Information On Hysterectomy And The Various Methods Used To Perform It Is Imperative For The Majority Of Women
July 20, 2009 by admin
Filed under Hysterectomy
By the time an American woman is in her sixties the odds are high that she will have had a hysterectomy. Indeed, more than half a million women a year have a hysterectomy; only cesarean sections are performed more often. Given these numbers it is likely that most women will face some sort of decision about hysterectomy in their lives. Thus, having information on hysterectomy and the various methods used to perform it is imperative for the majority of women.
There are three main methods by which a hysterectomy is accomplished: Abdominal hysterectomy; vaginal hysterectomy; laparoscopic hysterectomy. Some of the methods are not appropriate for all reproductive problems requiring a hysterectomy. As with any surgical procedure, there are advantages and disadvantages to all three types of hysterectomy.
An abdominal hysterectomy is the procedure of choice when there is the possibility that a large growth such as a fibroid tumor may have to be removed. This method also allows the physician an optimal view of the pelvic area. Abdominal hysterectomies are performed under general anesthesia. While they may require less time in actual surgery than a laparoscopic hysterectomy, they require significantly more recovery time sometimes up to two months. The recovery period may also be more painful that other hysterectomy surgery. A hysterectomy of this type also leaves a larger scar than a similar operation performed with a laparoscope. If an abdominal hysterectomy is absolutely necessary, it may be possible to make a less noticeable bikini line incision. Aesthetic considerations and recovery time aside, an abdominal hysterectomy is an excellent tool for making sure that all risks have been determined and eliminated.
A vaginal hysterectomy is called for when the uterus has not been massively enlarged by disease. Many women prefer this method because it leaves no abdominal scars and require a shorter hospital stay than even a laparoscopic hysterectomy. Although recovery may not be as painful as that of an abdominal procedure, stitches made inside the vagina may be quite uncomfortable. Hysterectomies performed vaginally do not give the doctor a clear view of other problems which may exist. Also, if in the operating room the uterus proves to be too large for a vaginal hysterectomy an abdominal hysterectomy must be done instead.
Laparoscopic hysterectomies are increasingly popular with both doctors and their patients. Using a laparoscope – a slender flexible optical tube – a doctor can closely examine the pelvic area but is not committed to surgery as invasive as an abdominal hysterectomy. The scars created by the laparoscope and instruments for removing the uterus and possibly other reproductive organs are much smaller than those made by complete abdominal surgery. A hospital stay of only one or two days is required and recovery may be as little as two weeks with minimal associated pain.
Any type of hysterectomy is major surgery performed under general anesthesia. All hysterectomies also have lasting side effects which may include surgically induced menopause. No matter what type of hysterectomy a woman is considering, she should thoroughly discuss all of the options open to her including alternative treatments. Further, while recovery time and scarring are important items to be weighed, the most important factor when deciding whether or not to have a hysterectomy should always be confronting and eliminating the medical problem.
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Hysterectomy Surgery Is One Of The Most Controversial Medical Procedures
July 19, 2009 by admin
Filed under Hysterectomy
Hysterectomy surgery is one of the most controversial medical procedures. In the United States, in excess of half a million are done each year; only cesarean sections are performed more often than hysterectomy surgery. More than forty percent of hysterectomy surgery occurs to correct endometriosis; which in all but its most chronic forms can be controlled by other methods. As a result many women and some doctors have begun to question what might appear to be a rush to remove a woman’s uterus unnecessarily. Considering that almost one in three women will have had a hysterectomy by the time she reaches her early sixties, there may be some validity to this school of thought.
Certainly there are circumstances where hysterectomy surgery is the only alternative; the possibility of a malignant growth is such a case. Uncontrollable chronic endometriosis or ongoing heavy bleeding also qualifies as a substantial reason for hysterectomy surgery. Advanced uterine prolapse (a condition in which the uterus falls from its normal position down into the vagina) where the uterus has fallen so far that it obstructs bodily and sexual function constitutes another appropriate use of hysterectomy surgery. A case can also be made for using hysterectomy surgery against recurring, large fibroid tumors. Many other maladies, however, may respond to lesser treatments. At the very least a woman and her doctor should be able to explore less invasive therapies.
