The surgical removal of the uterus is known as a hysterectomy. You lose your potential to become pregnant and cease menstruating. This surgery is performed for a variety of reasons, such as irregular bleeding, uterine prolapse, fibroids, and malignancy. Depending on the type of radical hysterectomy operation, recovery normally takes four to six weeks.
Cervical cancer is the second most frequent type of cancer in women in India. Based on a study released by Annals of Global Health, India accounts for one-fourth of all cervical cancer fatalities worldwide.
So, what this disease is all about, its side effects, the risks one can have with hysterectomy, its treatment cost - all are important to know. Above all, it’s important to be covered with a health insurance plan for this disease.
Radical Hysterectomy: What is it?
The uterus, cervix, upper vagina, pelvic lymph nodes, and surrounding tissues are removed from the body during a radical hysterectomy. It is a lengthy technique used to treat cervical malignancies when chemotherapy or radiotherapy has not worked or cannot be used.
Vaginal hysterectomy, abdominal hysterectomy, and laparoscopy-assisted vaginal hysterectomy are all surgical methods that can be used to achieve a radical hysterectomy. In some situations, the ovaries and fallopian tubes may be removed as part of the procedure, which is not always the case with radical hysterectomy.
Who Needs to Have a Radical Hysterectomy Done?
A radical hysterectomy is appropriate for the following people:
- The uterine cancerous tumour
- Large fibroid
- Chronic uterine infection
- Endometriosis
- Menopause-related excruciating pain
- Uterine prolapse
- Menorrhagia or chronic and excessive bleeding
- Adenomyosis or thickening of the uterus
Radical hysterectomy, however, is more dangerous for obese, diabetic, and high blood-pressure women.
Radical Hysterectomy Side Effects
- Pink discharge or sporadic spotting for up to six weeks
- Weakening of pelvic muscles and ligaments
- Early menopause (in cases where the ovaries have been removed)
- Joint pain
- Insomnia
- Hot flashes
What Risks Do Radical Hysterectomies Carry?
- Damage to the adjacent organs
- Pulmonary or limb blood clots
- Some people might experience heavy bleeding
- Pain during sexual activity
- Reduction in sexual excitement (in contrast, some women report a marked improvement in their sex life)
- Virilization dryness
- Putting on weight
- Surgically unintentionally creating a fistula that could lead to urinary incontinence or leaks
- Incontinence when under stress
Radical Hysterectomy Cost in India
In India, the average cost of a radical hysterectomy ranges between INR 25,000 to INR 5 lakh. The actual cost of a radical hysterectomy, on the other hand, will be determined by various criteria, including the condition of the patient, the technique of hysterectomy, and the location and hospital where the surgery will be undertaken.
A laparoscopic hysterectomy, for example, is more expensive than an abdominal hysterectomy. Likewise, a radical hysterectomy in Delhi will be more expensive than one in Patna.
Does Indian Health Insurance Cover Radical Hysterectomy?
Yes. In India, health insurance plans include radical hysterectomy. All health insurance policies that cover surgical treatments pay the cost of a radical hysterectomy. These primarily cover health insurance for surgical programmes. Furthermore, some women's health insurance plans that include surgical treatments cover the costs of a radical hysterectomy.
The good news is that radical hysterectomy is covered by Indian health insurance plans for both benign and malignant illnesses. However, coverage will be accessible only if a certified medical specialist confirms the diagnosis of the medical condition needing a radical hysterectomy.
Radical Hysterectomy Health Insurance Coverage
Health insurance coverage for radical hysterectomy may not be accessible up to the sum insured restrictions. Instead, the cost of a radical hysterectomy is covered up to the policy document's limit.
Also, health insurance policies do not start covering radical hysterectomy until the policy is in effect. Instead, there is a waiting time before the health insurance company will start paying for the surgery.
Normal waiting periods for benign illnesses range from 180 days to 2 years before the health insurance will pay for a radical hysterectomy. After a 90-day waiting period, certain insurance plans, however, may only pay the cost of this procedure for malignant illnesses.
But if you get a health insurance plan before receiving a diagnosis that necessitates a radical hysterectomy, it will be regarded as a pre-existing medical condition. The pre-existing disease waiting period will thereafter be in effect. Pre-existing conditions are often covered under health insurance after a 2- to a 4-year waiting period.
Conclusion
Radical hysterectomy is a common surgical treatment used to treat cervical cancer. Because it is a pricey surgery, having health insurance can be advantageous. However, before purchasing a health insurance plan for a radical hysterectomy, check the severity of the ailment covered as well as the appropriate waiting time.
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