Definition | Reasons for Procedure | Possible Complications | What to Expect | Call Your Doctor

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Definition

Hysterectomy is the surgical term for the removal of the uterus (womb). This results in the inability to become pregnant.

There are different types of surgeries, such as:

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

If you are planning to have hysterectomy, your doctor will review a list of possible complications, which may include:

Some factors that may increase the risk of complications include:

  • 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

Your doctor may do the following:

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, such as:
    • Aspirin or other anti-inflammatory drugs
    • Blood thinners, such as warfarin (Coumadin)
    • clopidogrel (Plavix)
  • If instructed, take enemas to clean out your intestines.
  • 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.

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.

You may be given antibiotics just before surgery. There are two different methods that are described here.

The doctor will make a cut in your lower abdomen. This is done 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 also removed, you will also have stitches put in the back of your vagina.

Abdominal Hysterectomy

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The uterus is removed through the abdomen.
Copyright © Nucleus Medical Media, Inc.

This method will not involve any outside incisions. The doctor will stretch the vagina and keep it open with special tools. Next, the doctor will cut free the uterus and cervix. The connecting blood vessels will be tied off. The doctor will then remove the uterus and cervix through the vagina. Lastly, the doctor will close the top of the vagina with stitches.

Vaginal Hysterectomy

Vaginal Hysterectomy
The uterus is removed through the vagina.
Copyright © Nucleus Medical Media, Inc.

With each procedure, a vaginal "packing" (sterile gauze) is placed in the vagina. This will be removed after 1-2 days.

In the recovery room, you will have IV fluids and medicines.

1-3 hours

You will not have pain during the surgery because of the anesthesia. During your recovery time, your doctor will give you pain medicine.

  • Abdominal hysterectomy: 3-5 days
  • Vaginal hysterectomy: 1-2 days

Your doctor may choose to keep you longer if you have any complications.

While you are recovering at the hospital, you may receive the following care:

  • On the first night, you may be instructed to sit up in bed and to 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 stockings or boots to help prevent blood clots.
  • To help you urinate, you may have a Foley catheter in your bladder.

During the first few days, you may have pain, bloating, vaginal bleeding, and vaginal discharge.

When you return home, do the following to help ensure a smooth recovery:

Recovery from open abdominal hysterectomy usually takes 6-8 weeks.

Call Your Doctor

After you leave the hospital, call your doctor if any of the following occur:

  • 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 blood in the urine
  • Swelling, redness, or pain in your leg

In case of an emergency, call for medical help right away.