When endometriosis has not invaded other organs and is not overly abundant there are several avenues of attack short of hysterectomy surgery. Hormone therapy is one option. Endometrial ablation (the removal of the lining of the uterus) may also alleviate the disease. Moderate bleeding may also be corrected by endometrial ablation.
Hysterectomy surgery is quite often used to eradicate uterine fibroids. Again, small to medium size fibroids can many times be eradicated by other means. As with endometriosis fibroids may shrink in response to hormone therapy. They can also be surgically excised without removing the entire uterus. Women who are approaching menopause may want to adopt a wait and see approach to their fibroids. The growth of fibroids is energized by hormones. Often times when the production of female hormones diminishes at the onset of menopause the fibroids shrink naturally.
Uterine prolapse accounts for more than fifteen percent of hysterectomy surgery. While extreme cases uterine prolapse may become so severe that the only solution is removal of the uterus, a woman may want to contemplate exercise and perhaps the use of a pessary (a support device inserted into the vagina) before consenting to hysterectomy surgery.
No woman should be rushed into hysterectomy surgery; likewise, no woman should avoid hysterectomy surgery that is vital to her health. Therefore, when a woman is told that hysterectomy surgery may be necessary she should feel free – under a doctor’s care – to explore the other options that may be available to correct her condition.
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Hysterectomy and Menopause
July 18, 2009 by admin
Filed under Hysterectomy
Hysterectomy and menopause, the words seem to go together like salt and pepper. In truth, hysterectomy doesn’t necessarily lead to menopause. Even if the type of hysterectomy a woman has does initiate menopause, there are many things which can be done to help alleviate its symptoms. A woman should investigate the possible outcomes of a hysterectomy prior to the procedure. Knowing what to expect after her surgery will help any woman to be more comfortable before her surgery.
Hysterectomy by definition is removal of the uterus. Without a uterus a woman will no longer menstruate or have the ability to carry a child. Many people assume that when these things happen menopause automatically follows; that assumption is incorrect. Menopause occurs as the production of the hormones estrogen and progesterone diminishes with age. Removal of the uterus in and of itself will not cause the onset of menopause. The ovaries are the main source of estrogen and progesterone; if they are left in place and continue to function menopause comes along at just about the same time as it would have without a hysterectomy.
Many times doctors try to leave at least one ovary with the intent of forestalling menopause. Sometimes, however, even when the ovaries are not removed menopause symptoms may begin. Hysterectomy, obviously, is traumatic. The operation can change the blood flow to the ovaries in which case they may not produce hormones in the same quantity as before; decreased hormone production will result in the beginning of menopause. Additionally, the ovaries may fail, again resulting in the onset of menopause.
Sometimes medical circumstances dictate the removal of all the reproductive organs including both ovaries. When this happens, so called surgical menopause starts immediately. For a variety of reasons, the symptoms accompanying surgical menopause many times are more severe than those which accompany natural menopause. This severity is partially due to the abrupt way in which surgical menopause comes about and also because a woman is dealing with recovery from a major operation at the same time. For many women the months leading up to and after a hysterectomy are confusing and emotional times; these feelings may exacerbate a woman’s menopause symptoms.
A woman who enters menopause as a result of her hysterectomy will experience the same menopausal indications as a woman who enters it naturally. Studies show though that the signs associated with surgical menopause may hit a woman harder than those of ordinary menopause. Women who experience surgical menopause may also be at greater risk for osteoporosis, heart attacks and some forms of cancer. However, not all of the evidence is in on these areas of concern.
Treatments for menopause following hysterectomy are basically the same as those for common menopause. For some women hormone replacement therapy (HRT) will be appropriate; others may treat the symptoms with vitamins and herbal therapies. Either course of action should be discussed with the woman’s physician and monitored by same on a regular basis. Both courses of action will benefit from being coupled with proper diet and exercise.
In sum, menopause is not a routine response to hysterectomy. When a woman’s ovaries are left in place she may experience menopause on only a slightly earlier schedule. Even if menopause does begin as a result of a hysterectomy a woman has many options open to her for dealing with the symptoms. Knowing those options and feeling in control of the situation will help any woman deal with whatever hysterectomy may throw at her.
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Dry Skin After a Hysterectomy
July 17, 2009 by admin
Filed under Hysterectomy
Question : I am an Indian woman aged 52. I had a hysterectomy in 1988 due to excessive bleeding. My problem now is dry skin and it really irritates me.
