Many of you are familiar with the terms hysterectomy and hysteroscopy in your life span. These terms play a key role in the field of gynecology. Both terms look similar, but they are different from each other in terms of treatment. So in this blog, we will discuss all the information regarding hysterectomy vs hysteroscopy, including key differences, causes, symptoms, alternatives available, procedure, and cost.
What is a Hysterectomy?
Hysterectomy is a medical technique that is used to remove reproductive organs that are causing issues in the body. This process may remove some parts of the uterus. It is also used to treat certain types of cancers, like ovarian and uterine cancer, and mainly focuses on the problems that affect the uterus.
Causes
Here are some causes of hysterectomy:
- Uterine Fibroids: In this case, non-cancerous tumors are formed inside the uterus.
- Endometriosis: It is a problem where tissue grows outside the uterus.
- Dropped Uterus: It is a condition where the uterus slips down towards the veginal canal.
- Uterine Bleeding: Abnormal bleeding from vaginal walls can create problems in the long run.
- Uterine Cancer: In this case, removal of the uterus is the best option.
- Ovarian Cancer: During ovarian cancer, there is a high chance of removing the ovaries along with the uterus.
Symptoms
Here are some symptoms of a hysterectomy:
- Pain: Patients feel pain in the abdominal area after hysterectomy treatment.
- Menstruation Cycle: The menstruation cycle stops permanently.
- Bleeding: A little bleeding is normal after treatment.
- Infertility: Patient does not get pregnant after this treatment.
- Bladder Issues: These types of issues create problems during urination and bowel movement.
- Sexual Experience: The patient may feel a change in sexual experience due to vaginal dryness and pain during sex.
- Risk of certain conditions: Removing some part of the body may lead to the risk of heart disease.
- Torn Internal Stitches: Symptoms of torn internal stitches after a hysterectomy can be seen in the long run.
Alternatives
Here are some alternatives to hysterectomy:
- Medications: Medication helps in reducing heavy bleeding and pain.
- Myomectomy: Myomectomy treatment is used to treat or remove uterine fibroids while protecting the uterus.
- Hormonal IUD: It is also an alternative option to hysterectomy that helps in reducing bleeding and pain.
- Uterine Artery Embolization: This procedure is used to block the blood supply to fibroids, which results in reduced heavy bleeding during menstruation. Uterine artery embolization treatment is the best alternative to hysterectomy.
What is a Hysteroscopy?
Hysteroscopy is a procedure used by doctors to check for any problems inside the patient’s uterus. In this procedure, a hysteroscope is inserted inside the vegina, checking the uterus or the causes of abnormal bleeding. This can be used to remove polyps and fibroids.
Causes
Here are some causes of hysteroscopy:
- Abnormal Uterine Bleeding: It is used to check the uterine lining and fallopian tubes so that the problem can be solved.
- Uterine Abnormalities: Doctors use this method to check the presence of cysts, fibroids, and polyps in the uterus.
- Procure a Sample: This procedure is used for getting a sample.
- IUDs Movement: It is used to check & correct the movement of implanted IUDs.
- Infertility: Hysteroscopy is used to check for the cause of infertility in the patient.
- Post Menopausal Bleeding: It is used to check the reproductive tract in case of post menopausal bleeding in a patient.
Symptoms
Here are some symptoms of hysteroscopy:
- Spotting: After a few days of the procedure, light vaginal bleeding can occur, and it is a common symptom of hysteroscopy.
- Cramping: Cramping is normal after the procedure.
- Runny Discharge: This watery discharge can be the result of fluid used during the procedure for expanding the uterus.
- Abdominal Pain: Abdominal pain can be felt after a hysteroscopy treatment, which is not common, and the patient can consult their doctor.
- Fever: Fever can be a sign of infection in the uterus.
- Gas: Pain due to gas can be felt after this procedure.
- Vaginal Discharge: Unusual vaginal discharge can be seen after this procedure.
Alternatives
Here are alternatives to hysteroscopy:
- Vaginoscopy: It is the best alternative because it works the same as hysteroscopy and is mainly performed in young or unmarried women.
- Endometrial Sampling: It is also known as an endometrial biopsy treatment, it is works as an alternative and helps in diagnosing abnormal uterine bleeding.
- Hormonal treatment: This is another alternative, which is used to reduce abnormal uterine bleeding.
Types: Hysterectomy vs Hysteroscopy
Here are some different types of hysterectomy vs hysteroscopy:
Type of Hysterectomy
- Abdominal: It is a technique in which the uterus is removed from the abdomen because of disease in the fallopian tubes or due to cancer.
- Vaginal: Vaginal hysterectomy treatment is a technique in which the uterus is removed. It is safe because the chances of problems are minimal.
- Laparoscopic Hysterectomy: Laparoscopic hysterectomy treatment is a semi-surgical method used for removing the uterus from the lower abdomen.
