Contents:
- Medical Video: Robotic Hysterectomy for Endometrial Cancer
- What is hysterectomy?
- Why does vaginal hysterectomy need laparoscopy?
- What complications might arise from hysterectomy?
Medical Video: Robotic Hysterectomy for Endometrial Cancer
Surgery is usually the main treatment for endometrial cancer. One option for surgery for endometrial cancer ishysterectomy, which is often done togethersalpingo-oophorectomyand lymph node removal. Following are the details of the discussion.
What is hysterectomy?
Hysterectomy is a surgical method to remove the uterus and cervix. Removal of the entire uterus through an abdominal incision is called simple abdominal hysterectomy or total. If the uterus is removed through the vagina, this procedure is referred to as vaginal hysterectomy. Appointment of the ovary and fallopian tubes, calledbilateral salpingo — oophorectomy (BSO), actually not part of hysterectomy; BSO is a separate procedure that is often performed during major surgery.
For endometrial cancer, removal of a separate uterus with the ovary is rarely recommended, but can be considered in women who experience premenopause. To determine the stage of the cancer, lymph nodes in the pelvis and around the aorta will also be removed. This can be done through the same incision as the abdominal hysterectomy. If the hysterectomy is vaginal, the lymph nodes can be removed laparoscopically.
When endometrial cancer has spread to the cervix or around the cervix (parametrium), radical hysterectomy do. In this operation, the entire uterus, the tissue next to the uterus (parametrium and uterosacral ligaments), and the upper part of the vagina (next to the cervix) are all cut. Both the fallopian and ovarian tubes are both removed at the same time. This operation is most often done through an incision in the abdomen, but can also be done through the vagina.
Why does vaginal hysterectomy need laparoscopy?
When vaginal hysterectomy is performed, laparoscopy used to safely remove necessary organs and tissues. Laparoscopy is a technique that allows the surgeon to see the inside of the stomach and pelvis through a tube that is inserted into a very small incision. Small surgical instruments can be controlled through the hose, so that the surgeon can operate without a large incision in the abdomen. This can shorten the time needed to recover from surgery. Total hysterectomy and radical hysterectomy can also be done through an abdominal incision using laparoscopy.
Surgery for endometrial cancer using laparoscopy looks as good as a more traditional open procedure if performed by a surgeon who has extensive experience in laparoscopic cancer surgery. DaVinci Robot® increasingly used for laparoscopic procedures, but the long-term results are unknown.
For each of these procedures, general anesthesia will be used so that the patient sleeps or is sedated during surgery.
What complications might arise from hysterectomy?
Removal of the uterus, fallopian tubes, and ovaries reduces the risk of spreading or recurrence of endometrial cancer.Most women do not experience complications after a hysterectomy, but complications that can occur include:
- Fever. Mild fever is common after any surgery
- Difficulty urinating
- Urinary incontinence
- Continuous heavy bleeding. Vaginal bleeding is reported within 4 to 6 weeks after hysterectomy. But consult a doctor if bleeding becomes severe.
- Formation of scar tissue (adhesion)
Rare complications include:
- Infection
- Blood clots in the legs (thrombophlebitis) or lungs (pulmonary embolism)
- Other organ damage, for example, bladder or intestine
- Collection of blood at the site of surgery (hematoma)
It is natural to experience emotional turmoil when going through a hysterectomy. This is often based on beliefs about the importance of the womb, fear of your health or personal relationships, and concerns about the enjoyment of sexual activity after surgery.
