All women have the right to maintain their gynaecological health. However, certain gynaecological issues such as fibroids, heavy bleeding, endometriosis or adenomyosis, pre-cancer or cancer in the uterus and prolapse conditions need immediate medical attention and solutions, including surgery.
If gynaecologists cannot manage the bleeding, reduce the blood supply to the uterus or treat fibroids, endometriosis, pre-cancer, or cancer in the uterus through medication, then the surgical approach to remove the uterus is the viable alternative.
Most gynaecologists recommend a total laparoscopic hysterectomy, a minimally invasive surgical procedure to remove the uterus. This surgery involves tiny incisions and fewer cuts of the tissue as compared to the traditional open surgical procedure.
The gynaecologist uses a laparoscope to view the surgical site and remove the uterus. Total hysterectomy is less risky, with minimal blood loss and speedy recovery. Post hysterectomy, the patient will not have her menstrual cycles and pain. They will not need birth control pills or get pregnant or require annual pap smear examinations.
Dr Shweta Shah, one of Mumbai’s leading gynaecologists, recommends total laparoscopic hysterectomy to her patients who need to remove the uterus and cervix. She states, The advantage of preferring a total laparoscopic hysterectomy is that the woman can return to her routine activities as soon as possible. She can resume her routine exercise schedule, which helps her get in shape even after the removal of uterus and ovaries.
Further she adds, ‘Total laparoscopic hysterectomy has proved to be a boon to women who are already suffering a lot of pain, excessive bleeding and discomfort for quite a long time. Moreover, this procedure is relatively safe, with minimal blood loss and post-surgical pain. Also, the healing period is comparatively less than traditional open surgery.’
However, most patients are apprehensive about this procedure as it leads to weight gain or reduces sexual desire. But Dr Shweta Shah debunks these myths. After a hysterectomy, a woman’s sex life improves as she does not experience bleeding, pain, and cramps in the pelvic area anymore. The vagina is left untouched, and she can experience pleasure through its front nerve endings like earlier.
Regarding weight gain after a hysterectomy occurs as the patient recuperates from a major surgery which extends up to six weeks. During recovery, the patient has to avoid strenuous activities and major physical exercises while normal movement is permitted. In addition, if the patient’s ovaries are also removed during the procedure, the patient is likely to put on a couple of pounds as she enters menopause.
Therefore, she recommends low-impact exercises such as yoga, tai-chi, water aerobics, walking etc., to regain stamina and reduce weight after seeking permission from the gynaecologist.
About Dr Shweta Shah
Dr Shweta Shah is an accomplished and hands-on gynaecologist and obstetrician in Malad, Mumbai. She has nearly ten years of experience in successfully treating complex gynaecological issues. Apart from treating her patients, she guides them on maintaining optimum health and being active. She is an expert in handling high-risk pregnancies, ectopic pregnancy, fertility treatment, and IVF to total laparoscopic hysterectomy, myomectomy, cystectomy, endometriosis, PCOD, and urinary incontinence.
Patients can approach Dr Shweta Shah at Cloud Nine Hospital, Siddhachal arcade, CTS NO 1084 C and 11864 A, Link Road, Malad West, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400064 or email her at [email protected] or call up +91-7977126520 , 9769888955 for appointments.
