How serious of a procedure is a hysterectomy?

and what are the risks?

Extremely. Up there with heart surgery or brain surgery somewhere.

it is serious, but no more risky than other major surgery.

it is surgery that it is good to get a second opinion on, and to make sure the surgeon has done hundreds of them, successfully.
==========
standard operating risks
from anesthesia
& possibility of hospital infection.

It's not extremely serious in the way of triple bypass, but it is a big surgery and there in lies the great risk. Other risk factors are usually pretty general (and rare):
Bleeding out during or after surgery
Post operative infection (can be dangerous if it spreads).
The overall health of the patient lies in the fact of who they are. Ideally they should be a healthy weight, generally healthy otherwise, and a non smoker. (Smokers carry more risk while being under anesthesia).
The biggest risk with any surgery is the anesthesia. Some people don't tolerate it well and could die (although this is a rare instance especially in normally healthy people).

This should be absolutely the last chance for the woman. All surgeries are risky, but this one has many long lasting side effects.

She'll instantly will go through menopause and all the same side effects, hot flashes and so forth. Plus, I heard there are many other side effects. You should go to webMD.com and read up on it further. This is not a surgery I would recommend to any woman unless she had a serious condition.

Beware, some doctors recommend this type of surgery when there are alternatives less dangerous. Always see other doctors for second or third or fourth opinion before this type of surgery.

Take Care.

The short answer is it's serious, and there are hefty risks. The long answer is below:

According to Medlineplus.com, The risks are:

The risks for any anesthesia are:
* Reactions to medications
* Problems breathing

The risks for any surgery are:
* Bleeding
* Infection

Other risks that are possible from a hysterectomy include:
* Injury to nearby organs, including the bladder or blood vessels
* Injury to bowel
* Pain with intercourse

All of this depends on the kind of hysterectomy (partial, of total) and the procedure (vaginal, abdominal -traditional-Laparoscopically assisted vaginal hysterectomy (LAVH), and Total laparoscopic hysterectomy (TLH).

the pros and cons of each are here:

Advantages and disadvantages of hysterectomy procedures Hysterectomy procedure Advantages Disadvantages
Vaginal hysterectomy

* Enables removal of a normal to slightly larger-than-normal uterus and small uterine fibroids (some experienced surgeons are able to safely remove a very enlarged uterus)6
* When compared with LAVH or abdominal hysterectomy, requires a shorter hospital stay7
* Tends to cause less pain during recovery than after an abdominal surgery
* Doesn't leave scars on the abdomen



When compared with abdominal hysterectomy, a routine vaginal hysterectomy:

* Doesn't allow free access to the pelvic organs-the doctor may not be able to remove a very large uterus; large fibroids; areas of endometriosis, adenomyosis, or scar tissue (adhesions).
* Isn't used for cancer-related surgery.
* May need to be switched to an abdominal surgery if the doctor is unable to remove a very large uterus or areas of endometriosis, adenomyosis, or scar tissue (adhesions).

Abdominal hysterectomy

* Provides the surgeon good visibility and easy access to the pelvic organs
* Enables removal of a very large uterus or large areas of endometriosis, adenomyosis, or scar tissue (adhesions)
* Cervix can be removed or left in place
* Requires less time under anesthesia and in surgery than a laparoscopic hysterectomy8



When compared with other types of hysterectomy, a routine abdominal hysterectomy:

* Requires longer hospital stay and recovery time.7
* Costs more than a vaginal hysterectomy.7
* Tends to lead to more pain during recovery.
* Leaves a visible scar on the abdomen. A bikini-line incision may be possible.

Laparoscopically assisted vaginal hysterectomy (LAVH)

* Allows your doctor to examine your pelvic organs and remove cysts, scar tissue (adhesions), fibroids, and areas of infection
* When compared with abdominal hysterectomy, requires a shorter hospital stay and causes less pain during recovery
* Smaller scars on the abdomen than with an abdominal hysterectomy



When compared with other types of hysterectomy, a routine LAVH:

* May need to be switched to an abdominal surgery if the doctor is unable to remove a very large uterus or areas of endometriosis, adenomyosis, or scar tissue (adhesions).
* Costs more and takes more time to perform.7
* May have an increased risk of injury if the surgeon is inexperienced.7

Laparoscopic supracervical hysterectomy (LSH)

* When compared with abdominal hysterectomy, requires a shorter hospital stay, with a faster and less painful recovery
* Leaves smaller scars on the abdomen than with an abdominal hysterectomy



When compared with other types of hysterectomy, a routine LSH:

* May need to be switched to an abdominal surgery if the doctor is unable to remove a very large uterus or areas of endometriosis, adenomyosis, or scar tissue (adhesions).
* Is likely to cost more.
* May have an increased risk of injury if the surgeon is inexperienced.7

Total laparoscopic hysterectomy (TLH)

* Does not use an incision in the wall of the vagina
* When compared with abdominal hysterectomy, requires a shorter hospital stay, with a faster and less painful recovery
* Leaves smaller scars on the abdomen than with an abdominal hysterectomy



When compared with other types of hysterectomy, a routine TLH:

* May need to be switched to an abdominal surgery if the doctor is unable to remove a very large uterus or areas of endometriosis, adenomyosis, or scar tissue (adhesions).
* Is likely to cost more.

Depends on the reasons for it. These days, most women have a laparoscope operation and can go home within one day. Others have to get an incision and are there for 2-3 days. But if it is a routine condition (not cancer) then it usually is very very safe. Only real bad complication at time of surgery is bleeding if the Dr. nicks one of those big arteries. But that is pretty rare these days. Old ladies have them and go home from it all the time. I have had two workmates who had it done and they were both back at work after two weeks, but they had the laparoscope kind. So not very dangerous at all. Slight risk as in all surgery, but not that much.

Major surgery. Early menopause.

The thing with hysterectomies is that they are done all the time...thats good. Of course with any kind of surgery there are going to be risks. General anesthesia is a big deal. The risks are bleeding complications and infection. The real upset will be the aftermath. Depending on whether or not the ovaries are removed (complete hysterectomy) it will send the patient into early menopause. The emotional loss of that core womanhood is usually not fully grasped until after the fact. The seriousness of the procedure will also depend on the reason for the procedure. Individual diagnosis have individual risks. This is a great website for more info: http://www.mdjunction.com/hysterectomy

very serious

It's defiantly serious. The biggest risks are bleeding and infection. But sometimes it's what happens after the physical healing is complete that is harder to deal with. There are many hormonal changes that a woman will go through.

Its pretty big if your a girl they just pull out you female parts. It shouldn't be to serious though alot of women go through it and are fine. so whoever you now going through just be there for them and good luck