Hysterectomy

The operation to remove the uterus, ‘hysterectomy’, is foremost among the operations performed in gynaecology. It is frequently performed because of myomas, bleeding that does not respond to medical treatment, endometriosis and uterine cancer. The hysterectomy operation can be performed with robotic surgery with advantages such as minimal blood loss, rapid recovery, a shorter hospital stay and a quicker return to daily life. Because robotic surgery provides a three-dimensional and closer image, because the robot arms can rotate 540 degrees and because it allows work at more angles than the human hand, fewer complications are observed during the hysterectomy operation.

After the uterus has been freed from its ligaments, it is removed through the vagina and the vaginal vault is closed with sutures. In other words, there are only 0.8 cm small incisions on the patient’s abdomen through which the robot arms entered the abdomen. After this major operation the patient returns to her social life in a shorter time than after a hysterectomy operation performed openly.

The symptoms leading to robotic hysterectomy may vary according to the health problems present in the uterus. For example, during the menopausal period anaemia may develop because of the bleeding that occurs in the uterus during the menstrual cycle. In this case the woman may have symptoms such as fatigue, weakness and shortness of breath. In addition, when cancer is detected in the uterus, there may also be symptoms such as pain, bleeding and weight loss.

After the decision to perform a hysterectomy operation has been taken, the following steps may be followed by your doctor:

• Preoperative evaluation: Before the operation your doctor will carry out a physical examination and ask you all the relevant questions. This evaluation will include assessing your physical condition, your suitability for anaesthesia and the possible risks during the operation.
• Anaesthesia: The hysterectomy operation is usually performed under general anaesthesia. For this reason you will need to meet the anaesthetist (anaesthesia specialist) before the operation. The anaesthetist will explain the anaesthesia options to you and answer all your relevant questions.
• The operation: During the operation your doctor will remove the uterus and close the wound area properly. The duration of the operation may vary according to the size of the uterus and your state of health.
• Recovery process: After the operation your doctor will give you information about the recovery process. This information may cover subjects such as wound care, activity restrictions and the use of medication. In addition, your doctor may set out a regular follow-up programme for you.

It is recommended that you discuss the hysterectomy operation with your doctor in order to determine the most appropriate method for treating your health problems. Your doctor can determine the treatment option that is most suitable for you and, by assessing the possible risks during the operation, can take the necessary precautions. After the operation it is recommended that you follow the follow-up programme set out by your doctor and proceed in a way that is appropriate to the recovery process best suited to you. During this process it is important that you pay attention to subjects such as wound care, activity restrictions and the use of medication. In addition, if you have any question or concern that may arise after the operation, inform your doctor or the healthcare team. In this way the necessary precautions can be taken and the recovery process can be easier and faster.