Gynecology
Gynecology: Myomectomy – Hysterectomy
Learn The Basics About these gynecological procedures:
The procedure to remove benign fibroids that sometimes form in a woman’s uterus is called a myomectomy. This procedure can be done through a traditional incision in the abdomen, through laparoscopic abdominal surgery, or through the vagina.
Whether vaginal, a traditional incision or laparoscopic surgery are used depend on the surgeon and your specific case. You must make sure that you fully discuss the options with your surgeon so you can make an informed decision on your surgery.
When the surgeon performs the procedure, the uterus (hysterectomy) will usually be removed. One or both ovaries could also be removed, but this will depend on the reason you are having the surgery in the first place.
How long will I be in the hospital and when can I travel home?
The procedure only takes about 90 minutes, and you will be expected to stay in the hospital approximately 2 days.
You will be seen by the surgeon after your surgery, and the decision will be made whether you can be cleared to travel home. However, you can expect to remain in the country approximately 10 days, which is the average for this type of procedure.
In gynecology, how do I know I need a Myomectomy – Hysterectomy?
- Fibroids in your uterus
- Cancer in the cervix, ovaries, and/or uterus
- Endometriosis which does not respond to medical treatment
- Chronic vaginal bleeding
- Uterine prolapse
- Acute complications from childbirth
Details of the procedure:
You should fully discuss the procedure and techniques that will be employed in your particular case with your surgeon. Also, the myomectomy/hysterectomy will be performed under general rather than local anesthesia.
Laparoscopic surgery:
If the surgeon proceeds with laparoscopic surgery, an initial incision will be made in order to place a small camera in the abdomen. The abdominal cavity is then filled with a special gas and a safe “work area” will be created so the surgery can be performed.
Several tiny incisions will then be made so that other instruments can be inserted in the abdominal cavity. Once all of the instruments are in place, the surgeon will remove the uterus (and the fibroids) through one of the previously made incisions.
Vaginal Surgery:
This procedure can also be performed through the vagina and, if so, the surgeon will use a speculum, which is a special instrument that will keep your vagina open. A set of special instruments and a series of incisions will then be employed by the surgeon to remove the uterus.
Several variations to this type of surgery exist, but not all of the variations can be done using laparoscopic or vaginal methods.
Traditional Surgery:
If traditional methods are employed, the incision will be made along the bikini line, just below your below button. It is through this incision that the doctor will remove your uterus.
What happens after surgery?
- Feeling Bloated: You might feel the need to constantly go to the bathroom after laparoscopic surgery. This is because of the gas that was used, which will need to work its way through your digestive system.
- Foley catheter: During surgery, a Foley catheter, which is a tube that is inserted into the bladder, could be used. This is done so that urine can be drained from the bladder, and this is important so that unnecessary complications can be avoided.
- Deep breathing: You lungs will need to be exercised following surgery, taking a series of 10 very deep breaths every hour. A spirometer might be prescribed by your surgeon or physician to assist you in this process.
- Preventing DVT or Deep Venous Thrombosis: Deep venous thrombosis or DVT is a very serious complication which can present itself after surgery. Since you will be lying down for long periods, your legs will be static, and they will have a tendency to form clots. However, medications, compression stockings, and/or pneumatic boots can be used to prevent DVT. Once you are on your way to recovery, your physician could prescribe exercises that you can perform at home.
- Diet: As your body readjusts, your diet will have to be modified
- Walking: Your surgeon and hospital staff will encourage you to begin walking 24 hours after surgery. The quicker you are on your feet, the faster you will heal and recover from surgery.
Medications: Each patient is different, so your doctor could prescribe medications for your while you are in the hospital. The risks, benefits, and alternatives to medication should be fully explained to you.
Among the medications that could be prescribed are:
- Antibiotics which will help lower your infection risk.
- Antinausea medicine which can help since anesthesia can make you nauseous, so this medication will help you feel better.
- Pain medication which will also make you feel better after surgery. You will actually receive a pain management plan which could include a catheter in your spine, or perhaps a self-controlled pump. Although you have will have undergone major surgery, pain should be minimal, and it can be controlled with prescribed medications.
- Sleep inducers which will help you sleep comfortably during the first few nights after surgery. It is a well-known fact that a good night’s sleep can help speed up the recovery process.
- Hormones which will depend on the type of surgery you had and your physician. You could be advised to take them temporarily or as an extended hormonal treatment plan.
- Other medications: You could be given other medications, but this will be according to your surgeon’s recommendation.
Expected Results:
Myomectomy and hysterectomy procedures have a highly successful rate of low complications. It has been shown that this type of surgery has no direct impact on a woman’s sexual function or desire.
If you undergo an open abdominal hysterectomy or myomectomy, you can expect to return to a normal routine in about eight weeks. If you have a laparoscopic procedure, you can drastically reduce the recovery time, and you can expect to go back to your normal routine approximately two weeks after surgery.
What are the Risks and Alternatives to Treatment
As you know, there are inherent risks with every surgical procedure. These inherent risks are often minimal, but you need to talk to your physician and surgeon about potential risks so you can make an informed decision about your surgery.
As mentioned above, anesthesia presents a risk, but the risk is mainly due to people having allergic reactions to the medications used in preparing anesthesia. You could also have difficulty breathing, but you will have an expert team at your side to help you with any problems that might arise.
There are also risks directly related to the operation such as damage to abdominal organs requiring a subsequent surgery or unexpected blood loss.
Complications such as blood clots, infection, or new pain can also arise, even after you have had successful surgery. These complications could require a subsequent surgery, and your surgeon will inform you about the treatment options if any complications arise.
You Must Contact your Surgeon if:
- A persistent fever develops.
- Your wound begins to ooze, feel hot, or has a strong odor.
- Your problems worsen despite surgery.
- You have pain, numbness, tingling, or loss of strength or feeling in your legs.
- You have pain or a burning sensation when urinating.
Medical Tours Costa Rica Will Help:
At Medical Tours Costa Rica, we specialize in giving patients VIP services from the time they arrive in the country to the time they are ready to head for the airport to fly back home. We have myomectomy – hysterectomy consultants who can help answer any questions or get you a free quote without obligation.
All you have to do is call 1-866-665-6433, Monday to Friday from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM US Central Standard time, and you can speak directly to a consultant. You can also fill out the contact form conveniently located on the right side of the page.