Abdominal Hysterectomy

Abdominal hysterectomy is a surgery to remove the womb. The womb is also called the uterus. The womb is the part of the body that holds a growing baby. This surgery may be done if you have:

Cancer of the womb.
Growths in your womb.
Infection.
Pain.
Very bad bleeding.
Problems with your menstrual cycle.
Other health problems that affect the organs that help you get pregnant.

Other parts that help in pregnancy may also be removed. These include:

The lowest part of the womb (cervix).
The organs that make eggs (ovaries).
The tubes that move the egg to the womb (fallopian tubes).

Tell your doctor about:

Any allergies you have.
All medicines you are taking. This includes vitamins, herbal medicines, eye drops, creams, and over-the-counter medicines.
Any problems you or family members have had with medicines that make you fall asleep (anaesthetic medicines).
Any blood disorders you have.
Any surgery you have had.
Any medical conditions you have.
Whether you are pregnant or may be pregnant.

What are the risks?

Generally, this is safe surgery. But problems may occur, including:

Bleeding.
Infection.
Allergies.
Damage to nearby parts.
Nerve injury.
Less interest in sex.
Pain during sex.
Blood clots.

What happens before the procedure?

Staying hydrated

Follow instructions from your doctor about hydration. These may include:

Up to 2 hours before the procedure – you may continue to drink clear liquids. These include water, clear fruit juice, and tea and coffee without milk or cream

Eating and drinking restrictions

Follow instructions from your doctor about eating and drinking. These may include:

8 hours before the procedure – stop eating heavy meals or foods. These include meat, fried foods, or fatty foods.
6 hours before the procedure – stop eating light meals or foods. These include toast or cereal.
6 hours before the procedure – stop drinking milk or drinks that contain milk.
2 hours before the procedure – stop drinking clear liquids.

Medicines

Ask your doctor about changing or stopping:
- Your normal medicines.
- Vitamins, herbal medicines, and supplements.
- Over-the-counter medicines.
Do not take aspirin or NSAIDs unless you are told to.
You may be asked to take a medicine that helps you have a poo (laxative).

Surgery safety

For your safety, your doctor may:

Mark the area of surgery.
Remove hair at the surgical site.
Ask you to wash with a soap that kills germs.
Give you antibiotic medicine.

General instructions

This surgery can affect the way you feel about yourself. Ask your doctor about the changes caused by this surgery.
You may have blood and urine tests.
Do not smoke or use any products that contain nicotine or tobacco for 4 weeks before the procedure. If you need help quitting, ask your doctor.
You may need to have an enema to clean out your bottom and lower colon.
Plan to have a responsible adult take you home from the hospital or clinic.

What happens during the procedure?

An IV tube will be put into one of your veins.
You may be given:
- A sedative. This medicine helps you relax.
- Anaesthetics. These medicines:
  - Numb certain areas of your body.
  - Make you fall asleep for surgery.
Tight (compression) stockings will be placed on your legs. This will help with blood flow.
A thin tube will be placed to help drain your wee (urine).
A cut (incision) will be made through the skin in your lower tummy.
The body tissue that covers your womb will be moved aside. Your doctor will take out the womb and other parts if needed.
Bleeding will be stopped with clamps or stitches (sutures).
Your cut will be closed with sutures, skin glue, or skin tape.
A bandage (dressing) will be placed over the cut.

The procedure may vary among doctors and hospitals.

What happens after the procedure?

You will be monitored until you leave the hospital or clinic. This includes checking your blood pressure, heart rate, breathing rate, and blood oxygen level.
You will be given medicine for pain.
You will need to stay in the hospital for 1–2 days.
You will eat a liquid diet at first.
You will still have the tube in place to drain your wee.
You may have to wear tight stockings. These stockings help to prevent blood clots and reduce swelling in your legs.
You will be asked to walk as soon as possible.
You will do breathing exercises or use a machine to help keep your lungs clear.
You may need to use a pad for fluids that come from your vagina.

Summary

Abdominal hysterectomy is a surgery to remove your womb. The womb is the part of the body that holds a growing baby.
Talk with your doctor about the changes this surgery may cause. The changes can affect how you feel about yourself.
You will be given medicine for pain.
You will need to stay in the hospital for 1–2 days.

This information is not intended to replace advice given to you by your health care provider. Make sure you discuss any questions you have with your health care provider.

Medical knowledge, Patient Education

Abdominal Hysterectomy (Easy to read)

Abdominal Hysterectomy

Tell your doctor about:

What are the risks?