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What Are the Pros and Cons of Hysterectomy for Fibroids?

Clara Kedrek
Clara Kedrek

Although there are other medical procedures that can be used for fibroids, for some women the best treatment is a hysterectomy. The pros of this surgery are that it provides a definitive treatment and greatly decreases the risk of recurrence. Performing a hysterectomy for fibroids also has a number of cons, including the risks of bleeding, infection, and accidental injury to other parts of the woman’s body. Additionally, women who get a hysterectomy will have limited reproductive options.

A hysterectomy for fibroids is considered to be a definitive therapy for this condition. It should stop problems with excessive vaginal bleeding and pain secondary to the growths. The hysterectomy removes the entire uterus as well as any of the fibroids that protrude from the uterus.

A hysterectomy removes the entire uterus along with any fibroids that protrude from it.
A hysterectomy removes the entire uterus along with any fibroids that protrude from it.

Removing the fibroids and the uterus entirely has a couple of other benefits. No new fibroids should develop after the surgery, so symptoms should not recur in the future. Excising the fibroids also means that they cannot transform into a more invasive type of tumor. Although fibroids are benign growths, they can rarely turn into a leiomyosarcoma, which is a malignant cancer. If a hysterectomy is performed, this cancer should not develop.

The most invasive type of hysterectomy is the abdominal hysterectomy, in which the surgeon makes a large cut in the abdomen in order to remove the uterus.
The most invasive type of hysterectomy is the abdominal hysterectomy, in which the surgeon makes a large cut in the abdomen in order to remove the uterus.

One major con of performing a hysterectomy for fibroids is that it diminishes a woman’s reproductive capabilities. Without a uterus, a woman cannot carry a pregnancy. If her ovaries are left in her body, the eggs could be harvested, fertilized, and implanted in another woman who can serve as a surrogate mother for the pregnancy. This option is expensive, and as a result many women who get a hysterectomy might not be able to have more biological children.

Women who experience a large amount of discharge following a hysterectomy should consult a doctor immediately.
Women who experience a large amount of discharge following a hysterectomy should consult a doctor immediately.

The risks associated with the surgery are also a con for performing a hysterectomy for fibroids. The surgery requires women to be put under general anesthesia, which has a small chance for complications such as lung infection, heart attack and death. All surgeries also carry the risks of bleeding, infection and blood clots.

Other possible hysterectomy complications are specific to the procedure. One major risk is damage to the ureters, which are the tubes carrying urine from the kidneys to the bladder. Damage to these structures could result in kidney dysfunction. Lower urinary tract injury, including damage to the bladder and urethra, could result in urinary incontinence. Injury to the bowel during the course of the surgery could result in adhesions, which can cause intestinal obstruction after the surgery.

As with any surgical procedure, there are risks and complications that can occur during a hysterectomy.
As with any surgical procedure, there are risks and complications that can occur during a hysterectomy.

Hysterectomies can be performed by a number of different methods, and each type of surgery has some unique characteristics in terms of complications and risks. The most invasive type of hysterectomy is the abdominal hysterectomy, in which the surgeon makes a large cut in the abdomen in order to remove the uterus. Other approaches include laparoscopic and vaginal hysterectomies, which are less invasive techniques. The surgeon might choose a certain type of procedure based on the size of the fibroids and on the other clinical features unique to the patient.

Discussion Comments

literally45

@SarahGen-- This is a personal decision. But if you get a partial hysterectomy surgery, you may be able to maintain fertility. Don't forget that fibroids frequently lead to infertility as well.

donasmrs

@SarahGen-- I had a total hysterectomy because of fibroids and I don't regret it at all. But then again, I didn't want any more children and I would have gone into menopause in about five years anyway. So I didn't feel that I lost anything. On the contrary, I'm free of all those terrible symptoms. I'm healthy and pain free.

If surgical removal of your fibroids is not working, then you should consider a hysterectomy.

SarahGen

I have recurrent fibroids in my uterus and my doctor is recommending a hysterectomy. He says that it will resolve the issue for good. I'm reluctant though because I don't know if I will want more children in the future. Hysterectomy seems like a drastic treatment.

Has anyone here had a hysterectomy for fibroids? Are you happy that you had it done or do you regret it?

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    • A hysterectomy removes the entire uterus along with any fibroids that protrude from it.
      By: blueringmedia
      A hysterectomy removes the entire uterus along with any fibroids that protrude from it.
    • The most invasive type of hysterectomy is the abdominal hysterectomy, in which the surgeon makes a large cut in the abdomen in order to remove the uterus.
      By: Gennadiy Poznyakov
      The most invasive type of hysterectomy is the abdominal hysterectomy, in which the surgeon makes a large cut in the abdomen in order to remove the uterus.
    • Women who experience a large amount of discharge following a hysterectomy should consult a doctor immediately.
      By: Dragos Iliescu
      Women who experience a large amount of discharge following a hysterectomy should consult a doctor immediately.
    • As with any surgical procedure, there are risks and complications that can occur during a hysterectomy.
      By: redcarpett
      As with any surgical procedure, there are risks and complications that can occur during a hysterectomy.
    • A hysterctomy may be performed laparoscopically, allowing for faster recovery than a traditional open procedure.
      By: Cosmic
      A hysterctomy may be performed laparoscopically, allowing for faster recovery than a traditional open procedure.
    • Hormone replacement therapy can be used to balance hormones after a hysterectomy.
      By: Fernando Madeira
      Hormone replacement therapy can be used to balance hormones after a hysterectomy.