Abdominal Hysterectomy

An abdominal hysterectomy is a procedure in which the uterus is removed through a cut in the abdomen Other female organs may also be removed when the uterus is removed. 

What happens during the procedure?

You will be given a regional or general anesthetic. It will prevent you from feeling pain during the procedure.

Usually a catheter (small tube) is placed into your bladder through the urethra (the tube from the bladder to the outside). The catheter drains the bladder.

You will have an IV in your arm to give you fluids and medicines.

The doctor makes a cut in the abdominal wall to expose the ligaments and blood vessels around the uterus.

The doctor separates the ligaments and blood vessels from the uterus.

The doctor ties off the blood vessels so they will heal and not bleed.

Then, the uterus is removed by cutting it off at the top of the vagina.

The top of the vagina is repaired so that a hole is not left.

What happens after the procedure?

The IV and catheter are removed 1 or 2 days after the surgery.

You may stay in the hospital about 3 to 5 days.

After you go home, get plenty of rest. Do not do any heavy lifting or otherwise strain the stomach muscles for 4 to 6 weeks.

If you were having menstrual periods before the surgery, you will no longer have them after the operation. You also cannot become pregnant.

If your ovaries were removed, menopause starts right away and your health care provider may prescribe hormone therapy.

Be sure to discuss any concerns you have about these effects and treatments with your provider before the surgery.

What are the risks associated with this procedure?

• The cut in your abdomen (incision) may have to be reopened to stop any bleeding.
  
• Your bladder or the tubes leading to it may be injured and need surgical repair.
  
• A piece of blood clot may break off, enter your bloodstream, and block an artery in the lung.
  
• You may develop an infection or bleeding.
  
• The incision may open.
  
• Your intestine or bowel may be injured during the surgery.

Ask your health care provider how these risks apply to you.