Hysterectomy is the surgical term for the removal of the uterus (womb). This results in the inability to become pregnant. The surgery may be done through the abdomen or the vagina. This is a common surgery in the United States.
Click here to view an animated version of this procedure.
Different Types:
Reasons for Procedure
You may have a hysterectomy if your uterus is causing health problems that cannot be treated by other means. Some reasons a woman may have a hysterectomy are to:
Explore your options before having a hysterectomy. There are other treatments for many of these problems.
Possible Complications
YOUR DOCTOR WILL REVIEW POSSIBLE COMPLICATIONS:
SOME FACTORS THAT MAY INCREASE RISK OF COMPLICATIONS:
Be sure to discuss the risks with your doctor before surgery.
What to Expect Before the Procedure
YOUR DOCTOR MAY DO THE FOLLOWING:
YOU SHOULD DO THE FOLLOWING:
Anesthesia
General anesthesia is usually used for this surgery. Anesthesia blocks pain and keeps you asleep through the surgery. It is given through an IV in your hand or arm.
Description of the Procedure
You may be given antibiotics just before surgery. There are two different methods that are described here.
OPEN ABDOMINAL HYSTERECTOMY
The doctor will make a cut in your lower abdomen. This is to expose the tissue and blood vessels that surround the uterus. The tissue will then be cut. The blood vessels will be tied off. The uterus will be removed. Next, the doctor will sew the tissue back together and close the skin with stitches or staples. If the cervix is taken out with the uterus, you will also have stitches put in the back of your vagina.
OPEN VAGINAL HYSTERECTOMY
This method will not involve any outside incisions. The doctor will stretch the vagina and keep it open with special tools. He will then cut free the uterus and cervix. The connecting blood vessels will be tied off. Next, the doctor will remove the uterus and cervix through the vagina. Lastly, the doctor will close the area in the back of the vagina with stitches.
With each procedure, a vaginal "packing" is placed in the vagina. This will be removed after 1-2 days.
How Long Will It Take? 1-3 hours
Will It Hurt? You will not have pain during the surgery because of the anesthesia. During your recovery time, your doctor will give you pain medicine.
Average Hospital Stay
After the Procedure
AT THE HOSPITAL
In the recovery room, you will have IV fluids and medicines. On the first night, you may be instructed to sit up in bed and walk a short distance. During the next morning, the IV will probably be removed if you are eating and drinking well. You may need to wear special socks or boots to help prevent blood clots. You may have a foley catheter for a short time to help you urinate.
AT HOME
During the first few days, you may have pain, bloating, vaginal bleeding, and vaginal discharge. Follow your doctor's instructions. Take proper care of the incision site. This will help to prevent an infection. Ask your doctor about when it is safe to shower, bathe or soak in water. During the first two weeks, rest and avoid lifting.
Slowly increase your activities. Begin with light chores and short walks. Depending on your job, you may be able to return to work. Check with your doctor to see when it is safe to drive again. To promote healing, eat a diet rich in fruits and vegetables. Ask your doctor if you need to take iron.
Try to avoid constipation by eating high-fiber foods, drinking plenty of water, and/or using stool softeners if needed. Ask your doctor when you can use tampons. Also ask about Kegel exercises.
Wait at least six weeks before resuming sexual activity. If you still have a cervix, you will still need regular Pap smears. Full recovery from a hysterectomy usually takes 6-8 weeks. Recovery time will be quicker for other methods, such as laparoscopic surgery.
Call Your Doctor
After you leave the hospital, contact your doctor if any of the following occurs:
In case of an emergency, CALL 911 for medical help right away.
RESOURCES:
The American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists
http://www.acog.org
National Uterine Fibroids Foundation
http://www.nuff.org
CANADIAN RESOURCES:
The Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada
http://www.sogc.org/index_e.asp.
Women's Health Matters .gov
rel="nofollow" >http://www.womenshealthmatters.
REFERENCES:
Hysterectomy. New York State, Department of Health website. Available at: http://www.womenshealth.gov/publications/our-publications/fact-sheet/hysterectomy.html. Updated January 2010. Accessed August 25, 2012.
Hysterectomy: frequently asked questions. Women's Health.gov website. Available at: http://www.womenshealth.gov. Updated December 15, 2009. Accessed August 25, 2012.
Women's reproductive health: hysterectomy. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website. Available at: http://www.cdc.gov/reproductivehealth/WomensRH/Hysterectomy.htm. Updated May 7, 2009. Accessed August 25, 2012.
Last reviewed September 2012 by Andrea Chisholm
Last Updated: 9/27/2012
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