Vaginal removal of uterus, tubes, and/or ovaries

Procedure Information

What is Vaginal removal of the uterus, tubes, and/or ovaries?

Vaginal removal of the uterus, also known as vaginal hysterectomy, is a procedure to remove the uterus through the vagina. If you intend to remove the uterus only, the surgeon will remove the uterus from the fallopian tubes, ovaries, and blood vessels before removing the uterus.

However, vaginal hysterectomy can include the removal of other organs like the ovaries and the fallopian tubes. When they are removed along with the uterus, the procedure is called total hysterectomy with salpingo-oophorectomy.

Why would I get this procedure?

A vaginal hysterectomy is used to remove the uterus when there is any gynecological problem. Your doctor can use it to treat:

• Abnormal vaginal bleeding that medications can’t manage.
• Severe endometriosis, which is uterine tissue outside the uterus, causes severe pain and bleeding during menstruation.
• Leiomyomas, also known as uterine fibroids, are benign masses of the uterus’s muscle layer and can cause pain and bleeding that may require a hysterectomy.
• Uterine prolapse, a condition that happens when the uterus protrudes into the vagina because of weak abdominal muscles.
• Uterine or cervical cancer or precancerous lesions are common indications for hysterectomy. 

What happens during the procedure?

The procedure is done under general anesthesia, so you won’t be awake during the surgery and won’t remember anything related to it. The surgery takes lasts one to three hours, depending on your case.

The surgeon will make an incision inside your vagina to get to the uterus. Then, the surgeon will insert a laparoscope to help view the uterus and remove it. The uterine blood vessels will be clamped, and the surgeon will remove the uterus from the surrounding tissue and get it through the vaginal opening. Some organs may be removed along with the uterus, depending on the reason behind the surgery.

Sometimes, the surgeon may use an advanced instrument along with the laparoscope to perform the procedure or employ the assistance of robotic instruments. Your surgeon might recommend that if you have scar tissue on your pelvic organs from endometriosis or prior surgeries.

What to expect after the procedure?

Your healthcare team will move you to the recovery room for few hours until the effect of anesthesia wears off. Expect to go home the next day after the surgery. 

Pain and discomfort are also expected, and pain medications prescribed by your doctor can manage them. Also, bloody vaginal discharge is normal for the first few days to weeks after the procedure. 

Conclusion

After your uterus is removed, you won’t have periods or get pregnant. Furthermore, if your ovaries are removed along with the uterus, this means that you will begin your menopause right after the surgery.

The reason is that ovaries are responsible for secreting estrogens and progesterone. During menopause, the ovaries no longer have the capability to ovulate and secrete any hormones. Consequently, ovaries removal, even if you haven’t reached menopause age, is the same as reaching menopause. As a result, symptoms related to menopause like vaginal dryness, night sweats, and hot flashes are expected in ovaries removal.

If your ovaries weren’t removed, they would continue to secrete hormones, and you won’t reach menopause until it naturally comes.

You may need six weeks until you resume sexual activity. Hysterectomy won’t affect your sexual function or desire.

Citations

Mayo Clinic: Vaginal hysterectomy

Cleveland Clinic: Hysterectomy