What Are the Potential Risks Associated with Cervical Resection?
The hazards of cervical resection lie in its potential to cause mental depression, discomfort in the urinary system, loss of reproductive function, impairment of sexual function, and accelerated aging. Here are the details:
1. Potential to Cause Mental Depression: The uterus is a crucial reproductive tissue in women and has a close relationship with the endocrine system. After the uterus is removed, it can affect the endocrine system, leading to changes in the patient's mental state. Some women may have difficulty accepting the loss of their uterus and are more prone to anxiety and depression, which can affect sleep and eating habits, greatly reducing overall physical well-being.
2. Discomfort in the Urinary System: The female reproductive and urinary systems are homologous and both are estrogen-dependent organs. After uterine resection, the level of estrogen in the body decreases, leading to atrophy and thinning of the urethral tissue, reduced resistance, and an increased risk of symptoms such as frequent urination, urgency, and pain during urination.
3. Loss of Reproductive Function: Removal of the uterus means losing the ability to conceive, and this is a permanent loss that cannot be reversed.
4. Impact on Sexual Function: Uterine resection can shorten the vagina and affect estrogen secretion, significantly impacting sexual function. Common symptoms include vaginal dryness, low libido, and painful intercourse, which can be distressing for women.
5. Accelerated Aging: Uterine resection disrupts the integrity of the endocrine system, potentially accelerating the aging process in patients.
After cervical resection surgery, patients should primarily rest in bed for the first week, but avoid prolonged bed rest. Depending on their recovery, they can gradually resume light activities, as early mobilization can promote the recovery of gastrointestinal function and reduce complications such as intestinal adhesions. It is also important to adjust mentally and maintain a happy, optimistic mood.
Some women may worry about accelerated aging after uterine resection. However, female characteristics are maintained by estrogen secreted by the ovaries, and the uterus is only one of the important organs for gestation. When there is no fertility requirement and only the uterus is removed while the ovaries are preserved, the normal physiological functions of women can still be maintained, and aging will not be accelerated.
Two months after cervical resection surgery, patients should return to the hospital for a follow-up examination to assess wound healing. Cervical resection surgery is clinically performed on young women with no cervical cancer lesions detected through screening. As the cervix is preserved, the vagina maintains its original depth, providing a better sensation during sexual activity compared to total hysterectomy. However, regular cervical cancer screening is necessary to prevent the occurrence of cervical cancer or residual cancer.
