Our Summary

This research looks at the trends of hysterectomies (surgery to remove the uterus) performed at a teaching hospital in India between 2012 and 2021. The study found that the number of these surgeries performed each year ranged from 414 to 597, except for in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic when it dropped. Hysterectomies made up between 6% to 9% of all gynecological admissions to the hospital, again dropping to 4% during 2020. The reasons for the surgeries, the age of the patients, the method of surgery, and the complications that followed remained largely the same over the decade.

The researchers suggest that there might be benefits in shifting from abdominal to vaginal hysterectomies for select patients, which would be better for the patients and provide learning opportunities for the trainees. They also emphasize the importance of educating patients about non-surgical treatment options for benign (non-cancerous) gynecological conditions and the potential consequences of hysterectomy, which could help reduce the number of these surgeries performed in countries like India.

FAQs

  1. What were the trends in the number of hysterectomies performed at the teaching hospital in India from 2012 to 2021?
  2. How did the COVID-19 pandemic affect the rate of hysterectomies performed at the hospital in 2020?
  3. What are the potential benefits of shifting from abdominal to vaginal hysterectomies according to the researchers?

Doctor’s Tip

One helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about hysterectomy is to consider all non-surgical treatment options before deciding on surgery. It’s important to fully understand the potential consequences and long-term effects of hysterectomy, as well as any alternative options that may be available. Additionally, discussing the best method of surgery with your healthcare provider, such as vaginal hysterectomy, can lead to better outcomes and potentially reduce complications. Overall, open communication with your doctor and being well-informed about your options is key in making the best decision for your health.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended for hysterectomy include those with:

  • Uterine fibroids
  • Endometriosis
  • Abnormal uterine bleeding
  • Uterine prolapse
  • Chronic pelvic pain
  • Adenomyosis
  • Gynecological cancers such as uterine, cervical, or ovarian cancer

It is important for patients to discuss with their healthcare provider the reasons for recommending a hysterectomy and explore all available treatment options before making a decision.

Timeline

Before hysterectomy:

  • Patient experiences symptoms such as pelvic pain, heavy periods, abnormal bleeding, or other gynecological issues
  • Patient consults with a gynecologist who recommends hysterectomy as a treatment option
  • Patient undergoes pre-operative tests and evaluations to ensure they are a suitable candidate for surgery
  • Patient discusses the risks and benefits of the procedure with their healthcare provider and makes an informed decision to proceed with the surgery

After hysterectomy:

  • Patient undergoes the surgery to remove the uterus
  • Patient stays in the hospital for a few days for recovery and monitoring
  • Patient experiences post-operative symptoms such as pain, fatigue, and vaginal discharge
  • Patient follows up with their healthcare provider for post-operative care and monitoring
  • Patient may experience improvements in their symptoms and quality of life following the surgery, but also may need to adjust to changes in their body and hormonal balance

Overall, the timeline for a patient before and after hysterectomy involves a series of consultations, evaluations, surgery, and post-operative care to address gynecological issues and improve quality of life.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. Why do I need a hysterectomy?
  2. Are there any alternative treatments that I can try before opting for surgery?
  3. What are the risks and potential complications associated with hysterectomy?
  4. What type of hysterectomy will be performed (abdominal, vaginal, laparoscopic)?
  5. What is the recovery process like and how long will it take?
  6. Will I experience any changes in my hormones or menstrual cycle after the surgery?
  7. How will a hysterectomy affect my sexual function and relationships?
  8. Are there any long-term effects or risks associated with having a hysterectomy?
  9. Will I still need regular gynecological exams after the surgery?
  10. How soon after the surgery can I resume normal activities, including exercise and sexual intercourse?

Reference

Authors: Pandey D, Hebbar S, Reddy Inukollu P, Lobo VV, Bansal S, Solipuram D, Suhas N, Habibullah SA, Popat RJ, Agrawal A, Mg S. Journal: J Chin Med Assoc. 2023 May 1;86(5):506-514. doi: 10.1097/JCMA.0000000000000885. Epub 2023 Jan 20. PMID: 36658688