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When is it used?
Sometimes the uterus loses support of the ligaments and falls down through the vagina.
Ligaments are fibrous tissues that help support organs and hold them in place.
The uterus may fall far enough to produce a lot of discomfort and may cause other problems.
This problem is called uterine prolapse, or fallen uterus.
What happens during the procedure?
You will be given a regional or general anesthetic. It will prevent you from feeling pain during the procedure.
You will have an IV in your arm to give you fluids and medicines.
The doctor cuts through the vaginal wall to reach the ligaments and blood vessels that surround and support the uterus.
The doctor detaches the ligaments and blood vessels from the uterus and ties the blood vessels so they will heal and not bleed.
The doctor then cuts the uterus off at the top of the vagina and removes it through the vagina.
The doctor attaches the uterine ligaments to the vagina to hold it in place.
If ligaments around the vagina have stretched from aging or childbearing, the doctor may repair the walls of your vagina by sewing the ligaments together
What happens after the procedure?
You may stay in the hospital for 2 to 5 days. If the walls of your vagina were repaired, you may stay in the hospital 6 to 8 days while the bladder heals and starts working again.
After you go home, get plenty of rest.
Do not do any heavy lifting or otherwise strain the stomach muscles for 4 to 6 weeks.
If you were having menstrual periods before the surgery, you will no longer have them after the operation. You also cannot become pregnant.
If you have concerns about this, discuss them with your health care provider before the surgery.
What are the benefits of this procedure?
You will no longer have the discomfort of a fallen uterus.
Recovery is usually faster from a vaginal hysterectomy
The vaginal procedure does not leave a visible scar.
What are the risks associated with this procedure?
- If your blood vessels leak or are injured, your health care provider may open your stitches to stop the bleeding.
- Your bladder or rectum might be injured and need repair.
- The tubes leading from your kidneys to your bladder (ureters) could be injured and need surgical repair.
- If your doctor has trouble removing your uterus through the vagina, it may be removed through an abdominal cut instead.
- You may develop an infection or bleeding.
- You may develop a hernia in the top of the vagina.
- You may develop a blood clot in your legs, pelvis, or lungs.
Your health care provider may give you some medicines to help with these problems.
You should ask your provider how these risks apply to you.
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