Hysterectomy – Safer Simpler Precise

by Dr. Yogesh Nikam

Dr Yogesh Nikam

Let me start by saying that, excluding cancers, hysterectomy (removal of the Womb) is usually considered after exhausting all other non-surgical options first. The global rate of Hysterectomies is trending down. Following are some of the most common misconceptions that I answer in my rooms on a daily basis

10 things about Hysterectomy

  1. Hysterectomy does not always mean menopause ( Ovaries usually are conserved so there is minimal disruption of the hormones)
  2. Removal of nondiseased ovaries is recommended at Hysterectomy after the age of 60-65 years of age to decrease the risk of ovarian cancer
  3. Prophylactic oophorectomy (preventive surgery where both ovaries are removed) along with hysterectomy, may be recommended in women who carry a gene defect such as the BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene defects and thereby are at a very high (about 40 to 60 percent) risk of developing ovarian cancer.
  4. Removal of Fallopian tubes at Hysterectomy reduces the risk of certain ovarian cancers
  5. Hysterectomy cannot cure Endometriosis unless one suffers from a variant of endometriosis which affects the muscle wall of the uterus called Adenomyosis.
  6. Hysterectomy does not mean the end of sex life, but you will need time to recover until the vagina heals.
  7. Minimally invasive approaches ( Laparoscopy/Robotic) are better for recovery as compared to large cuts on the body
  8. After a hysterectomy, women no longer menstruate and or fall pregnant
  9. 85% women report high satisfaction rates after a Hysterectomy
  10. Hysterectomy can be performed as a day/overnight procedure

There are various reasons for recommending a hysterectomy.
Common indications include:

There are different approaches to a hysterectomy depending on the indication for hysterectomy, the patient’s health and wishes and finally the surgeon’s experience. Traditionally most hysterectomies were performed as open surgery (over 65%). These were done via large abdominal scars, took longer to heal and needed longer recovery times. Vaginal hysterectomy is utilized in women experiencing prolapse. However, it is not recommended in scenarios where concomitant pathology such as large fibroids, endometriosis or ovarian disease coexist. The newer minimally invasive surgeries can be done via laparoscopy (key-hole surgery) or Robotically.

In general, as compared to Open surgery (laparotomy), laparoscopy and robotic surgery allow for:

  • Faster recovery
  • Shorter hospital stays
  • Less pain and scarring
  • A lower chance of infection & blood loss
  • Less risk of an incisional hernia

Speak to Dr. Yogesh Nikam to find out how he can help

DR YOGESH NIKAM is a leading Gynaecologist and Specialist in Laparoscopic & Robotic Surgery. He is highly specialised in providing a holistic approach to women’s pelvic health, offering innovative surgical and non-surgical techniques. He holds the highest level of surgical accreditation (RANZCOG Level 6) in Advanced Laparoscopic Gynaecological Surgery in Australia. Click on the picture to read more about Dr Yogesh Nikam.