The surgical removal of the uterus (womb) is called a hysterectomy. In a subtotal hysterectomy, only the uterus is removed, leaving the cervix in place. In a total hysterectomy the uterus and cervix are completely removed, and in some cases the ovaries and fallopian tubes are also removed. However, depending on the reason for the procedure and the type of hysterectomy performed, each come with risks of hysterectomy complications. Abnormal vaginal bleeding may happen. And in all cases, menstruation stops and women lose the ability to bear children. Now let's get more detailed information.

Hysterectomy Complications

Hysterectomy is a relatively safe operation, but like all major surgery it carries risks for internal bleeding, damage to other organs such as the bladder and post-surgery infection. Other hysterectomy complications may include;

1. Bowel Blockage

Intestinal blockage can occur after surgery, and affected women can experience temporary constipation, leading to bloating and abdominal cramping in certain women. This is often mitigated by laxatives or stool softeners. Fortunately, when the body begins to heal after surgery, bowel blockage typically resolves without any further medical intervention.

2. Urinary Tract Injury

Occasionally, a surgeon may accidentally damage a woman's urinary tract during a hysterectomy. Typically, these injuries are detected during surgery and are repaired promptly. Additionally, certain women may experience urinary retention after surgery, making it difficult to pass urine normally, and those women affected may have to have a catheter inserted into their bladder to temporarily help drain urine from the body.

3. Infection

Hysterectomy complications such as infection can occur in certain women after surgery. Symptoms can include increased pain with fever, or urgent and frequent urination. If the fever exceeds 100 °F, it can trigger additional symptoms, such as sweating, chills, flushing and headache. A woman who develops the symptoms of infection after a surgery should seek immediate medical attention.

4. Blood Clots and Bleeding

Some women who develop blood clot or bleeding complications might require additional surgery. Women are at an increased risk of developing blood clots within the lung or leg up to six weeks after surgery. Furthermore, the use of hormonal birth control during the month prior to surgery can increase this risk. To stay in the safe side, women using hormonal birth control should talk with the surgeon before accepting any surgery.

5. Early Menopause

Early menopause occurs when a woman has her ovaries surgically removed in a hysterectomy. Even so, affected women often experience more severe menopausal symptoms than before. In most cases, removal of the ovaries is usually performed because of cancer, including cervical and ovarian cancer. Occasionally, it's done to treat noncancerous conditions, such as infections, endometriosis or uterine fibroids.

6. Weakness of the Pelvic Muscles

A weakness of ligaments and muscles that support the bladder, vagina and rectum may happen. As it relates to the uterus, treatment depends on how weak the supporting structures have become. Additional surgery may be needed to correct it; Kegel exercises can also help strengthen these muscles and ligaments.

7. Problems with the Vagina

If you have had a hysterectomy on the upper part of the vaginal, one of the possible hysterectomy complications you might experience is pelvic organ prolapse, meaning organs may fall out of their normal positions.

8. Thrombosis

Thrombosis means blood clots halt the circulation in veins. A blood thinner may be administered to prevent thrombosis. You may also be encouraged to stand up and begin moving after surgery as soon as possible to prevent clotting.

9. Other Hysterectomy Complications

• If uterus is removed and ovaries remain, the blood flow to ovaries will be affected. Then failure of the ovary may happen in 5 years and you still have to have them removed.
• Scar tissues (adhesions) might form in the pelvic area.
• Complications related to general anaesthesia is rare, but some women may be allergic to the anaesthesia. As remote a chance as it is, the reaction might lead to nerve damage or even death.
• Rare but damage to the ureter may happen, which is typically detected during surgery and is promptly repaired.