Answer : HYSTERECTOMY, or removal of the womb, can cause oestrogen production to decrease, which in turn can cause dryness of the skin.
You may supplement yourself with evening primrose oil. Gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) has been shown to help reduce inflammation and dryness. GLA is a polyunsaturated fatty acid from the Omega-6 (n-6) series. It is useful in the control of water permeability of the skin, thus preventing dry skin.
Your skin needs a good balance of vitamins, minerals, and nutrients in order to function and remain healthy. Adequate exercise helps improve circulation and move waste and nutrients through the system.
Eat a healthy diet and get plenty of exercise to keep your skin healthy and youthful. Beta-carotene and vitamin C may benefit the skin. Vitamin C is essential for the making of collagen and connective tissues to firm the skin. Vitamin E has been shown to slow down the ageing of the tissues.
Zinc is important for the normal function of the skin’s sebaceous glands to ensure smoothness for the skin.
You should at least drink six to eight glasses of purified water throughout the day to hydrate the skin and circulate essential nutrients. Fruit and vegetable juices are excellent as well.
When in the sun, apply a sunscreen with a SPF of at least 15. Avoid astringents and skin toners, unless they are specially formulated for dry skin. Lotions containing aloe vera help restore skin moisture.
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Tummy Tuck with Hysterectomy
July 16, 2009 by admin
Filed under Hysterectomy
At first thought, having a tummy tuck at the same time as a hysterectomy may seem to be an idea whose time has not come; however, at second thought, the idea seems almost natural. Having the two procedures done at the same time means cutting everything in half. The woman only has to go under anesthesia once and only has to go through recovery once. An added benefit for some women may be that having tummy tucks with their hysterectomies may reduce the financial burden of that procedure. Coming out of the recovery room with a flatter stomach can provide a little mental lift as well.
What are the prerequisites for combining a tummy tuck (known in medical parlance as an abdominoplasty) with a hysterectomy? First, and most importantly, a woman must receive the absolute approval and cooperation of the surgeon performing her hysterectomy. Although most physicians will not dispute that the two can be done at the same time, there are some additional risks. Some doctors may be unwilling to subject their patients to that additional jeopardy. The tummy tuck is definitely the secondary operation and should in no way interfere with the primary procedure. In some cases, getting the doctor doing the hysterectomy to go along with the doctor doing the tummy tuck will be no problem at all; there are doctors who do both. Most women probably won’t find a doctor willing to multitask in this way though so the second imperative task becomes having the two doctors coordinate their schedules. They will also need to devise the routine by which the two operations will be performed. In order to have the patient under anesthesia for the shortest time possible, as far as can be arranged the two doctors will work in unison. The work of the gynecologist will, of course, take precedence over that of the plastic surgeon.
Before the surgery occurs, a woman undergoing both procedures at once will want to consult with her insurance carrier. Tummy tucks are rarely, if ever, covered by insurance. Even though many of the costs may be rolled in with the costs of the hysterectomy, it is imperative that the insurance carrier be informed ahead of time. Trying to hitch a ride for the tummy tuck on the back of the hysterectomy without first talking to the insurance company could have dire financial consequences.
A woman should also be aware that although she will only have to go through recovery only once, it may be more painful and tiring to recuperate from two procedures at the same time. Tummy tucks can be excruciating the first one or two days after the operation; they can also cause fatigue and even minor depression. Obviously, the return from a hysterectomy is even harder. All of these difficulties may be exacerbated by a lowering or outright cessation of hormones which may accompany some forms of hysterectomy.
All in all, a woman facing a hysterectomy who would like to have a tummy tuck at the same time might actually be able to do so. Coordinating the two procedures will take some effort. Recuperation may be somewhat harder. Still, for some the benefits of having a tummy tucks at the same time as their hysterectomies may outweigh the disadvantages. So, if a woman is of the mind, she needs to get on that Internet and start scouting plastic surgeons that are up to the task.
