Hysterectomy (removal of uterus) | Cost & assistance in Turkey 2024

What is a hysterectomy?

Removal of the uterus, or hysterectomy, may be an important therapeutic solution for some women. This surgical procedure involves the removal of the uterus and, in some cases, the associated genitalia. Often considered a last resort when other treatments have failed, hysterectomy can significantly relieve symptoms associated with conditions such as uterine fibroids, endometriosis, or certain gynecologic cancers.

Although hysterectomy involves significant physiological changes, including the cessation of menstruation and the inability to become pregnant, it can significantly improve the quality of life for many patients. Thanks to advances in surgery, especially in Turkey, techniques are becoming less invasive and recovery times shorter.

You should discuss all available treatment options, their advantages and disadvantages in detail with your gynecologist in Turkey in order to make an informed decision tailored to your personal situation.

Types of hysterectomy

A hysterectomy is a surgical procedure to remove all or part of the uterus. The type of hysterectomy performed depends on many factors, including the medical reasons for the surgery and the patient's overall health.

The different types of hysterectomy include:

• Subtotal hysterectomy: Only the body of the uterus is removed. The cervix is preserved.
• Total hysterectomy: The body of the uterus and the cervix are removed, but the ovaries are preserved. This operation terminates fertility but preserves hormonal function thanks to the presence of the gonads.
• Total hysterectomy with salpingo-oophorectomy (or adnexectomy): In addition to the uterus, the fallopian tubes and ovaries are removed. This procedure causes premature menopause.
• Radical hysterectomy (or colpohysterectomy): This more complex type of surgery is usually done for invasive cancer. It involves removal of the uterus, cervix, upper 1/3 of the vagina, fallopian tubes, ovaries, and pelvic lymph nodes.

Choosing the type of hysterectomy is an important decision that must be made in consultation with your gynecologist. He or she will explain the different options and help you choose the one that is best for your situation.

Uterine removal techniques in Turkey

Removal of the uterus, or hysterectomy, is a surgical procedure that can be performed using various techniques. The choice of the most appropriate method depends on several factors, including the nature of the pathology to be treated and the patient's medical history.

Our gynecological surgeons in Turkey offer several approaches to hysterectomy:

• Vaginal route: The uterus is removed through the vagina, which limits scarring. This technique is often preferred for total hysterectomies.
• Laparoscopic approach: Small incisions are made in the abdomen to insert surgical instruments. This less invasive approach is often used for subtotal hysterectomies.
• Laparotomy: As with a cesarean section, a horizontal subumbilical incision is made in the abdomen. This technique is generally reserved for complex cases, such as when the uterus is enlarged by uterine fibroids (masses that develop in the uterus). This approach allows direct access to the uterus, but results in a more visible scar.

The choice of anesthesia (epidural, spinal, or general) depends on the patient and the surgical technique chosen.

In all cases, your gynecological surgeon in Turkey will explain the advantages and disadvantages of each technique in detail so that you can make an informed decision.

Recovery after uterine removal surgery

After a hysterectomy, it is usually necessary to stay in the hospital for a few days (1 to 7 days) to monitor your health and help you recover in the best possible conditions.

The first few hours may be painful. To relieve this pain, you will be given appropriate medications, either intravenously or orally.

Antibiotics may be prescribed to prevent infection. Anticoagulant treatment may also be started to reduce the risk of blood clots.

Medical devices such as urinary catheters, IVs, and abdominal drains may be placed temporarily.

You will gradually be able to resume a normal diet, usually after a few days.

While recovering at home:

• Avoid heavy physical exertion (carrying heavy loads) for at least 4 weeks.
• Showers are allowed for a few days after surgery, but wait a week before taking a bath and 4 weeks before resuming sexual activity.
• Regular medical follow-up is essential to monitor your recovery.

If you experience severe pain, heavy bleeding, fever, vomiting, or calf pain, don't hesitate to contact your doctor.

Side effects of uterine removal

Side effects of hysterectomy include permanent cessation of menstruation and fertility.

• If your ovaries are preserved: You will continue to have normal hormonal cycles until natural menopause.
• If your ovaries are removed: You will enter menopause immediately, which may cause symptoms such as hot flashes. Hormone replacement therapy may be considered.

If you are already in menopause, having your ovaries removed will have no additional effect on your hormonal status.

As far as your sex life is concerned, hysterectomy does not generally change anything. However, individual factors such as hormonal changes, psychological state, or anatomical factors may affect your experience.

Finally, there is no direct link between hysterectomy and weight gain or depression.