Medical Questions » Hysterectomy Questions » Question No. 528
| Question: | I am due to have a hysterectomy because of fibroids. I want to keep my cervix, which is perfectly norma!, but my gynaecologist is reluctant to do this. If I have a regular Pap smear, why shouldn' t I have a sub-total hysterectomy and keep my cervix? |
| Answer: | A sub-total hysterectomy in which die body of the uterus (the womb) is removed, but the neck of the uterus (the cervix) and the ovaries are retained, is certainly an option, but it is not one that is commonly preferred.
The advantage is that you continue to have a cervix, which some experts claim is important for the full sexual satisfaction of the woman.
The disadvantages are that the operation is technically more difficult, and more prone to complications, as the thick muscle of the neck of the womb must be cut through and secured, instead of the thin tissue at the top of the vagina. Your gynaecologist will certainly be more experienced at doing a full hysterectomy than a partial one. As you mention, you also have the continued risk of cancer of the cervix, which can be detected early by a regular Pap smear.
My advice would be to have a full removal of your uterus and cervix (retaining one or both ovaries).
|
|
|