- Robotic Hysterectomy: Robotic hysterectomy treatment is a technique used to remove the uterus with the help of robotics. This is a new and advanced technique in healthcare.
- Supracervical: The top part of the uterus is removed, leaving the cervix.
- Total: The Uterus is removed in this procedure.
- Radical: This technique is used for cancer patients in which the uterus, cervix, and surrounding tissue of the uterus are removed.
Type of Hysteroscopy
- Diagnostic: This procedure is used to check the abnormalities in the uterus without surgery.
- Operational: This procedure is surgical and performed to diagnose the problems of the uterus.
Surgical Procedure: Hysterectomy vs Hysteroscopy
Here are the steps of the surgery procedure for hysterectomy and hysteroscopy:
Surgical Procedure for Hysterectomy
- Preparation: In this step, the doctors give anesthesia to patients to less discomfort.
- Accessing the Uterus: According to the type of treatment, they access the uterus.
- Organising & Examination: Then the doctors organise and examine the uterus and cut it from the surrounding tissue so that it can be removed.
- Uterus Removal: In this step uterus is removed from the abdomen.
- Closure: Then doctors close the insertion area.
- Postoperative Care: Then, in the last step, patients receive some care in the hospital only.
Surgical Procedure for Hysteroscopy
- Preparation: Doctors consult with the patients about their disease condition.
- Speculum Insertion: A seeing glass is inserted into the vagina to check the cervix.
- Cervical Dilation: The dilation process is done to make passage for the hysteroscope.
- Hysteroscope Insertion: Then the hysteroscope is inserted into the uterus.
- Cavity Assessment: Then a solution is used to expand the uterus cavity so that doctors can easily assess the abnormalities in the uterus.
- Examination: Then the doctors examine the uterus for any abnormalities.
- Surgical Intervention: If any abnormality is found, then a surgical instrument is passed through a hysteroscope to solve the problem.
Advice for Husbands after Hysterectomy and Hysteroscopy Treatment
Here is some advice for husbands after surgery:
Advice after Hysterectomy
- Be Patient & Empathetic: Husband should be patient during her recovery phase and think the way her partner is feeling during recovery, and do not rush for intimacy, respect her decisions.
- Encourage Open Communication: Create a safe space for communication so that she can share her feelings and problems with you, be a good listener, and discuss intimacy openly with her so that you get to know about her needs.
- Seek Professional Guidance: Husbands can consult with their doctors and take professional advice regarding the recovery phase.
Advice after Hysteroscopy
- Provide Practical Support: Take over household tasks so that she can take some rest. Take care of her medication and nutrition intake during recovery. Create a comfortable environment for her so that she feels good and relaxed.
- Gain Knowledge: Get knowledge of hysteroscopy and its recovery options. Be aware of potential emotional side effects so that you can help her during mood swings. Know about the signs of infection and complications.
Recovery: Hysterectomy vs Hysteroscopy
Here are some fast recovery options are as follows for both:
Fast Recovery from a Hysterectomy
- Walk: After surgery, you should take a small walk so that the chances of blood clotting are reduced.
- Eat & Drink: Eat & drink a nutritional diet, which can help you recover faster.
- Take Off from Office: Avoid going to the office for some weeks so that your body can take some rest in between.
- Get Up & Moving: Avoid lying in the bad all the time, be active and move your body daily.
- Heat Pack: It can help you relax and reduce some pain during recovery.
- Take Recovery Easy: Do not rush for faster recovery, as it can make the situation worse. Take it easy and precisely.
Fast Recovery from a Hysteroscopy
- Speech Therapy: It is best to have therapies that can help you during your this phase.
- Nutritional Diet: It is an important part of the healing process, which can boost your immunity and strengthen your body.
- Physical Activities: Daily physical activities help in reducing blood clotting and making recovery faster.
- Resume Activities Gradually: Do not rush over daily activities; increase the level gradually over time.
- Have someone with you: Be with someone in the early recovery phase so that they can help you in your recovery process.
- Medication: Take your pain medication on time without skipping.
What is the Cost of a Hysterectomy and Hysteroscopy in India?
Here is the cost comparison of hysterectomy vs hysteroscopy:
Cost of Hysterectomy in India
- Cost: The cost of a hysterectomy in India can range from 48799 INR to 1,69,898 INR.
- Factors Affecting Cost: Factors that can affect the cost of treatment are the type of hospital, the location of the hospital, and the type of procedure.
Cost of Hysteroscopy in India
- Cost: The cost of this procedure in India starts from 8,989 INR and can go up to 79,989 INR.
- Factors Affecting Cost: Factors that can affect the cost are the type of hospital, the type of procedure, the location, and the doctor’s fees.
Conclusion
Hysterectomy vs hysteroscopy, both procedures are used for checking the abnormalities in the uterus; one is surgical, while the other is non-surgical. Both treat the problem accurately with precision. In this blog, we give you all the details regarding hysterectomy vs hysteroscopy, including their types, procedure, and cost.