The reason for possible add on procedures at the time of hysterectomy is that the practice of medicine is both an art and a science and it is forever evolving. One of the principles of the practice of medicine include
2. Preventing future illness
Where the natural history of an illness is known preventative measures can be taken to prevent future illness. A good example of this is the cervical screening program for the prevention of cervical cancer, which has certainly successfully brought down the number of deaths from cervical cancer. Unfortunately the screening program for the prevention of ovarian cancer has not been as successful because the natural history of ovarian cancer is not as clear.
Where the natural history is not known in order to prevent future illness the doctor and patient come to an individualised agreement based on potential future risk of developing an illness.
For this reason whilst undergoing surgery for one illness your doctor may advise that you have another organ removed to prevent future illness
A good example of this is when having a hysterectomy your doctor may advise that you
1. Have your ovaries removed
2. Have your cervix removed
3. Have your Fallopian tubes removed
This is usually irrespective of whether you are having your operation by traditional open surgery or by laparoscopic surgery.
These "prophylactic" or "bolt on" procedures may not be necessary but may have implications for future health.
- Curing illnesses
2. Preventing future illness
Where the natural history of an illness is known preventative measures can be taken to prevent future illness. A good example of this is the cervical screening program for the prevention of cervical cancer, which has certainly successfully brought down the number of deaths from cervical cancer. Unfortunately the screening program for the prevention of ovarian cancer has not been as successful because the natural history of ovarian cancer is not as clear.
Where the natural history is not known in order to prevent future illness the doctor and patient come to an individualised agreement based on potential future risk of developing an illness.
For this reason whilst undergoing surgery for one illness your doctor may advise that you have another organ removed to prevent future illness
A good example of this is when having a hysterectomy your doctor may advise that you
1. Have your ovaries removed
2. Have your cervix removed
3. Have your Fallopian tubes removed
This is usually irrespective of whether you are having your operation by traditional open surgery or by laparoscopic surgery.
These "prophylactic" or "bolt on" procedures may not be necessary but may have implications for future health.
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