A hysterectomy procedure is a surgery to remove the uterus. There are various types of hysterectomy procedures that differ in removing reproductive structures like the cervix, fallopian tubes, and ovaries. Major types of hysterectomy procedures include total hysterectomy, subtotal hysterectomy, radical hysterectomy, and other modified hysterectomy procedures done per the patient’s health and treatment required.
Around 6% of Indian women aged between 15 to 49 years are estimated to have a hysterectomy. There are various reasons for opting for the different types of hysterectomy procedures, like persistent painful and heavy menstrual bleeding, cysts or fibroids, PID (pelvic inflammatory disease), abnormally thickened uterus, and cancer.
Procedure involving Subtotal hysterectomy
The surgical subtotal hysterectomy involves removing the uterus but sparing the cervix. The subtotal hysterectomy pose risk of cervical cancer as it does not removes the cervix along with the uterus.
Steps of Subtotal Hysterectomy
Following are the important steps of subtotal hysterectomy:
- 1. Bladder is emptied if it is filled
- 2. Local anaesthesia is provided to the cervix
- 3. Colpotomy or vaginal incision is made to simplify the procedure
- 4. Uterus is delivered through the incision made
- 5. Ovarian and uterine pedicles are clamped, divided and then ligated.
- 6. Uterine body is amputated
- 7. Cervical suture is stumped
- 8. Incision is closed eventually
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Advantages of Subtotal Hysterectomy
Following are the disadvantages of undergoing subtotal hysterectomy:
- 1. Quick and Easy procedure in comparison to a total hysterectomy
- 2. The safer procedure poses less danger to surrounding organs like the urinary bladder
- 3. Safer in terms of pelvic infections
- 4. Cervix is spared from removal, which acts as a supportive organ for the vagina.
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Disadvantages of subtotal hysterectomy
Following are the disadvantages of subtotal hysterectomy:
- 1. There is a risk of development of cervical stumps in the cervix
- 2. Slight menstrual bleeding occurs even after the surgical procedure
- 3. There is poor drainage from the pelvis after the surgical procedures, and there is a high risk of hematoma formation.
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Subtotal Hysterectomy Indications
Some of the indications for subtotal hysterectomy are:
- 1. Severe uterine bleeding
- 2. Uterine fibroids (abnormal uterine growth)
- 3. Endometriosis (abnormal growth of endometrial lining)
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Subtotal Hysterectomy vs Total Hysterectomy
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Subtotal hysterectomy
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Total hysterectomy
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The hysterectomy procedure removes only the uterus or womb, and the cervix remains in place.
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The type of hysterectomy that involves removing the cervix along with the main body of the uterus
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Safer procedure
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Riskier surgical procedure
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Light periods may continue
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Menstrual bleeding stop after the procedure
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Indications include heavy uterine bleeding, uterine fibroids
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Indications include gynaecological cancer like ovarian cancer and cervical cancer
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Rapid recovery
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Slow recovery
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Comparatively lesser health complications post-surgery
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More health complications post-surgery
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Technically easier surgical operation
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Technically complicated surgical procedure
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Lesser follow-up time needed
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A prolonged time of follow-up is required
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Frequently Asked Questions
Why should a woman opt for a subtotal hysterectomy?
Subtotal hysterectomy is opted by a woman to control and treat the following health.
Heavy bleeding
Painful periods
Fibroids
Do women still have menstrual periods after undergoing subtotal hysterectomy?
Yes, there may be slight bleeding due to the remaining endometrial lining of the cervix after undergoing a subtotal hysterectomy. The shedding of comparatively less endometrial lining causes mild bleeding.
Does subtotal hysterectomy involve the removal of ovaries?
In a subtotal hysterectomy, the main uterus body is removed, and the cervix is left in its place along with other surrounding organs like ovaries, fallopian tubes, and cervix. Hence, ovaries are not removed in a subtotal hysterectomy.
How subtotal hysterectomy differs from a total hysterectomy?
Subtotal hysterectomy preserves the cervix, while total hysterectomy removes both the uterus and the cervix. To know more about the surgical procedure to opt for and the best gynaecological advisory, free consultation can be taken as they have expert female gynaecologists to help females make wiser decisions for their body and reproductive health.
How much walking is recommended after 2 weeks of hysterectomy?
Slow walking can be done after 1-2 days of subtotal hysterectomy. After 2 weeks, the patient may try walking for 10min depending on the ease and comfort. For more details about the post-surgical activities, a free gynaecological post-surgery follow-up can be taken, as Glamyo health provides free follow-ups post-surgery.
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