always consult with a licenced medical professional near you before making any changes.