Radical Hysterectomy: Treating Uterine Cancers, Gynecological Malignancies

A radical hysterectomy is generally a response to a dire gynecological condition such as cancer. During a radical hysterectomy the uterus is removed as are the top portion of the vagina, ligaments, supporting tissues and may also include the removal of lymph nodes and sometimes, but not always, the fallopian tubes and the ovaries. This mode of hysterectomy is not employed for less virulent conditions because the recovery time is prolonged, and potential complications and side effects to the surgery can be greater than other hysterectomy procedures.

If a patient is diagnosed with cervical cancer, upper vaginal carcinoma or uterine cancers and other malignancies, the odds are good that she will be advised to undergo a radical hysterectomy. This is especially true if alternative therapies have been attempted with unsatisfactory results. In addition, radical hysterectomy may be advised in the presence of recurring or persistent gynecological cancers. Because radical hysterectomy is a response to a serious potentially wide-spread condition, they are done abdominally. This allows the surgeon to visually inspect the area closely to assess what the extent of the damage is. Further, the abdominal incision gives the physician room to move in case adjoining tissues and ligaments need be removed.

Recovery from a radical hysterectomy is more difficult than other hysterectomy techniques. The average stay in the hospital and consequential convalescence are prolonged. Potential risks include infection, blood clots, excessive bleeding and adverse reaction to the anesthesia. Great care should be taken to minimize exertion and heavy lifting is definitely not advised. If the fallopian tubes and ovaries are removed in the process, a woman may also experience an accelerated menopause. This means that she may need to go on hormone replacement therapy and experience hot flashes and night sweats. A radical hysterectomy can save a life especially when she has cancer of the cervix, uterus and other organs and tissues.

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