Hysterectomy is the surgical operation or procedure that removes all or a part of the uterus or womb. It is the most commom surgical procedure for women in the United States. Approximately, 3 out of 1000 women will undergo hysterectomy.
There are many medical reasons why a hysterectomy is performed. One of which is for uterine fibroids. Uterine fibroids originate in the uterus and are considered to be benign tumors.
Other reasons for getting a hysterectomy procedure are the following:
- Abnormal uterine bleeding or the frequent, irregular, decreased or excessive bleeding in women who are ovulating.
- Cervical dysplasia which is often caused by the infection of human papillomavirus or HPV.
- Endometriosis or the abnormal growth of endometrial cells outside the uterus.
An abdominal hysterectomy may have a higher rate of complications and pain compared with that of a vaginal hysterectomy. Some complicaitons that may arise from a vaginal hysterectomy is bacterial vaginosis which will result in a post-hysterectomy vaginal cuff cellulitis.
Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is one the most common vaginal infections. It is caused by an imbalance in the vaginal flora. Treatment of bacterial vaginosis is simple and tricky at the same time. Most woment who have bacterial vaginosis will end up with recurring symptoms within the year.
The usual treatment of bacterial vaginosis is a full course of antibiotic which usually lasts a week. There are oral and topical treatments available, all has been proven to be safe and effective.
A seven day course of the antibiotic metronidazole has a reported cure rate of 84 to 96 percent. Metronidazole also has a 2 gram single dose treatment alternative and may also be effective. However, the single dose patients seem to have a higher case of recurrence compared to the full seven days treatment regimen.
Bacterial vaginosis in women undergoing abortion has lesser post abortion risk of pelvic infection when given a treament of metronidazole. However, no safety studies are available for the use of metronidazole in pregnant women as well as the use of metronidazole in patients with post hysterectomy bacterial vaginosis.
Women who are on metronidazole treatment for their bacterial vaginosis should avoild drinking alcohol as a disulfiram-type reaction may occur. Concomitant treatments that may affect the efficacy of the drug are warfarin, anti convulsants and barbiturates.
Clindamycin, another antibiotic has been reported to have a cure rate of 94 percent for bacterial vaginosis. Clindamycin can be given 300 mg twice for seven days. As with any other antibiotic treatment, the drug should be taken within the prescribed time even when the patient has already experienced alleviation of symptoms.
Topical treatments like metronidazole vaginal gel and clindamycin vaginal cream has a reported cure rate of 75 and 86 percent respectively. Metronidazole vaginal gel can be given 5g twice daily or at bedtime for five days while clindamycin vaginal cream can be given 5g at bedtime for 7 days. Prices of these two drug treatments vary depending on where you live.
It is imporant to consult and have yourself checked by your physician to be able to receive approriate treament of bacterial vaginosis.
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