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hysterectomy
An oppressive pain, a tearing or stinging in the abdomen, back pain, excessive bleeding or frequent urinary frequency : millions of women suffer from such severe symptoms. Especially back pain in connection with problems in the lower abdomen indicate that the uterus is the cause. If no desire for a child plays a role, gynecologists in Germany very often advise to have the uterus removed. Is she then a superfluous organ? No. Experts recommend affected women: Think carefully about hysterectomy .
Every year, 133, 000 women have their womb removed
Every sixth German woman with abdominal discomfort between the ages of 18 and 79 has her uterus removed every year - that's around 133, 000 women, according to a report by the Robert Koch Institute (RKI) in Berlin. And nearly half of the women undergoing surgery were only between 40 and 49 years old.
Stressful intervention despite advanced methods: The so-called hysterectomy is a major operation. You should know about the consequences. The result is a hole in the pelvic floor, which the doctors have to close again. Wound healing disorders, inflammation, bladder and bowel injuries are possible, though rare. Removal may also be emotionally debilitating and sexual sensation impaired.
Sometimes unavoidable: Malignant changes to the uterus, cervix or ovaries sometimes make a hysterectomy necessary. In order to prevent the cancer from proliferating or spreading into the body, it is best surgically removed. But the share of these unavoidable operations is just six percent, so the statistics of the RKI.
The alternatives to hysterectomy
A way out is possible. Most cases lead to heavy menstrual bleeding, a uterine depression or - by far the most common - fibroids to the question: uterine removal - yes or no? These are then "voting interventions". That means there are alternatives. It is easy to sheath fibroids, destroy them by turning off their blood supply (embolization) or bombarding them with ultrasound. Even with many small fibroids and if they continue to grow, there is the possibility to leave the cervix.
Right to a second opinion
Experts advise: If in doubt, you should seek a second medical opinion. This works well with planned interventions, so if there is still time until surgery. This is usually the case with uterine removal. Every legally or privately insured patient has the right to seek out another doctor if there is any doubt about the planned therapy, so that he too can assess the matter.
This helps to better assess the opportunities and risks. Patients have the right to view all their medical records (eg findings, x-rays) and to take them as a copy for a fee. The family doctor, many health insurance companies and the regional medical associations help in the search for a second specialist.
