Radical Hysterectomy

As implied by the term, a radical hysterectomy is one of the most extreme forms of the procedure. Most often prescribed for cancer of the cervix it may sometimes be used in cases of ovarian cancer. While a severe operation requiring substantial rehabilitation, a woman facing radical hysterectomy should know that a full recovery and return to lifestyle are the rules not the exceptions.

A radical hysterectomy involves the removal of the uterus, cervix, ovaries, fallopian tubes and a portion of the upper vagina. The tissue around the cervix and the pelvic lymph glands will also be excised. Depending upon the specific situation, chemotherapy or radiation therapy may also be suggested. The surgery will take several hours and a hospital stay of seven to fourteen days will be required. Recovery may last up to three months.

For the two days immediately following her surgery a woman will most likely be heavily sedated. She may also have pelvic drains and a catheter; these devices are temporary and there only to reduce the possibility of infection and to make it possible for her to have full bed rest. It is normal for there to be light vaginal bleeding or spotting. During this time the woman will begin gentle exercise under the direction of a nurse or physical therapist. To lessen the possibility of a blood clot it is important to begin supervised movement, followed by getting out of bed and walking as soon as prudent after a radical hysterectomy.

Upon arriving home the woman should refrain from any lifting or strenuous exercise during the recovery period. In most cases a woman will be able to return to normal activity in two to three months. Do not undertake activities such as driving, swimming or exercise classes until the doctor has specifically advised that such movement is acceptable; the same is true of sexual activity.

Numbness of the pelvic area as well as in the thighs and upper legs may occur post operatively. These problems should fade with time. It is imperative that the woman’s doctor be kept informed of any symptom which increases in severity or continues beyond a reasonable amount of time.

Removal of the ovaries will cause the sudden onset of menopause. The symptoms associated with this change of life (hot flashes, night sweats, fatigue) may be more severe for a woman who enters it in such an abrupt manner. Additionally, the loss of the uterus and cervix may result in decreased sexual desire and/or response as well as vaginal dryness. Depression may also be acute. Many of these indications can be alleviated through a regimen of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) or other medications and/or natural remedies. After the recovery a return to exercise and an attention to diet will also help with any residual problems.

When a woman receives a diagnosis of cervical cancer and is told that she should undergo a radical hysterectomy, she may be understandably shaken to her core. It is important that she seek and receive support and understanding. There are many support groups for women in this circumstance and a woman need not wait until after her operation to begin attending one. If she is reluctant to visit a support group in person, a woman may want to consider finding one online. By discussing her diagnosis with other women who have battled the same opponent, a woman will realize that she is not alone and that a long full life is possible after a radical hysterectomy.