Anatomical complications of hysterectomy: A review

Abstract

Hysterectomy is the most commonly performed gynecological procedure in the United States with three possible surgical approaches; vaginal, abdominal and laparoscopic. As with any surgical procedure, various anatomical complications can arise. These include injuries to anatomical structures such as the urinary bladder, ureter, intestines, rectum, anus, and a multitude of nervous structures. Other complications include sexual dysfunction, vaginal cuff dehiscence, and urinary incontinence. Using standard search engines, the anatomical complications of hysterectomies are reviewed. In conclusion, surgeons who perform hysterectomies or are involved with postoperative hysterectomy patients should be familiar with the possible complications of this common procedure and the steps that can be taken to help reduce the risk of those complications. Clinicians should also inform their patients of the potential complications as they can affect lifestyle and comfort. Clin. Anat. 30:946-952, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Anatomical structures at risk using different approaches for sacrospinous ligament fixation

“…By the age of 80 years, approximately 13% of women will have undergone surgery due to pelvic organ prolapse of some kind (Ramdhan et al, ; Wu et al, ). Changes in elastin content of the endopelvic fascia have been suggested as contributors to such prolapse (Klutke et al, ).…”

Sexual function after total laparoscopic hysterectomy or transabdominal hysterectomy for benign uterine disorders: a retrospective cohort

“…Hysterectomy is used to treat a wide variety of benign and malignant medical conditions, including fibroids, prolapse, abnormal uterine bleeding, pelvic pain, and cervical, endometrial, and ovarian cancer (5,6). Currently, hysterectomy is performed using one of three surgical approaches: laparoscopic, transabdominal, or transvaginal (7).…”

“…Although hysterectomy is generally considered to be a safe procedure, it is associated with a number of complications including vaginal cuff dehiscence and injuries to nervous, urinary, and gastrointestinal structures (7). There is also evidence that hysterectomy can lead to changes in sexual function, with differing effects depending on whether the underlying condition being treated is benign or malignant (8,9).…”

Função sexual e incontinência urinária por esforço em mulheres submetidas à histerectomia total com ooforectomia bilateral

“…In Brazil, about 300 thousand women receive recommendation on having hysterectomy each year. In 2017, there was performance of 122 hysterectomies per 100 thousand women over the age of 20 years, and it is estimated that between 20% and 30% of women will undergo this procedure until the sixth decade of life 3,4 .…”