Partial Hysterectomy and How to Prepare for Procedure

When you hear of partial hysterectomy, what comes to mind? After all, you know a total hysterectomy means the complete removal of your reproductive organs. Yet, what does a partial hysterectomy include?

When a doctor is doing a partial hysterectomy, he/she will remove just the upper two-thirds of your uterus. This means that the cervix, fallopian tubes and ovaries are left alone.

How will a doctor/surgeon perform the partial hysterectomy? It's actually done in one of two ways.

First, the doctor will make an incision in the abdomen area to remove the necessary parts.
Second, a doctor will use a laparoscope to help him/her remove the necessary parts.

Keep in mind that a partial hysterectomy is less severe than a total hysterectomy; yet, it must be treated like a major surgery because it does take time for you to prepare for the surgery and to heal afterwards. How can you prepare for your partial hysterectomy? There are six steps to help you prepare for this “life-changing” surgery.

Six Steps For Partial Hysterectomy Preparation

Step One - Monthly Bleeding

Many women who have a partial hysterectomy experience a monthly bleeding cycle along with pain. This monthly bleeding is like your menstrual cycle. Keep in mind that the lower part of your uterus is still there so it's highly probable despite the fact that most of the uterus has been removed.

Step Two - Menopause

It doesn't matter if you have a total or partial hysterectomy; whenever you alter the balance of your reproductive organs it's highly possible to throw your body into early menopause. When you decrease how much blood gets to your ovaries and fallopian tubes, it can cause them to function less effectively or altogether.

Step Three - Partial Hysterectomy Limitations

You need to understand that a partial hysterectomy won't alleviate all your symptoms. Why? Tissue is left behind that can and often times aggravate the other conditions.

Step Four - Reasons For A Partial Hysterectomy

A partial hysterectomy is used to treat endometriosis, polyps and minute fibroids. However, they should never be used for diseases that are widespread such as uterine or ovarian cancers.

Step Five - Keeping Your Options Open

Speak with your surgeon about doing a laparoscopic subtotal hysterectomy. This procedure takes less time to recover from than the traditional partial hysterectomy. It also leaves less scarring than the original hysterectomy procedures.

Step Six - Prepare For Loss

Remember that a hysterectomy, whether it is a total or partial procedure, will be the end of your ability to have children. A partial hysterectomy is less invasive but it's still a surgery that will end your reproductive years. You will still face those emotions every day about losing this ability.

Five Warnings To Be Concerned About

First, your doctor won't always tell you about this procedure so bring it up to your doctor. Why do doctors do this? Some believe that a partial hysterectomy won't get rid of the problem that a woman is dealing with.

Second, there are several benefits to a partial hysterectomy including less recovery time, less time in surgery and less chance of you going through menopause, unlike a total hysterectomy.

Third, a partial hysterectomy does not remove your cervix so continue to get your annual Pap smears. If your doctor suggests you get more than one a year, do so.

Fourth, a partial hysterectomy removes the uterus but leaves the risk of the cervix collapsing.

Fifth, women who've undergone a partial hysterectomy have a higher risk of urinary incontinence than for women who've had a total hysterectomy.