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After Hormone Hysterectomy Replacement Therapy
July 15, 2009 by admin
Filed under Hysterectomy
Many women may consider using hormone replacement therapy (HRT) to alleviate some of the sexual problems and menopausal symptoms which may be present after a hysterectomy. For years HRT was part of the vast majority of after hysterectomy regimens; today though a substantial number of women are casting a more skeptical eye toward hormone replacement therapy. In fact, a large number of women are skipping HRT altogether after their hysterectomies and are opting for more natural approaches to relieving any surgery induced maladies.
Hormone replacement therapy is the use of estrogen and progestin together or separately to combat the ills which may present themselves after a hysterectomy or as a part of the natural onset of menopause. Estrogen is a female hormone. Progestin is a synthetically produced from of the female hormone progesterone.
Hormone replacement therapy may be prescribed in pill form or as a skin patch or as a cream.
The almost universal use of HRT after hysterectomy has tapered off considerably in the last decade. A host of studies in the mid nineties are largely the impetus for the decline in routine HRT use. In these studies the risks of taking hormone replacement therapy were found many times to be greater than the benefits received from HRT; however, the findings continue to be controversial. In fact, many of the study groups were halted prior to their completion out of concern for the health of the women taking part in them.
Women contemplating undergoing hormone replacement therapy are advised to weigh the risks against the benefits. The two benefits which are widely agreed upon are a decrease in bone fractures related to osteoporosis and alleviation of menopause related depression. Lowering of “bad” cholesterol counts is another lesser considered result from taking HRT. There is a school of thought which believes that even these three advantages of hormone replacement therapy can be better achieved through alternate treatments. Another relatively new and significant finding reports that hormone replacement therapy may be responsible for a large drop in colon cancer amongst women users. Clinical studies may further valid the initial good news in this area. HRT seems to be most effective in reducing the lesser indications which may crop up after a hysterectomy: Hot flashes, mood swings, night sweats, vaginal dryness, lower sexual drive and/or sexual response.
Possible health risks related to hormone replacement therapy are myriad. Cancer of the breast and of the ovary appears to jump considerably in women using HRT. A pronounced increase in strokes, heart attacks and blood clots is also evident. While these problems were noticed to some degree in women on an estrogen/progestin regimen, the risks were even more pronounced in women who were using estrogen only medications.
Still, women should remember that the increased vulnerability to illness precipitated by HRT may be statistically slight and is subject to further study. When deciding whether or not to engage in hormone replacement therapy a woman should talk extensively with her doctor about the implications for her specific situation. There are women for whom vitamins, herbs and other natural remedies may be sufficient. All women will notice that exercise and proper diet will aid in alleviating after hysterectomy symptoms of menopause. There are some cases though where in concert with her medical team a woman may decide to opt for the protections that hormone replacement therapy can provide.
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Doctor Offers To Perform An Abdominal Hysterectomy
July 14, 2009 by admin
Filed under Hysterectomy
Everyone woman will dream of never having another monthly menstrual period. However, the dream is usually realized when it accompanies something less desired than the inevitable monthly monster. Usually when a doctor offers to perform an abdominal hysterectomy, the patient discovers the need is because of cancer, endometriosis or fibroids. There are other reasons such as heavy bleeding and problems with cysts which can initiate the need for a hysterectomy too.
Abdominal hysterectomies have been about the only hope women have seen for a quick resolution to their monthly periods. Still, when the verdict is handed down by a physician, it does often accompany a much more feared problem such as surgery, recovery and other words no one wants to hear.
A hysterectomy is not something people take lightly. Couples have concerns a hysterectomy will play havoc on their sex lives and often it does. Women have a constant reminder they will never be able to have children again which is disturbing to some younger women and for some reason, bothersome to those who never had plans for more children in the first place.
The hormonal issue is a concern too. Women have to take hormones after the surgery which is another problem for women who don’t like to take the medications on a daily basis and of course, hormone pills are contributed to weight gain causing yet another concern.
An abdominal hysterectomy is painful. The best way to describe it is that it is like a c-section recovery. You will need to drink plenty of fluids and you’ll also want to get up and get moving as soon as possible after the surgery. The longer you lay in bed motionless the worse the recovery. The pain will not lessen. However, if you don’t think about it and move around, you’ll help yourself recover quickly.
