Hysterectomy Melbourne

Dr Hugo Fernandes

Compassionate care from an experienced professional to guide you through the hysterectomy process.

03 95162895

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Understanding Hysterectomy

For many women, the term ‘hysterectomy’ can be daunting to hear. While this is certainly a major surgery with life-long implications, it is important to remember that hysterectomies are incredibly common. By understanding the surgery, how it works, and what to expect, you can get a clearer idea of how this operation may be able to improve your own health concerns. In some cases, a diagnostic procedure like a hysteroscopy may be performed before a hysterectomy to examine the uterus. To explain the surgery simply, a hysterectomy is performed to remove a woman’s uterus, also known as the womb. Doing so can help to treat a range of different women’s health issues, including some forms of cancer, endometriosis, and when needed, an ovarian cystectomy to remove ovarian cysts. The uterus is where a baby will grow when a woman is pregnant. Therefore, after the whole uterus is removed during the hysterectomy, you will no longer have menstrual periods and will be unable to get periods. During the procedure, your doctor may also remove your ovaries and fallopian tubes.

Types of Hysterectomy

No two patients are the same. Various personal factors will go into deciding the right type of hysterectomy, as there are several different methods to perform a hysterectomy. The condition you’re looking to combat with the procedure and the specifics of your symptoms will respond differently to the different surgery types. The types of hysterectomy surgery include:

Laparoscopic

A laparoscopic hysterectomy is a keyhole surgery, performed using a thin tube with a camera (a laparoscope) that is inserted through small cuts in your abdomen.

Vaginal

Rather than using cuts to gain access to the uterus, vaginal hysterectomy surgeries will be performed through the vagina.

Abdominal

Performed via a cut in your lower abdomen, Abdominal hysterectomy surgeries can require a slightly longer recovery period.

Dr Hugo will be able to discuss your preferences and health in further depth to advise which type of hysterectomy is right for you.

Candidates for Hysterectomy

There are a range of health problems or conditions that could qualify you for a hysterectomy. In order to undergo this procedure, you will need a referral from a doctor to see a gynaecologist who will be able to start the process. Factors such as your age, health history, and the specifics of your condition will affect whether hysterectomy surgery is appropriate. A hysterectomy may be recommended if you have any of the following:

Unusual or heavy vaginal bleeding
Uterine fibroids
Endometriosis
Adenomyosis
Cancer of the uterus, cervix, ovary, or uterine lining
Uterine prolapse
Severe chronic pelvic pain

Risks Associated With Hysterectomy Surgery

Every year, tens of thousands of women will undergo a hysterectomy. This procedure is extremely common and safe, but any major surgery is going to come with risks. Understanding the complications that could be involved with your surgery is essential for your long-term health and well-being, which is why open discussion with your doctor is key. Dr Hugo will be able to talk you through all the specific risks that could affect you and how to prevent them going forward. Here are some of the risks associated with having a hysterectomy:

Infection
Blood clots
Blood loss
Damage to other abdominal organs such as the bowel or bladder
Poor reaction to anaesthesia during surgery

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20 Years Experience

For over twenty years now, Dr Hugo has been gaining invaluable experience in this industry. By bringing your health into his hands, you can trust in the expertise on your side.

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Compassionate Care

Dr Hugo is committed to not only delivering the highest quality of healthcare services possible but also to creating a warm and safe environment. Your treatment solutions will be tailored to your needs, and provided with utmost patience, compassion, and care.

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Women’s Health Advocate

Through his years working in this field, Dr Hugo has stood as a vocal advocate for women’s health. By providing essential services to support women, Dr Hugo has strived to listen to patients and offer the dedicated care they deserve.

Your Hysterectomy Questions Answered

Is a hysterectomy a major or minor surgery?

No matter the specific type of hysterectomy operation you’re undergoing, it will be classified as a major surgical procedure.

What is the hysterectomy recovery time?

Hysterectomy recovery time will change depending on the type of operation you have been through and your health before the operation. For a vaginal or laparoscopic hysterectomy, recovery will take three to four weeks. For an abdominal hysterectomy, however, recovery may take five to six weeks. It is important to follow your doctor’s advice during this time, rest well, drink lots of fluids, and follow the exercises given to you at the hospital.

Is a hysterectomy painful?

A hysterectomy is major surgery, and the recovery process can involve varying levels of discomfort. For the removal procedure itself, however, you will likely be under general anaesthetic and won’t feel a thing. The only associated pain will come during your proceeding weeks of recovery.

How long do I need to stay in the hospital after a hysterectomy?

While the recovery period will take some time, you won’t need to spend weeks in the hospital after your hysterectomy. In most cases, women stay just one to two days in the hospital after their procedure.

Will my ovaries be removed during a hysterectomy?

Some women will have their ovaries removed during the hysterectomy, though others will not. Whether you have your ovaries removed will depend on the reason for your hysterectomy. If the option is available, your doctor will discuss all the risks and benefits so that you can make an informed decision.

What are the hysterectomy side effects?

After that initial recovery period finishes, you can expect to still experience some ongoing side effects. Any pain or bleeding you may have been experiencing that led to your hysterectomy being necessary will hopefully be alleviated. Other changes you may experience include entering menopause, feeling changes in sexual desire or interest, a sense of grief or loss over fertility, and a higher risk for other health problems such as heart disease. Your doctor will be able to walk you through how to prevent further problems and everything you can expect down the track.

Book an Appointment With Dr Hugo for Personalised Advice

Procedures like this can be intimidating – but you don’t have to take on this journey alone. By working with Fertility Specialist Dr Hugo, you can walk through this process in a relaxed and understanding environment, with a compassionate expert there to answer your questions and ease your concerns at every step of the way. To discuss our hysterectomy procedures or your specific health concerns, we’re only one phone call away. Call now to chat with a friendly team member, or go ahead and book your appointment today.

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03 95162895