What is Hysterectomy?

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:

• Partial or Supracervical hysterectomy—removal of the uterus only
• Total, complete, or simple hysterectomy—removal of the uterus and cervix (the opening of the uterus leading to the vagina)
• Radical hysterectomy—removal of the uterus, ovaries, fallopian tubes, upper part of the vagina, and the pelvic lymph nodes
• Salpingo-oophorectomy —removal of the ovaries and fallopian tubes (may be combined with any of the above procedures)

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:

• Treat cancers such as uterine, endometrial, or ovarian cancers)
• Remove uterine fibroids —common, benign (noncancerous) tumors that grow in the muscle of the uterus
• Treat chronic pelvic pain
• Treat heavy bleeding

Explore your options before having a hysterectomy. There are other treatments for many of these problems.


Possible Complications
YOUR DOCTOR WILL REVIEW POSSIBLE COMPLICATIONS:

• Reactions to anesthesia
• Pain
• Infection
• Bleeding
• Fatigue
• Injured pelvic organs (bowel and/or bladder)
• Urinary incontinence (problems controlling your urine)
• Loss of ovarian function and early menopause
• Depression
• Sexual dysfunction

SOME FACTORS THAT MAY INCREASE RISK OF COMPLICATIONS:

• Obesity
• Smoking
• Heart or lung disease
• Diabetes
• Previous pelvic surgery or serious infection
• Use of prescription and nonprescription drugs during the past month

Be sure to discuss the risks with your doctor before surgery.


What to Expect Before the Procedure
YOUR DOCTOR MAY DO THE FOLLOWING:

• Blood and urine tests
• X-ray of abdomen and kidneys
• Pelvic ultrasound — a test that uses sound waves to visualize organs in the abdomen
• Dilation and curettage (D&C)—surgical removal of tissue from the lining of the uterus (to check for cancer)
• Ask you to take enemas to clean out your intestines

YOU SHOULD DO THE FOLLOWING:

• Talk to your doctor about your medicines. You may be asked to stop taking some medicines up to one week before the procedure, like Aspirin or other anti-inflammatory drugs
• Blood thinners, such as warfarin (Coumadin) or clopidogrel (Plavix)
• If instructed, take antibiotics.
• Arrange for a ride home and for help at home.
• Eat a light meal the night before the surgery.
• Do not eat or drink anything after midnight.

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

• Open Abdominal hysterectomy: 3-5 days
• Vaginal hysterectomy: 1-2 days
• Your doctor may choose to keep you longer if complications arise.

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:

• Signs of infection, including fever and chills
• Redness, swelling, increasing pain, excessive bleeding, leakage, or any discharge from the incision site
• Incision opens up
• Nausea and/or vomiting that you cannot control with the medicines you were given or that last longer than two days
• Dizziness or fainting
• Cough, shortness of breath, or chest pain
• Heavy bleeding
• Pain that you cannot control with the medicines you have been given
• Pain, burning, urgency or frequency of urination, or persistent bleeding in the urine
• Swelling, redness, or pain in your leg

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

EBSCO Information Services is fully accredited by URAC. URAC is an independent, nonprofit health care accrediting organization dedicated to promoting health care quality through accreditation, certification and commendation.

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.

To send comments or feedback to our Editorial Team regarding the content please email us at http://[email protected].

Tags:

• Hysterectomy