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Hysterectomy, Abdominal
Overview & Description
Abdominal hysterectomy is a surgery that removes the uterus and cervix through an incision in the abdomen. The ovaries and fallopian tubes may or may not be removed at the same time.
Who is a candidate for the procedure?
An abdominal hysterectomy may be done for the following problems:
Women may also have an abdominal hysterectomy if they suffer from certain types of cancer, such as:
How is the procedure performed?
Before surgery, several things are usually done.
In the operating room, the woman is given either local or general anesthesia. The skin around the vagina is cleaned with a soapy solution to remove any bacteria. A cut is then made in the lower abdomen. This exposes the tissue, such as blood vessels, that surrounds the uterus and cervix. These tissues must be cut and tied off before the uterus is removed. Sutures are placed in these deep structures. These will heal during the weeks following surgery. They do not need to be removed. The uterus is removed from the top of the vagina, and the vagina is closed at the top.
The surgery usually takes 60 to 90 minutes. At times, the ovaries and tubes may be removed. Other organs may be repaired or removed as needed.
Other steps may also be needed during the surgery if there is cancer.
Preparation & Expectations
What happens right after the procedure?
The woman usually stays in the hospital for 1 to 5 days. She may be asked to sit up in bed and walk a short distance the first night after surgery. The urinary catheter is usually removed the next morning. The IV is usually removed if there is no evidence of fever or infection and the woman is drinking fluids.
Home Care and Complications
What happens later at home?
Women having this surgery are advised to follow certain tips at home.
The results of surgery often depend on what caused the problem. Removing the uterus ends abnormal uterine bleeding and pelvic pressure. Some other conditions, such as cancer, may come back. After a hysterectomy, a woman cannot become pregnant. If the ovaries are removed along with the uterus and cervix, hormone replacement therapy with estrogen is often advised. This helps prevent symptoms and other health problems of menopause.
If the procedure was performed for cancer, further treatment, such as radiation, may be necessary.
What are the potential complications after the procedure?
Surgery may cause bleeding, infection, or allergic reaction to anesthesia. Any new or worsening symptoms should be reported to the healthcare provider.
Attribution
Author:Eva Martin, MD
Date Written:
Editor:Ballenberg, Sally, BS
Edit Date:06/30/01
Reviewer:Adam Brochert, MD
Date Reviewed:06/11/01