Uterine Cancer Prognosis After Hysterectomy

The female genitalia consists of a uterus (uterus), vagina, 2 fallopian tubes and 2 ovaries. The uterus is about as large as a pear. It is made of special muscles and is located in the pelvis between bladder and rectum. Hysterectomy means the removal of the uterus via a surgery.

Some reasons why a hysterectomy is recommended

• Heavy or very painful menstruation. In some women, daily functioning is difficult due to heavy menstruation. In some cases, the severe bleeding causes anemia. There are some medicines that can alleviate the heavy menstrual period. However, if it does not help, hysterectomy can be considered as an alternative.
• Fibroids. These are benign swellings of abnormal muscle tissue that grow in the uterus. Fibroids are common (they form 20-30% of the "tumors" in the uterus) and often cause no symptoms. However, in some women, they cause severe or painful menstruation. Some fibroids are quite large and can exert pressure on the bladder and then cause urine (away) problems.
• Prolapse. This is when the uterus, or parts of the vagina wall, lower down. This can happen after menopause if the womb supporting the womb becomes thinner and less strong.
• Endometriosis. This is a condition where the cells that are normally on the inside of the uterus are also outside the uterus. This can lead to scarring around the uterus and cause the bladder or rectum to "stick" to the uterus or fallopian tubes. Although this condition often causes no symptoms, some women may cause painful menstruation, abdominal pain, and pain during sex.
• Cancer. Hysterectomy can be recommended in cervical cancer, uterine cancer, and ovarian cancer.

In most of these conditions (with the exception of cancer) hysterectomy is usually seen as a last resort if other treatments fail. The decision whether or not to undergo a hysterectomy must be taken by you, (your partner) and your doctor.

Before answering a hysterectomy, be sure to answer all your questions and concerns. For example, the following three questions are asked, and only you or your doctor have the answers to it:

• Are there alternative treatments we have not tried yet?
• Are my symptoms and problems serious enough to justify a hysterectomy?
• Do I still want kids? (If you consider this surgery before you get into the transition.)

What kind of hysterectomy are there?

There are several forms of hysterectomy:

• A total hysterectomy is a surgery that removes your uterus and cervix. In most cases, the fallopian tubes and ovaries are not removed. If that is done then we will speak of a bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy.
• Subtotal hysterectomy is when your uterus is removed but your cervix does not.
• Radical hysterectomy (also known as Wertheim's hysterectomy) is when the entire uterus, cervix, ovaries and ovaries, part of the vagina and lymph nodes are removed. This operation is performed (only) in the event of cancer.

The uterus can be removed via a sneak in the stomach (which usually leaves a scar in the bikini area) or through the vagina. In the second case, you have no visible scars. Sometimes the hysterectomy is performed through the vagina and a laparoscopy, with a few small slices in the lower abdomen. Through the slits and the laparoscope, the uterus is cut, making clearance through the vagina easier. You can discuss the precise approach best with your gynecologist.

Are my ovaries removed?

Your doctor may also remove your ovaries. The decision to do depends on the reason for the operation. Discuss the pros and cons of removing your ovaries with your gynecologist. The consensus at the moment is that in most cases it is unwise to remove the ovaries.

If the ovaries are also removed, it reduces the risk of ovarian cancer. On the other hand, it has been shown that women who have removed the ovaries have a greater risk of heart problems (such as angina pectoris).

If you remove ovaries, you can get the hormone replacement therapy (HRT) therapy because, once your ovaries have been removed, you will get into the transition. If you are under 50 and your ovaries have been removed, discuss the possibility of undergoing HRT with your doctor. Women under the age of 50 only benefit from HRT and do not meet the risks associated with the therapy (only women over 50 run more risks).

Even if your ovaries are not removed, you run a chance of 1 to 3 that you will be in the transition within 2 years after the hysterectomy. If you get any symptoms associated with the transition, such as hot flashes, mood swings, etc., consult your doctor.

Uterine cancer prognosis after hysterectomy

Does a hysterectomy affect my sex life?
Removing your uterus does not have to affect your sex life. Many women even say that after the hysterectomy they have more fun in sex. This may be due to the fact that the reason for hysterectomy (pain, prolonged severe bleeding, etc.) is gone. However, other women say that hysterectomy has a negative effect on their sex life. For example, some women say that their orgasms are different from the surgery or that they are having trouble getting ready. Having a hysterectomy should not affect your sense of sex unless your ovaries have also been removed.

As a rule, you can release 6 weeks after surgery. Obviously, contraceptives are not necessary after a hysterectomy.

How do I feel immediately after surgery?
During the first few days after surgery, you get severe painkillers, both at the hospital and when you go home again. You can eat and drink again a few hours after the operation. You probably get a catheter for a few days (a thin tube in your bladder where your urine runs out). Slight bleeding from the vagina is very normal and can occur up to six weeks after surgery. If you have any sutures, they are usually removed between 5 and 7 days after surgery.

How long does it take for me to pick up my normal life again?
This differs from person to person. If you have undergone vaginal hysterectomy, you usually recover faster. You should probably rest more than normal after the first weeks after hysterectomy. You get the advice to do light exercises and slowly build them up in duration and gravity. As a rule, it takes 6-8 weeks to fully recover, but it is not uncommon if recovery takes 3 months.

It is better not to drive a car until it is safe to carry out an emergency stop. As a rule, that is by a week or six. How fast you can get back to work depends on the type of work you do. You can discuss this with your company doctor.

Do I still have to undergo cervical examination?
In most women, after a hysterectomy, that is not the case. However, if your cervix has not been removed or the hysterectomy has been performed because of cancer, it is advisable to participate in this study. Your doctor can tell you what is wisdom in your case.

*Image source : MedlinePlus

References :

1. National Cancer Institute
2. Mayo Clinic
3. American Cancer Society