What is a hysterectomy?

An abdominal hysterectomy is a procedure in which the doctor removes a women's uterus after making a cut in the abdomen. The uterus is a muscular organ at the top of the vagina where menstruation begins and where babies can grow.

When is it performed?

This operation may be performed because of:

• Tumors in the uterus
• Heavy bleeding from the uterus
• Endometriosis
• Endometrial cancer
• Chronic pelvic pain
• Precancerous or cancerous lesions on the cervix

If you have questions concerning this procedure or the need to have this operation, please consult with your doctor.

How can I Prepare for the Procedure?

Plan for your care and recovery after the operation, especially if you are to have general anesthesia. Allow for time to rest, and try to find other people to help you with your day-to-day duties.

If you are to have general anesthesia, eat a light meal, such as soup or salad, the night before the procedure. Do not eat or drink anything after midnight the day before or the morning of the procedure. Do not even drink coffee, tea or water.

What Happens During the Surgery?

You will be given either a regional or general anesthetic during the procedure. A regional anesthetic numbs the lower part of your body while you remain awake. It should keep you from feeling pain during the operation. A general anesthetic relaxes your muscles, makes you feel as if you are in a deep sleep and prevents you from feeling pain. An IV will be put in your arm to give you fluids and medications.

After the anesthesia has taken effect, the surgeon will make an incision in the abdominal wall to expose the ligaments and blood vessels around the uterus. The doctor separates the ligaments and blood vessels from the uterus, then ties off the blood vessels so they will heal and not bleed. Then, the uterus is removed by cutting it off at the top of the vagina. The top of the vagina is closed so that a hole is not left. Usually a catheter is inserted to drain your bladder during the night.

What Happens After the Procedure?

Your stay in the hospital will vary, but is usually two to four days. The IV and catheter will be removed when you are able to drink fluids and swallow pills.

You will not be able to do any heavy lifting or otherwise strain the stomach muscles for four to six weeks. Ask your doctor what other steps you should take and when you should return for a checkup.

After this operation, you will not be able to become pregnant. If you have concerns about this, discuss it with your doctor.

What are the benefits of this procedure?

A hysterectomy removes any tumors the doctor finds in the uterus. It takes care of problems you may have been having with your uterus.

What are some of the Risks Associated with this Procedure?

There are some risks when you have general anesthesia. Discuss these risks with your doctor and how they may apply to you. Surgical risks include:

• Your bladder or the tubes leading to it may be injured and need surgical repair.
• The sutures may have to be reopened to stop any bleeding that may occur after the surgery.
•  If there is cancer, it's possible that not all of the tumors will be removed.
• The cancer may recur.
• There is a risk of infection.
• The incision may open.
• Your intestine or bowel may be injured during the surgery.

If I experience symptoms after the surgery, when should I call the doctor?

Call the doctor immediately if:

• You develop a fever.
• You become dizzy or faint.
• You experience nausea and vomiting.
• You become short of breath.
• You have heavy vaginal bleeding.
• You have leakage from the incision or the incision opens.
• You have pain when you urinate.
• You have swelling, redness or pain in your leg.