A hysterotomy is a surgical technique that includes making an incision in the uterus to remove the contents of the uterus. It can be done for a variety of reasons, such as caesarian section, foetal surgery, delayed abortion, and a variety of healthcare expert treatments. It differs from hysterectomy, which refers to the removal of the uterus (also known as the womb) with or without the removal of the remaining organs of the female genital tract. A hysterotomy, on the other hand, can be performed as part of a hysterectomy.
Unlike hysterectomy, which allows the surgeon to make an incision in either the abdomen or the vagina to access the uterus, hysterotomy is only performed through the abdomen. In general, the incision is smaller than that used in a hysterectomy. Both procedures can be carried out while under general anaesthesia.
A hysterotomy is a popular procedure for open foetal surgery. If the uterus needs to be operated on during pregnancy or if a woman decides to terminate the pregnancy after the first trimester, this is the procedure of choice. If a delayed abortion is desired, the procedure is carried out in the same manner as a caesarian section.
Who Should Go Through It and What the Expected Outcomes?
A hysterotomy, sometimes known as a uterotomy, is an incision in the uterus. This sort of incision is commonly utilized in a variety of medical operations, including foetal surgery, caesarian section, and delayed abortion (abortion performed beyond the first trimester). It can also be used to treat bleeding in the second trimester and failed inductions after previous uterine surgery.
Hysterotomy surgery is a major surgical procedure. It is required when certain medical situations necessitate a Healthcare expert to gain access to the uterus or the foetus within it.
The following are examples of common disorders that necessitate foetal procedures that can be performed by hysterotomy:
- Myelomeningocele and other neural tube abnormalities
- Cystic adenomatoid malformation at birth
- Congenital cardiac defect
- Diaphragmatic hernia congenital
- Tumours in the womb
- Teratoma of the sacrococcygeus
- Sequestration of the lungs
- Obstruction of the urinary tract
- Syndrome of twin-to-twin transfusion (TTTS)
How is the Procedure Carried Out?
Patients are subjected to a battery of tests before undergoing hysterotomy to determine that they are a good candidate for the treatment. Healthcare experts also ensure that hysterotomy is the sole accessible therapy option. Because of the number of major hazards involved, the surgery is used as a last resort as much as possible.
Various diagnostic tests will be performed before the procedure if hysterotomy is to be performed as part of foetal surgery. Among these are ultrasound, chorionic villus sampling, and amniocentesis. The foetus's condition will also be evaluated to see if it is surgically viable.
Potential Dangers and Complications
A hysterotomy is a major surgical abortion procedure that carries several serious risks and consequences. One important issue is that it may cause premature labour in pregnant women. Other potential hazards are as follows:
- Peritonitis
- Thrombosis
- Embolism of the lungs
- Anaesthesia-related allergic response
- In a future pregnancy, the surgical scar may rupture.
- Haemorrhage