Hysterectomy and tummy tuck are two completely different surgeries and combining these two together may seem like an odd notion. But as per studies, combining these two very different studies may not be as harmful as it may seem at first thought. To understand the exact mechanism of combining the two surgeries let’s first have a look at the independent surgeries.

combining hysterectomy With tummy tuck

Hysterectomy

Hysterectomy refers to the surgery done to remove the uterus of a woman. The reasons for which a woman may want to go through with hysterectomy may differ widely. For example, cervical cancer, ovarian cancer, and cancer of the uterus may all create a need for hysterectomy. Other reasons for hysterectomy may include

  • Uterine fibroids
  • Uterine prolapse i.e. drooping of uterus into the vaginal canal.
  • Endometriosis
  • Thickening of the uterus, and/ or
  • Pelvic pain etc.

Tummy Tuck

Tummy tuck, or abdominoplasty as it may be medically known, refers to the cosmetic surgery which is done to make the abdomen firmer and thinner. Under this surgery the excess fat and skin from in between of the lower and middle abdomens. The reason for a tummy tuck is usually to get rid of the sagging skin which may be a result of pregnancy or even major weight loss.

Combining the Two- Tummy Tuck and Hysterectomy

The researchers at the Florida International University (Hialeah) have observed the follow up on 65 women who underwent both hysterectomy and tummy tuck in one operation. Under this study the researchers found out that none of the women developed any major complications.

According to some other studies, there have been many suggested benefits of getting both the surgeries done in one go. The suggested benefits are as follows:

  • As per experts getting the surgeries done together can considerably reduce the recuperating and the overall healing time after the surgeries.
  • It is also suggested that anesthesia related risks which are found to occur during such surgeries are halved if the two surgeries are done together.
  • Another very important point of consideration is the cost of the surgery. The overall of cost of getting two surgeries in different times exceeds that of getting the two done in one hospital stay.
  • There also another point of view which highlights the cost benefits of getting the two surgeries together. Unlike tummy tucks, hysterectomy is a medical procedure which may be covered under insurance. Getting a tummy tuck along with a hysterectomy in such a case can be extremely economical.

The above mentioned positives along with the result that none of the women in the Florida study experienced any major complications may lead to a positive conclusion. But there are some concerns over combining the surgeries. They are:

  • The same Florida study suggested 32% minor complication in the 65 women. Under these minor complications are- 9% chances of atelectasis (collapse of lungs), 8% complications of wound, need for blood transfusion in 3% patients and existence of yeast infection in 2%. All of these “minor” complications have raised some concerns.

Considering every aspect one can state that while it is relatively safe to combine the two procedures, the exact effect will depend on the exact condition and physical health of the patient.

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