Abdominal hysterectomies are not a death sentence; in fact, the truth is the old myths about hysterectomies are just that, a myth. Women in years past used a hysterectomy to gain attention and so they played the surgery and the recovery to the hilt. However, today’s woman doesn’t have time to whine about it. They just rush into have the surgery, deal with the pain, stay overnight and are home within 48 hours at the most. These super-women are career-minded so abdominal hysterectomy or not, they are back to work within 2 weeks and it’s no problem.
Yes, abdominal hysterectomies are painful and yes, there’s going to be a recovery period. However, women shouldn’t dread it because it is the one sure fire way to end the monthly menstrual cycle once and for all! This is where the abdominal hysterectomies have a one-up on all of the other procedures.
Also, something to keep in mind when having a hysterectomy is that if you don’t go ahead with this procedure, you’re likely to end up having other complications later. Forget about the myths and just do it. Then, you can live your life without any problems or periods!
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Laparoscopic Hysterectomy Is The Choice Alternative For Some Women
July 13, 2009 by admin
Filed under Hysterectomy
A woman who is told she needs a hysterectomy will only hear that one word. However, if you are told you need a hysterectomy, you should know you have choices. There are alternatives to the total abdominal hysterectomy which used to be the only choice women were given. Now, women have choices for other hysterectomies. One of those choices is the laparoscopic hysterectomy.
A laparoscopic hysterectomy is the choice alternative for some women who have endometriosis because the recovery time is less and the stay in the hospital is minimal if at all. The laparoscopic hysterectomy is called the LH and many patients will consider it so much easier to face once they realize the recovery isn’t as painful as the recovery experienced after the abdominal hysterectomy.The laparoscopic hysterectomy is still considered relatively new.
Patients who were once considered in the group of patients who didn’t need a hysterectomy, but instead wanted one (which is debatable) are now opting for this alternative because it is something insurance companies will approve before they will consider paying for the total abdominal hysterectomy.A laparoscopic hysterectomy is something patients can handle better emotionally according to some beliefs. The hysterectomy is one which can be done in outpatient in some circumstances and if not, it is a hysterectomy which only requires a minimum stay over.
Women who have the laparoscopic hysterectomy can then return to normal daily activities quicker than those women who have the other alternatives.Check online for forums on women’s health if you are considering a hysterectomy. Find out if the laparoscopic hysterectomy worked for other women and what their concerns were after the surgery and perhaps you will be better able to make an informed decision for your hysterectomy.Offline, you should be able to obtain brochures from your doctor about the laparoscopic hysterectomy and recovery time for the procedure. Pain medications should be discussed with your doctor as well as any other recommendations for a speedy recovery.
Check Out Our Brand New e-Book –> Women’s Hysterectomy Stories – The Essential Guide by: Ruth Steeves. Click Here Now for Instant Access!
Hysterectomy Laparoscopic Variety Of Surgical Procedures
July 11, 2009 by admin
Filed under Hysterectomy
Laparoscopic hysterectomy refers to a variety of surgical procedures which are accomplished with the aid of a slender optical tube known as a laparoscope. Hysterectomies performed in this manner may result in less time spent in the operating room and shorter recovery times than similar abdominal procedures. There may also be fewer and smaller scars than those left from abdominal hysterectomies. For these reasons many women are now requesting laparoscope assisted operations. How is a laparoscopic hysterectomy performed and who might be an appropriate candidate for one?
A basic laparoscopic hysterectomy begins with a short incision below the woman’s navel. The laparoscope is inserted through this cut. After the doctor has examined the pelvic cavity via the laparoscope additional incisions will be made. Narrow surgical instruments will then be introduced to the area through the secondary cuts. Using the laparoscope to guide the surgery, the doctor will then cut the uterus away from the patient’s body. The organ will be cut into strips small enough to be removed through the incisions which have been made into the abdomen. Once the uterus has been taken out in this fashion only a few short stitches are need to close the cuts.
Two variations on the common laparoscopic hysterectomy are the laparoscopically assisted vaginal hysterectomy and the laparoscopic supracervical hysterectomy. One of the disadvantages of a standard vaginal hysterectomy is the inability of the surgeon to view the pelvic area and to see the other reproductive organs. By enlisting the aid of a laparoscope when performing a hysterectomy vaginally, the doctor can more fully ascertain the condition of the reproductive area as a whole.
