HYSTERECTOMY: COMPLICATIONS
The early complications are those related to the surgery itself, and include infection, bleeding, accidental damage to other organs, and, because there is a time of lying around recovering, there is a risk of developing a blood clot in the leg or lungs (deep venous thrombosis and pulmonary embolism). The rate of these complications is variable, and would depend a fair bit on the skill of the surgeon, and the condition of the woman undergoing surgery. Overall, the rates are fairly low. The risk of dying as a result of hysterectomy is said to be between 0.05 and 0.2 per cent.
Later complications seem to be more common, and vary greatly in severity. These are some of the more noted ones.
Vaginal problems. Sometimes some tissue will overgrow at the vaginal vault, and this granulation tissue may need treatment. This is easily done at a post-operative check if necessary. If an infection or blood clot occurs at the vaginal vault, there may be discharge or pain. This can resolve spontaneously, or be helped by antibiotics. Some women may find that intercourse is painful, perhaps for other reasons. If a woman is menopausal (either as a result of the surgery, or naturally), the vaginal skin can become thinner, less elastic and less lubricated, and cause problems with intercourse. This can be treated with local lubricant, oestrogen cream, or hormone replacement therapy.
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