Abdominal Hysterectomy
Abdominal Hysterectomy

Abdominal Hysterectomy

Abdominal Hysterectomy

Abdominal Hysterectomy

What is Abdominal Hysterectomy?

Abdominal Hysterectomy

An abdominal hysterectomy is a surgery that involves removes of the uterus through an incision in the lower abdominal region. While there are various other approaches to a hysterectomy, abdominal hysterectomy is preferred in cases where:

  • The patient has a large uterus
  • The doctor suspects disease in other pelvic organs
  • It is the best option considering patient’s overall health

What are the risks?

Common risks associated with an abdominal hysterectomy are:

  • Blood Clots
  • Infections
  • Excessive Bleeding
  • Adverse reaction to anesthesia
Abdominal Hysterectomy

How to prepare for an abdominal hysterectomy?

Prior to the surgery, it is best to get all the information you can about the surgery. Speak to your gynaecologist to get all your doubts cleared & questions answered.

Follow doctor’s advice on use of your medications, especially a few days prior to the surgery. Understand the kind of anesthesia that would be required.

Abdominal Hysterectomy

Prior to Surgery:

Your doctor would recommend tests such as the following:

  • Pap test
  • Endometrial biopsy
  • Pelvic ultrasound

The day before the surgery, the patient would be asked to shower with a soap recommended by the surgeon to lower risk of infection. Preoperative cleansing of the patient’s vagina & rectum may also be done. Just before the surgery, the patient would be given intravenous antibiotic medications to lower risk of infections.

During the procedure:

To perform hysterectomy, the surgeon will make either a vertical incision (from below the navel to above pubic bone) or a horizontal incision (about an inch above the pubic bone). The type of incision depends on:

  • Cause of hysterectomy
  • Size of the uterus
  • Need to check the patient’s upper abdomen
  • Presence of scars from prior abdominal surgeries

If the hysterectomy is being performed for large fibroids, malignancies or endometriosis, incision is most likely to be vertical.

Abdominal Hysterectomy

After the Procedure:

Abdominal hysterectomy requires a stay of couple of days in the hospital. In some cases it could be longer. The patient is likely to have vaginal bleeding & discharge for several days or weeks post the surgery.

The incision will heal over time, but the scar will remain.

Life After Hysterectomy

Abdominal Hysterectomy

Hysterectomy brings about some permanent changes to a patient’s life.

  • The patient cannot get pregnant
  • The patient will not have menstrual periods
  • If the patient has had a partial hysterectomy, there is still a risk of cervical cancer. Regular PAP test screenings are crucial

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