Surgery Overview A hysterectomy is the surgical removal of a woman's uterus endometrial cancer ovaries fallopian tubes stage and grade of the cancer. Most cases of endometrial cancer are diagnosed during the earliest stage, while cancer is still contained in the uterus and can be cured.
Your surgery will depend on how much of your reproductive system may be affected by endometrial cancer.
A total hysterectomy cervix A total hysterectomy with bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy is the removal of the uterus, cervix, fallopian tubes, and ovaries. This is the most common surgery done for endometrial cancer. A radical hysterectomy is the removal of the uterus, cervix, surrounding tissue, upper vagina, and usually the pelvic lymph nodes A hysterectomy for endometrial cancer may be done with an incision (cut) in the abdomen. Sometimes a laparoscopic hysterectomy is possible. In both procedures, general anesthesia
Abdominal hysterectomy : The uterus, ovaries, and fallopian tubes are removed through an incision (laparotomy An abdominal incision provides a large opening into the abdomen for the surgeon to easily see the organs and to find out the extent of the cancer. An abdominal hysterectomy will leave a scar [usually 13 cm (5 inches)] on the abdomen. The usual stay in the hospital after an abdominal hysterectomy is 3 days. Laparoscopic hysterectomy : Laparoscopic surgery is done with a tiny camera and special instruments. The surgeon puts these tools through several small incisions (cuts) in the belly. In a laparoscopic hysterectomy, the surgeon usually is able to see the organs well enough to find out the extent of the cancer. A laparoscopic hysterectomy leaves several very small scars on the abdomen. You may stay in the hospital for 1 or 2 days after a laparoscopic hysterectomy. Or you may be able to go home the same day. When done by an experienced surgeon, laparoscopic hysterectomy may have a quicker recovery and fewer complications than abdominal hysterectomy.
Some surgeons do this surgery by guiding robotic arms that hold the surgery tools. This is called robot-assisted laparoscopy.
What To Expect
Right after surgery, you will be taken to a recovery area where nurses will care for and observe you. Usually the stay in the recovery area is for 1 to 4 hours. You will then be moved to a hospital room. In addition to any special instructions from your doctor, your nurse will explain information to help you during your recovery.
You will likely stay in the hospital 1 to 4 days after a hysterectomy. About 4 to 6 weeks after the hysterectomy, your doctor will examine you in his or her office. You should be able to return to all of your normal activities, including having sexual intercourse, in about 6 to 8 weeks. Some light bleeding or spotting is expected for up to 6 weeks following a hysterectomy. If your vaginal bleeding is heavier or different from what you were told to expect, call your doctor.
After you have a hysterectomy, you will not be able to become pregnant.
After a hysterectomy, call your doctor if you have:
Chest pain, a cough, or trouble breathing. Bright red vaginal bleeding that soaks two or more pads in an hour or forms large or painful clots. Pain or tenderness, swelling, or redness in your legs. A fever of 38 °C (100.4 °F) or higher. Pain that is not relieved by your pain medicine or pain that is getting worse. Pus coming from your incision. Trouble passing a stool, especially if you have not had a normal bowel movement for 3 to 5 days or if you have mild pain or swelling in your lower abdomen. Trouble passing urine, pain or burning when you urinate, blood in your urine, or cloudy urine. Pain, discomfort, or bleeding during intercourse. Hot flashes, sweating, flushing, or a fast or pounding heartbeat. Why It Is Done
Endometrial cancer most often occurs in the inner lining of the uterus and is contained within the uterus in the earlier stages. Removal of the uterus reduces the risk of cancer recurring or spreading. The ovaries are a common site for spread (metastasis) of endometrial cancer cells and so are almost always removed at the same time.
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How Well It Works
Removal of the uterus, fallopian tubes, and ovaries reduces the risk of spread or recurrence of endometrial cancer.
Risks
Most women do not have complications after a hysterectomy. But complications that may occur include:
Fever. A slight fever is common after any surgery. Difficulty urinating. Urinary incontinence Continued heavy bleeding The formation of scar tissue (adhesions Rare complications include:
Infection. Blood clots in the legs (thrombophlebitis pulmonary embolus Injury to other organs, such as the bladder or bowel. A collection of blood at the surgical site (hematoma). You may have other physical problems after a hysterectomy. In some women, the pelvic muscles and ligaments that support the vagina, bladder, and rectum may become weak. The weakness may cause bladder or bowel problems, such as cystocele rectocele Kegel exercises may help strengthen the pelvic muscles and ligaments. But some women need other treatments, including additional surgery.
Vaginal dryness may develop if your ovaries were removed during your hysterectomy. If sexual intercourse is painful because of vaginal dryness, use a vaginal lubricant, such as K-Y Jelly or Astroglide, or a polyunsaturated vegetable oil that does not contain preservatives. Do not use petroleum jelly (for example, Vaseline) as a lubricant, because it increases the risk of vaginal irritation and infection.
Your doctor will tell you how long you should wait after surgery before engaging in sexual intercourse. Pain during intercourse (dyspareunia) may occur if your vagina was shortened during your hysterectomy. Changing positions may help make intercourse less painful. If you continue to have difficulty with intercourse after a hysterectomy, talk with your doctor.
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Current as of: April 30, 2024
