Abdominal Hysterectomy

Abdominal hysterectomy is a surgical procedure performed to remove the uterus through an incision on the lower abdomen. The cervix, ovaries, and fallopian tubes may also be removed if the patient’s condition calls for it.

A woman who undergoes hysterectomy will no longer menstruate and can no longer become pregnant. The woman can still engage in sexual activity, though, and will no longer need to use contraception. A hysterectomy does not cause a woman to age prematurely, and neither does it leave a space in the abdomen, as the bowels occupy the space the reproductive organs once occupied.

It’s important to note, however, that a hysterectomy may be all you need for the treatment of your condition, or you may need additional treatment even after the surgery.

Types of Abdominal Hysterectomy

The following are the three types of abdominal hysterectomy: subtotal, total, and total with bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy.

In a subtotal abdominal hysterectomy, only the uterus is removed, and the cervix is kept. Some of the advantages of this procedure are a faster operation; lowered risk of organ damage; lowered risk of vaginal prolapse; less blood loss; less chance of getting a fever; and shorter hospital stay. This type of abdominal hysterectomy, however, can still result in spotting after the surgery due to residual endometrial tissue in the cervical canal. Furthermore, there is a risk of acquiring cancer from the cervix that remained in the vagina.

A total abdominal hysterectomy is when both the uterus and the cervix are removed, while a total hysterectomy with bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy is when the ovaries and the fallopian tubes are removed along with the uterus and the cervix.

When Abdominal Hysterectomy is Needed

The following are some of the common reasons for an abdominal hysterectomy:

• Cancer of the cervix or the uterus
• Fibroids
• Excessive bleeding

What to Do Before an Abdominal Hysterectomy

It would help to go to a hysterectomy prepared and in the proper condition. Here are some things you should do to prepare for the surgery:

• Make arrangements at home or at work for the time you’ll be away.
• Quit smoking, or at least stop smoking a week prior to the surgery in order to reduce the risk of complications, such as pneumonia.
• It is recommended that you stop taking NSAIDS or any other blood thinning medications 5 to 7 days prior to surgery.
• You should stop using contraceptive medication at least four weeks before the surgery. These can actually trigger blood clotting related to surgery. Consult your doctor on the other medications you need to stop prior to the surgery.

What to Do Right After an Abdominal Hysterectomy

Here are things you can do right after the operation:

• You can expect vaginal bleeding right after the surgery. Refrain from using tampons, and use sanitary pads instead.
• If you still experience bleeding and have smelly secretions after you go home, consult your doctor.
• Use pain killers as prescribed by your doctor to deal with the pain and discomfort caused by the surgery.

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