If you have been recommended uterus removal and you are considering hysterectomy in Thailand, the surgery should leave you feeling better without putting you out of pocket.
Thailand boasts of some of the finest healthcare facilities in the world and doctors, who now understand their English-speaking patients. Millions of people visit Southeast Asia every year for a number of surgeries.
If you are planning to travel for uterus removal in Thailand, the below information should be useful:
Do I need Hysterectomy?
You may need uterus removal if you have any of the below:
- Uterine fibroids that result in pelvic pain, bleeding, or other complications.
- Uterine prolapse, where the uterus “drops” from its normal position into the vaginal canal due to weakened support muscles.
- Cancer of the womb, cervix, or ovaries.
- Endometriosis where the tissue lining within the uterus grows outside of it.
- Adenomyosis, the thickening of the uterus which causes bleeding.
Hysterectomy can also be done for non-cancerous reasons, although this option is usually explored only after all other treatment approaches have failed.
You must know that the removal of uterus is only the last resort for women when all other options have failed. Hysterectomy is performed only after your gynecologist deems is necessary for your condition.
Methods of Uterus removal surgery:
Hysterectomy surgery is usually approached in two ways:
- Traditional or open surgery, where an incision is made through the vagina or abdomen
- Minimally invasive hysterectomy, wherein laparoscopic instruments are inserted through small incisions made through the abdomen.
Risks and benefits of vaginal hysterectomy
Vaginal hysterectomy has the smallest risk of complications and recovery is usually faster than other methods. It causes least discomfort to the patient, as compared to other methods of surgery.
However, not everyone is a candidate for vaginal hysterectomy, and whether or not you will qualify, can only be determined after a discussion with the doctor.
Risks and benefits of abdominal hysterectomy
Abdominal hysterectomy is performed if the uterus is large or if there are adhesions. Hospital stay is usually longer after abdominal hysterectomy and so is the recovery time.
Since the surgery wound is large, there is also a greater risk of infection, bleeding, blood loss, and tissue damage. Greater care is required during recuperation.
Risks and benefits of laparoscopic hysterectomy
Only 1-1.5 inch incisions are made for laparoscopic surgery, though which instruments are inserted and uterus is removed. The surgery wounds are small so the recovery is quicker and hospital stay is shorter. You will also be able to return to your routine activities sooner as compared to conventional surgery.
However, laparoscopic surgery must be performed only by a highly trained surgeon as the risk of injuries to internal organs is greater.
Kinds of hysterectomy surgery
Total hysterectomy: The most common kind of hysterectomy. Uterus is removed along with the cervix to minimize the risk of you developing cervical cancer at a later date. The ovaries and fallopian tubes are left intact.
Partial hysterectomy, also known as subtotal or supracervical uterus removal – Only the upper portion of the uterus is removed, leaving the cervix in place.
Radical hysterectomy – Uterus, cervix, as well the upper part of the vagina and the surrounding tissue is removed. It is often recommended in cases of cervical cancer.
During hysterectomy surgery, the surgeon may opt to take out one or both ovaries together with one or both fallopian tubes in a procedure known as a salpingo-oophorectomy. This is done to reduce the risk of the patient developing ovarian and breast cancer, especially in women with BRCA gene mutations and results in what is commonly referred to as surgical menopause.
Uterus removal steps
- Sterilization: The hysterectomy procedure begins when a urinary catheter is inserted through your urethra to void the bladder. The catheter remains attached for the duration of the surgery and temporarily afterwards. Before surgery begins your abdomen and vagina must be sterilized.
- Anesthesia: Hysterectomy is usually performed under general anesthesia, which means you will be asleep during the surgery and will not feel anything.
- Removal of uterus: Based on the method of surgery decided, the surgeon and his team will perform your uterus removal and you will wake up in a few hours time.
- Recovery: Once the surgery is complete, you will have bandages on the area and probably a drainage tube. You will recover in the hospital for few days and then be allowed to stay at a hotel before flying back.
Is it safe?
Hysterectomy is the most common surgical procedure performed worldwide in gynecology, with approximately 600,000 patients undergoing the procedure annually in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). It is generally a safe operation.
As far as Thailand is concerned, the country has many hospitals accredited by the JCI, where we have received only good reviews from patients.
Get in touch via the form on the right to know more about hysterectomy in Thailand.
Pregnancy after hysterectomy
A woman’s uterus is where the baby grows, so once you have undergone hysterectomy, you will not be able to get pregnant again. Your only option would be to hire a surrogate to have a child.
If your health necessitates the removal of uterus at a younger age, the doctor may recommend egg freezing before hysterectomy.
Cost of Hysterectomy Thailand
The cost of your hysterectomy in Thailand can range between $ 3,585 and $7,700 depending on the type of procedure, consultation fees and the hospital you choose.
Risks
A hysterectomy is usually very safe with a death rate of less than 1 percent and a 30 percent risk of developing complications, according to the National Women’s Health Network. Some of the complications you may experience especially from an abdominal hysterectomy include:
- Infection
- Excessive bleeding
- Blood clots
- Negative reaction to anesthesia
- Urinary incontinence
- Vaginal prolapse, where part of the vagina comes out of the body.
- Fistula formation between the vagina and bladder.
- Premature onset of menopause even in situations where the ovaries aren’t removed.
Apart from these risks, you may also become predisposed to cardiovascular diseases and complications with your metabolism especially if you have the operation before the age 35, according to research by the University of Warwick .
It is therefore prudent to consult your doctor about the various treatment options that are available including non-surgical interventions.
Recovery after Hysterectomy in Thailand
Following surgery, you will remain in the recovery room for a few hours to enable the surgical team to:
- Monitor you for any signs of pain
- Administer painkillers and antibiotics to prevent infection
- Assist you to get up and walk around soon after surgery
You may also have bandages placed on the incision sites after surgery, as well as an IV drip in your arm and a catheter for draining urine from your bladder. A drainage tube may be inserted in your stomach to remove any blood from your wound if you have had an abdominal hysterectomy.
Patients who have undergone a vaginal hysterectomy have gauze pack placed in their vagina for 24 hours to minimize bleeding.
It takes about six weeks for you to resume normal activities after undergoing an abdominal hysterectomy. During this time your doctor will advise you to observe the following:
- Get enough rest.
- Avoid lifting anything heavy for at least six full weeks after surgery.
- Stay active after your operation, but avoid strenuous physical activity including sex.
Number of Days in Thailand after Hysterectomy
After your hysterectomy surgery, it will take you two-three days in hospital before getting discharged, barring any complications.
You should plan atleast 2-3 weeks for hysterectomy in Thailand, although if your recovery is good you should be able to return sooner.
It depends upon your surgery method and recovery. We urge the patients to plan enough time for their hysterectomy in Thailand and get the doctor’s consent before flying back home after the surgery.