Vaginal hysterectomy is less invasive and offers faster recovery compared to the abdominal surgical approaches. Complications are possible, but most are rare, and some are easy to treat. Common complications include heavy bleeding, infection, blood clots, and damage to the nearby organs.

Complications of Vaginal Hysterectomy

Hysterectomy surgery in Thane can be conducted as an open surgery, a laparoscopic procedure, or through the vagina. Vaginal hysterectomy is less invasive and involves faster recovery, as there’s no external cut made. 

This may sound reassuring, but before you decide on a vaginal hysterectomy, it’s important to know that it carries certain risks. Knowing the possible complications can help prepare you for the surgery and recovery. 

Understanding Vaginal Hysterectomy

As the name suggests, vaginal hysterectomy involves carefully detaching the uterus and removing it through your birth canal. In other words, the uterus is disconnected from the blood vessels and the surrounding supportive structures, and is then removed internally. 

Since there are no external cuts, recovery tends to be less painful and often faster than external-incision surgery, but that doesn’t make vaginal hysterectomy risk-free. A gynecologist in Thane works around delicate organs. Before we discuss the complications, know that not everyone is considered an ideal candidate for vaginal hysterectomy.

After Surgery Side-Effects and Complications

Some mild side effects, such as light bleeding, fatigue, and discomfort, are common after vaginal hysterectomy. These are normal. However, it’s important to watch out for the signs of complications, which are rare but possible.

Heavy Bleeding

Some bleeding after uterus removal is not a sign of danger, but if it becomes heavy at any point, contact your medical team immediately. Heavy bleeding, which soaks through the pad in an hour or two, requires changing pads multiple times a day or occurs with blood clots and is not normal. It can indicate complications, such as vaginal cuff tears or hemorrhage.

Infection

Although less likely in vaginal hysterectomy, infections are still possible. It can occur inside your pelvis. Initial symptoms may be subtle, which is why close monitoring and early care are often recommended. 

An infection can cause foul-smelling discharge, fever, redness, and pain. If you notice these symptoms, inform your gynecologist. These are often treatable with antibiotics.

Damage to the Nearby Organs

In rare cases, the organs that sit close to the uterus, such as the bladder, bowel, and ureters, might get injured or irritated during a vaginal hysterectomy. Usually, it doesn’t happen when you work with a reputable and experienced gynecologist who performs the surgery carefully. 

However, if the surrounding organs get irritated, you might notice changes in urination pattern, such as urine leakage, difficulty passing urine, and abdominal pain. See your gynecologist if you notice these symptoms.

Blood Clots

Blood clots can form during your healing period. They occur due to long periods of inactivity, which is why doctors often recommend walking soon after surgery. The internal clots that form in the legs pose a significant health risk, as they can break off and travel to the lungs, causing pulmonary embolism. 

These clots can block blood flow to the lungs, making them life-threatening. The reassuring part is that the risk is low compared to abdominal hysterectomy approaches, but it is still not zero.