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Vaginal Hysterectomy

Vaginal Hysterectomy - What it is

​What Is Vaginal Hysterectomy?

This is the removal of the womb through the vaginal route. There will not be any scars on the abdomen.

Do I Need To Remove My Ovaries?

Your doctor will discuss with you about the removal of the ovaries. This is usually recommended if you are approaching menopause or is post-menopausal. This can usually be done by the vaginal route as well.

Are There Any Other Surgeries To Be Done At The Same Time?

If there is a prolapse of the bladder (cystocele) or rectum (rectocele), a pelvic floor repair may be done at the same time. Continence procedure like a TVT/TVT-O may also be done if there is stress urinary incontinence.

Do I Require Hormone Replacement Therapy After Removal Of The Ovaries?

This depends on individual needs. Your doctor will discuss further with you on this.

Vaginal Hysterectomy - Symptoms

Vaginal Hysterectomy - How to prevent?

Vaginal Hysterectomy - Causes and Risk Factors

Vaginal Hysterectomy - Diagnosis

Vaginal Hysterectomy - Treatments

Vaginal Hysterectomy - Preparing for surgery

What Happens Before Surgery?

Hormonal therapy in the form of oestrogen cream or vaginal pessaries, could be given to you before the operation if you are menopausal. This aids in the surgery and optimises the healing process. Usually, tests are done 1-2 weeks before surgery to assess your fitness for anaesthesia and for operation. You may be admitted a day before the operation. The anaesthetist may review you before the operation if you have other medical problems. You will be given medication to clear your bowels the night before surgery. Fasting starts from 12 midnight the day before surgery.

On the day of surgery, you will be transferred to the "Waiting Area" in the operating theatre about half an hour before the scheduled surgery. The nurses will check on your identification and the type of surgery. The anaesthetist will again review your case before giving you anaesthesia.

What Type Of Anaesthesia Can I Use?

Usually you can choose either regional or general anaesthesia. The anaesthetist will discuss with you on this.

Vaginal Hysterectomy - Post-surgery care

What Happens Immediately After The Operation?

You will have a urinary catheter and a vaginal gauze pack inserted. You will be observed for an hour in the operating theatre's "Recovery Area" before being transferred out to the ward, post-operative area in Ward 42 or to the Intensive Care Unit depending on circumstances.

Are There Any Risks From This Surgery?

Complications are rare but just like any other surgery, there are risks involved. The common complications are:

  • Bleeding
  • Infection
  • Developing blood clots in the calf muscles

Other risks involved:

  • Anaesthetic risks
  • Risks of injuring neighbouring structures such as urinary system and intestines, requiring further surgery or even abdominal surgery.

Do I Need Any Medication After Surgery?

Usually, you will be prescribed pain-killers and complete a course of antibiotics. You might be prescribed some medication to aid in passing soft stools.

When Can I Start Eating?

You can usually start drinking fluids the day after surgery, and sometimes the same evening of the surgery. Once you can retain the fluids, the drip and catheter will be taken off and you can go on to take soft diet.

How Long Do I Need To Keep The Catheter?

If anterior pelvic floor repair is done, the catheter will be removed 2 days after surgery and your ability to pass urine monitored by checking the amount of urine remaining in the bladder about 6 hours later. Some patients may need a slightly longer period of catheterisation before normal bladder function returns.

Should vaginal hysterectomy alone be done, then the catheter may be removed the day after surgery and you can pass urine freely on your own.

When Is The Vaginal Pack Removed?

This is usually done the morning after the surgery. You may have spotting/staining vaginally up to 2 - 3 weeks after surgery.

When Do I Start Walking?

You usually start with sitting out of your bed the morning after surgery and if you feel well enough, you should be able to walk slowly the afternoon or evening after surgery.

Do I Need To Restrict My Diet?

The KK Urogynaecology Centre does not recommend any restriction on your diet.

When Will I Be Discharged?

You can be discharged once you can pass urine well, when there is no complication of surgery and when you feel well enough to be discharged. This averages 1 - 3 days. The doctors will assess you daily and will keep you informed.

How Much Rest Do I Need?

Early ambulation is encouraged. Carrying of heavy loads is discouraged in the long run. You will be given 1 month medical leave and will be reviewed by your doctor a month after discharge.

Can I Still Have Sexual Intercourse?

Yes, after healing of the surgical wounds, usually after 4 - 6 weeks.

What If I Have Queries?

You are most welcome to consult your surgeon during office hours, and the O&G 24-Hour Clinic.

If you should feel unwell and want to postpone your surgery, please inform your surgeon early so that the operating theatre can be used by another patient.

Vaginal Hysterectomy - Other Information

  

The information provided is not intended as medical advice. Terms of use. Information provided by SingHealth

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