RADICAL HYSTERECTOMY
A Radical Hysterectomy is an operation performed to treat cancer affecting the uterine cervix and some cases of uterine body. When cancer of the cervix spreads, it is usually spreads into nearby tissues.In radical hysterectomy more tissue is removed compared to standard hysterectomy. This surgery is designed to treat the malignant tumor in the cervix, and the adjacent areas into which the tumor may have spread.The uterus and cervix, nearby supporting tissues, the top part of the vagina, and pelvic lymph nodes are removed in radical hysterectomy. The ovaries may or may not be removed.
assessment
When you are referred to Dr. Mathews' Clinic, your care is coordinated by a team of doctors. They are all specialists in managing diffirent aspects of your cancer.Your doctor will do the following:
- Review your medical history
- Do a physical examination.
- Review your laboratory results,
- Review relevant past medical records.
- Have a chest X-ray and CT scan/ MRI scan to determine if the cancer has spread to other organs.
- Discuss the findings and alternative methods of treatment with you.
Surgical Risk
- Risks of bleeding,
- Infection and
- Unusual anaesthetic reactions.
- May require blood transfusions during or after radical hysterectomy.
- Damage to the organs next to the surgical site - bowel, bladder, ureters or to the large blood vessels and nerves.
- Blood clot formation, nerve damage, prolonged leg swelling and damage to the urinary tract, with resultant urine drainage through the vagina, may occur, but are rare.
Surgery And The Post-Operative Period
A radical hysterectomy usually takes about 3 hours, followed by 2 or 3 hours for recovery from the anaesthetic. Patients after radical hysterectomy are routinely transferred to the intensive care ward or post-operative area for the first one or two days for close monitoring.
As you awaken, you will become aware of the nurse checking your condition frequently. Your blood pressure, pulse, and temperature will be monitored, and you will have an intravenous (IV) line until you are able to drink and eat normally.
One or two tubes may be placed on either side of the incision to drain excess fluid from the surgical site. These will be attached to suction bottles. You may also have a catheter in your bladder to drain urine. Do not be alarmed if you have a nasal tube or are receiving oxygen or a blood transfusion upon awakening. These therapies are common following major surgery. Antibiotics are generally given before and sometimes following surgery to prevent post-operative infection.