Psycho-social problems of women who had undergone hysterectomy
Psycho-social problems of women who had undergone hysterectomy
Psycho-social problems of women who had undergone hysterectomy
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cancer in her lifetime and between 4% and 14% <strong>of</strong> these <strong>women</strong> will have <strong>had</strong>antecedental hysterectomies in which ovaries were retained (Sightler SE, BoikeGM, Estape RE, Averette HE).Hysterectomy is the commonest gynecological surgery performed. Decision toremove the ovaries or not depends on the age <strong>of</strong> patient, menopause, and high riskfactors and on patient’s decision. A proper counseling plays a very important rolein deciding knowing the implication. Removal <strong>of</strong> one ovary does not protect ordecrease the incidence <strong>of</strong> ovarian cancer. If ovarian pathology is found at<strong>hysterectomy</strong> after 40 years <strong>of</strong> age bilateral oopherectomy is indicated.Prophylactic oopherectomy should be considered for <strong>women</strong> <strong>who</strong> are at risk <strong>of</strong>inherited ovarian cancer. HRT should be avoided to these <strong>women</strong> to avoidincreased risks <strong>of</strong> osteoporosis and cardiovascular <strong>problems</strong>. (Rani Reddy, KKSReddy; oopherectomy at <strong>hysterectomy</strong>; journal; dept <strong>of</strong> radiotherapy, Jawaharlalinstitute <strong>of</strong> postgraduate medical education and research, pondicherry)Why Would a Woman Resist Hysterectomy?In the United States 550,000 hysterectomies are performed each year. In the vastmajority <strong>of</strong> these cases the indications for surgery are benign, non life-threateningconditions. Only 10% <strong>of</strong> hysterectomies are performed for cancer.The common rationale for advising <strong>hysterectomy</strong> and oophorectomy (removal <strong>of</strong>the uterus and the ovaries) is as follows: the role <strong>of</strong> the uterus is that <strong>of</strong> an"incubator," to carry babies into this world. Once the incubator role is over, be itbecause <strong>of</strong> a woman's age or her lack <strong>of</strong> desire for more children, the uterus is anuisance. The uterus may bleed, cause pain, prolapse, and/or develop cancer. Atthis point, <strong>hysterectomy</strong> is an advantage to a woman's well being and longevity.Regarding the ovaries, it is commonly felt that after age 40 ovarian function(hormone production) is approaching its end, and since the ovaries can developcancer it is only logical to remove the ovaries as well during <strong>hysterectomy</strong>. The
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