A laparoscopic supracervical hysterectomy provides for the uterus to be removed while leaving the cervix intact. The cervix acts as support for many of the pelvic ligaments; not taking it out adds to the post hysterectomy stability of the entire reproductive area. It is also thought that excising the cervix can result in vaginal dryness and decreased sexual response. For these reasons, the laparoscopic supracervical hysterectomy is gaining favor amongst many women and their physicians.
Unfortunately, the uterine conditions that can be treated by some type of laparoscopic hysterectomy are limited. Laparoscopic operations are appropriate for small to medium size uterine fibroids. They may also be successfully performed for less severe cases of endometriosis and for unusual bleeding. If a woman’s ailment has caused her uterus to grow much beyond normal size she generally is not a good candidate for laparoscopic hysterectomy.
Even a laparoscopic hysterectomy is major surgery which should not be contemplated without thorough research. As long as a physician does not feel that a woman is jeopardizing her health, she may want to try remedies for her condition which stop short of hysterectomy. However, once it has been determined that a hysterectomy is necessary, many women may want to discuss the possibility of having an operation which is less invasive than a conventional abdominal procedure. If her condition allows and after close consultation with her physician, a woman may find that a laparoscopic hysterectomy can be the best solution to her problem.
Check Out Our Brand New e-Book –> Women’s Hysterectomy Stories – The Essential Guide by: Ruth Steeves. Click Here Now for Instant Access!
Subtotal Hysterectomy Removes Only A Woman’s Uterus Not Her Cervix
July 9, 2009 by admin
Filed under Hysterectomy
A subtotal hysterectomy removes only a woman’s uterus not her cervix. Many women may not even think about the fact that in most cases a woman loses her cervix along with her uterus. While this may not seem vastly important, losing the cervix does have consequences. Therefore, if a woman’s medical condition does not dictate the removal of the cervix, she may want to consider a subtotal hysterectomy.
The cervix is the inch or so long piece of connective tissue which forms the neck of the uterus; it is essentially the protective opening between the vagina and the uterus. Any time a woman chooses to have a vaginal hysterectomy she automatically chooses to have her cervix removed. When the cervix is removed two things may happen: One, the vaginal area may become significantly dryer; two, since the cervical tissue supports many of the pelvic ligaments, the pelvic area may become less stable. After considering these side effects, a woman may want to discuss the possibility of a subtotal hysterectomy with her doctor. A woman considering a subtotal hysterectomy needs to know that since her cervix will remain she remains vulnerable to cervical cancer. Thus, it is imperative that she have pap smears on a schedule prescribed by her gynecologist.
If a woman and her physician decide that a subtotal hysterectomy is appropriate there are generally two methods by which it may be accomplished: An abdominal hysterectomy and the tongue twisting laparoscopic supracervical hysterectomy. An abdominal hysterectomy generally requires additional time in surgery, a longer hospital stay and a longer post operative recovery period. It also leaves a large scar, although the scar can sometimes be lessened by an artful surgeon. For this reason many women consider the laparoscopic subtotal hysterectomy procedure.
A subtotal hysterectomy assisted by a laparoscope (slender optical tube) begins with a small incision below the patient’s navel through which the instrument is inserted. After the surgeon has located and examined the uterus two more small cuts will be made through which additional surgical instruments will be inserted. These tools will be used to cut the uterus, but not the cervix, away from the body. The organ will then be cut into strips small enough to be removed through the previous incisions. Scarring will be limited to the three small cuts made for inserting the needed instruments. Performed in this manner a subtotal hysterectomy requires only slightly more time in surgery than a vaginal hysterectomy. The hospital stay and recuperation time will also be somewhat longer.
A laparoscopic supracervical hysterectomy can only be used in circumstances where the uterus has not been substantially enlarged by disease. If due to an ailment the uterus has grown too large to be removed via the laparoscopic method an abdominal hysterectomy will be required. The possibility of a laparoscopic subtotal hysterectomy turning into an abdominal hysterectomy should be fully discussed with the surgeon prior to the operation.
Loss of the cervix as part of a total hysterectomy may not be of immediate concern to some women. In addition, many women may not want to have an abdominal procedure in order to retain the cervix. However, any time it is medically possible to save a piece of healthy tissue, it should be a matter for consideration. A woman who feels that she would be best served by having her cervix in place should be aware of the subtotal hysterectomy alternative.
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