The Risks of a Hysterectomy to Treat Fibroids
Did you know that more than 600,000 women have a hysterectomy each year?
This surgical removal of the uterus is one of the most common surgeries performed in the United States. And while a hysterectomy may be recommended for various reasons, such as cancer, there are also risks associated with this surgery.
Here are some of the risks of a hysterectomy that every woman should be aware of:
Infection.
When any type of surgery is performed, there is always a risk of infection.
The incision site can become infected, as well as other organs in the body.
There is also a risk of blood poisoning or sepsis. Symptoms of an infection include fever, chills, redness or swelling around the incision site, and pain. If you experience any of these symptoms after a hysterectomy, it’s important to call your doctor right away.
Excessive bleeding
It’s normal to experience some degree of bleeding after a hysterectomy, but excessive bleeding can be a sign of a serious problem. Heavy bleeding may cause weak association and lightheadedness and may require a blood transfusion.
Injury to surrounding organs
In some cases, the surgeon may accidentally damage surrounding organs, such as the bladder, ureters, or rectum, during a hysterectomy. Damage to these organs can cause serious complications and may require additional surgeries to repair.
Reactions to anesthesia
As with any surgery that requires anesthesia, there is always a risk of complications from the anesthesia itself. Reactions to anesthesia can range from mild (nausea and vomiting) to severe (respiratory problems).
Blood clots
One of the more serious dangers of a hysterectomy is the formation of blood clots in the legs or pelvis after surgery. These clots can break loose and travel through the bloodstream to the lungs where they can cause respiratory problems or even death. Symptoms of blood clots include shortness breath, chest pain, and coughing up blood.
If you experience any of these symptoms after a hysterectomy, it’s important to seek medical attention immediately as they could be signs of a life-threatening condition.
Scarring and adhesions
Scarring and adhesions are two more potential complications associated with a hysterectomy.
Scarring occurs when tissue heals after an injury and results in permanent marks on the skin.
Adhesions are bands of scar tissue that form inside the body and can attach organs to each other or to other structures in the body. Both scarring and adhesions can cause pain and/or intestinal blockages..
Nerve damage
In some cases, the nerves surrounding the uterus can be damaged during a hysterectomy. This nerve damage can cause numbing or tingling in the legs or pelvis as well as urinary incontinence or difficulty having bowel movements.
Related: Listen to a MIMIT Health patient explain her uterine fibroid embolization treatment with us
Emotional impact
The ability to bear children is taken away with a hysterectomy which can be devastating for some women. In addition, the loss of estrogen after surgery can lead to hot flashes, mood swings, and depression in some women.
Death
Although rare, death is always possible with any surgery, including a hysterectomy. The most common causes of death from this type of surgery include uncontrolled bleeding, heart attack, and pulmonary embolism (blood clot in lungs).
Some factors that increase your risk for complications after having this type of surgery include obesity, smoking, and preexisting health conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure.
As you can see, there is potential for complications when you choose to get a hysterectomy. That’s why we at MIMIT Health offer a much safer and less invasive alternative for fibroid removal. The best part is that you get to keep your body too! Think you might have fibroids? Schedule a consultation today!
At MIMIT Health, we offer a safer alternative to a hysterectomy in the form of uterine fibroid embolization.