7 replies to this topic

[#1hit]

I recently learned that my mom (52) scheduled a hysterectomy with her doctor, and was told a few things about it. Right now I am very worried about it, as it is classified as a high-risk surgery, and I just don't want anything bad to come of it. Are hysterectomies entirely necessary? I did some reading online, and found out that American physicians recommend them at a much higher frequency then other countries, and that patients are at an increased risk of a lot of diseases following the operation.

I don't know alot about the operation, so I was hoping that someone here would have more information on the safety of it, how necessary it really is, alternatives, etc. Thank you for any information you can provide.

[Bonee]

what is the diagnosis? why does she need hysterectomy? you need to weight risks against each other, but without information it is impossible.
is her condition benign or malignant? if benign, are there symptoms, how large is the tumor?

Edited by Bonee, 21 December 2011 - 07:12 PM.

[Luminosity]

Many hysterectomies are unnecessary but good luck telling them that. If your mom has uterine prolapse it might be treatable with acupunture and Chinese herbs. There might a a surgical alternative that could put the uterus back in place. No matter what the diagnosis is, there are probably alternatives, but the person has to seek them out.

[#1hit]

what is the diagnosis? why does she need hysterectomy? you need to weight risks against each other, but without information it is impossible.
is her condition benign or malignant? if benign, are there symptoms, how large is the tumor?

Your right, I was derelict in leaving out that important information. She was told to get it because of prolapse of her uterus... the doctor told her that she would probably have to have it done in a couple of years, and she wanted to get it now rather then wait to have to undergo a surgery a couple years older.

[#1hit]

Many hysterectomies are unnecessary but good luck telling them that. If your mom has uterine prolapse it might be treatable with acupunture and Chinese herbs. There might a a surgical alternative that could put the uterus back in place. No matter what the diagnosis is, there are probably alternatives, but the person has to seek them out.

Thank you for the response, its going to be a big trial even convincing her that there are other options. Do you know if there are negative long term effects of having the uterus surgically removed?

[Bonee]

Removing the uterus is no concern as i know (can't have more babies) but they sometimes remove the ovaries too and there are some studies which link unnecessary ovarectomy with health risks.
Shuster, L. T.; Gostout, B. S.; Grossardt, B. R.; Rocca, W. A. (2008). "Prophylactic oophorectomy in premenopausal women and long-term health". Menopause International doi:10.1258/mi.2008.008016

[Luminosity]

Some women become incontinent and suffer other bad effects. It is a major organ. It is a concern. That's like saying they could just lop off a man's testicles and there's no problem.

And they don't say that, do they?

I don't have any more details or research but I'm sure it's out there. It might not be at this site.

[tham]

Risks of hysterectomies.


http://health.nytime...y/overview.html

http://surgery.about...erectomyRis.htm

http://www.hysterect...f-hysterectomy/


http://www.ncbi.nlm....t_uids=22004623

http://www.ncbi.nlm....t_uids=21934442

http://www.ncbi.nlm....t_uids=21902987

http://www.ncbi.nlm....t_uids=21916317