Are there potential risks or complications with hysterectomy?
Hysterectomy is a common and safe procedure, however all operations have potential risks. Every operation is different, and no two patients are alike. All surgical procedures carry a small amount of risk. Some operations will be more difficult. It is important to discuss your own individual risks with your gynaecologist.
Thrombosis and embolism
Thrombosis is a clot that forms in a blood vessel, commonly known as a DVT (Deep Venous Thrombosis). It occurs in the blood vessels of the legs, but may occur elsewhere. In rare circumstances, part of the clot can break off and travel to the heart and lungs. This is called an embolism. The risk of developing thrombosis depends on the type of hysterectomy, the length of the surgery, and whether other underlying risk factors are present. Every effort is made to reduce the risk of thrombosis and embolism. For example, special stockings might be fitted during or after your surgery, and you might have injections of a blood-thinning agent. However, nothing will completely eliminate this risk. The risk of embolism for a healthy woman having a hysterectomy is estimated to be less than 1 in 100.
Infection
The most common infection is a urinary infection, usually associated with catheter drainage at the time of the hysterectomy. However, infection of the skin or vaginal wounds can occur. Fortunately, this happens less than 5 in 100 women. Rarely infection can gain access to the deeper tissues in the area where the uterus was removed.
Bleeding
Most surgical procedures cause a small amount of bleeding. In some cases, bleeding can be heavier than expected and in rare cases a transfusion with blood (or blood products) may be necessary. Most commonly the excessive bleeding begins during the operation but sometimes it can begin after the hysterectomy is completed, and a collection of blood in the body wall or deeper tissues may form. Transfusion is needed in less than 1 in 100 of routine hysterectomies.
Injury to surrounding organs
The uterus and ovaries lie close to a number of important structures in the abdomen. The bladder lies to the front. The ureters – connecting the kidneys to the bladder – lie on each side of the uterus. There is bowel close to the pelvic organs. Whenever surgery is performed on the organs of the pelvis, there is a small possibility of damage to other organs. This risk depends on the complexity of the operation, and whether scarring is present from previous operations or infections. In general, the risk of an injury to the adjacent organs in the pelvis is estimated at less than 1 in 100.
Other potential risks
If the hysterectomy is performed as a laparoscopy, or keyhole procedure, carbon dioxide gas is used to fill the abdomen and allow access to the tissues. There is a very small possibility of this gas entering the body wall, or very rarely a blood vessel. Very rarely, the incisions may be weakened, allowing the organs of the abdomen to bulge through - this is called a hernia.