Hysterectomy Complications

Hysterectomy Complications

Around 55,000 hysterectomy operations are carried out in the UK each year. This means about one in five women will have a hysterectomy at some point. The most common age to have one is between 40-50, however they are often carried out on women outside of this age group.

Hysterectomy complications can arise immediately after surgery or several years later. You should have a conversation with your Doctor about:

1. Why it is recommended you have a hysterectomy

2. Whether you have an abdominal or vaginal hysterectomy

3. Whether you wish to retain the ovaries, fallopian tubes, upper part of the vagina, cervix, and the pelvic lymph nodes

Then you will understand what is happening and why and what to expect in the future in terms of risks and complications pertaining to your choice.

Reasons for having a hysterectomy can include:

• Periods that are heavy, painful or frequent
• Fibroids (non-cancerous growths in the womb)
• Prolapsed womb
• Cancer of the vagina, cervix, uterus, fallopian tubes or ovaries

Possible Complications

If you are planning to have hysterectomy, your doctor will review a list of possible complications, which may include:

• Reactions to anaesthesia
• Pain – chronic pelvic pain on a long term basis
• Infection
• Bleeding
• Fatigue
• Injured pelvic organs (bowel and/or bladder)
• Urinary incontinence (problems controlling your urine) which may manifest in the future and need surgical intervention
• Loss of ovarian function and early menopause – needing treatment to protect your bone density, hormones and heart.
• Depression
• Sexual dysfunction  – such as pain on intercourse and inability to have intercourse.