Abdominal hysterectomy is a surgical procedure to remove the uterus. The uterus is an organ that holds the baby as it develops before birth. This surgery may be done if a woman has certain problems of the uterus. These may include cancer or growths (tumors or fibroids). Other problems include infection, chronic pain, severe bleeding, or other problems of the menstrual cycle. The procedure may also be done if:

The uterus has slipped down into the vagina (uterine prolapse).
The tissue that lines the uterus is growing outside of its normal location (endometriosis).

Depending on the reason for this procedure, other reproductive organs may also be removed. These could include:

The lowest part of the uterus (cervix), which opens into the vagina.
The organs that make eggs (ovaries).
The tubes that connect the ovaries to the uterus (fallopian tubes).

Tell your health care provider about:

Any allergies you have.
All medicines you are taking, including vitamins, herbs, eye drops, creams, and over-the-counter medicines.
Any problems you or family members have had with anesthetic medicines.
Any blood disorders you have.
Any surgeries you have had.
Any medical conditions you have or have had.
Whether you are pregnant or may be pregnant.

What are the risks?

Generally, this is a safe procedure. However, problems may occur, including:

Bleeding.
Infection.
Allergic reactions to medicines or dyes.
Damage to nearby structures or organs.
Nerve injury.
Decreased interest in sex or pain during sex.
Blood clots that can break free and travel to your lungs.

What happens before the procedure?

Staying hydrated

Follow instructions from your health care provider about hydration, which may include:

Up to 2 hours before the procedure – you may continue to drink clear liquids, such as water, clear fruit juice, black coffee, and plain tea.

Eating and drinking restrictions

Follow instructions from your health care provider about eating and drinking, which may include:

8 hours before the procedure – stop eating heavy meals or foods, such as meat, fried foods, or fatty foods.
6 hours before the procedure – stop eating light meals or foods, such as 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 health care provider about:
- Changing or stopping your regular medicines. This is especially important if you are taking diabetes medicines or blood thinners.
- Taking medicines such as aspirin and ibuprofen. These medicines can thin your blood. Do not take these medicines unless your health care provider tells you to take them.
- Taking over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, herbs, and supplements.
You may be asked to take a medicine to empty your colon (bowel preparation).

General instructions

This procedure can affect the way you feel about yourself. Talk with your health care provider about the physical and emotional changes this procedure may cause.
Do not use any products that contain nicotine or tobacco for at least 4 weeks before the procedure. These products include cigarettes, chewing tobacco, and vaping devices, such as e-cigarettes. If you need help quitting, ask your health care provider.
Do not drink beverages that contain alcohol prior to the procedure. Alcohol can increase your risk of bleeding and complications. If you need help stopping, ask your health care provider.
Plan to have a responsible adult take you home from the hospital or clinic.

Ask your health care provider:

How your surgery site will be marked.
What steps will be taken to help prevent infection. These steps may include:
- Removing hair at the surgery site.
- Washing skin with a germ-killing soap.
- Taking antibiotic medicine.

What happens during the procedure?

An IV will be inserted into one of your veins.
You will be given one or more of the following:
- A medicine to help you relax (sedative).
- A medicine to make you fall asleep (general anesthetic).
- A medicine that is injected into your spine to numb the area below and slightly above the injection site (spinal anesthetic).
- A medicine that is injected into an area of your body to numb everything below the injection site (regional anesthetic).
Compression stockings will be placed on your legs to promote circulation.
A thin, flexible tube (catheter) will be inserted to help drain your urine.
An incision will be made through the skin in your lower abdomen. The incision may go side to side or up and down.
Your uterus and any other organs that need to be removed will be carefully taken out.
Bleeding will be controlled with clamps or stitches (sutures).
Your incision will be closed with sutures, skin glue, or adhesive strips.
A bandage (dressing) will be placed over the incision.

The procedure may vary among health care providers and hospitals.

What happens after the procedure?

Your blood pressure, heart rate, breathing rate, and blood oxygen level will be monitored until you leave the hospital or clinic.
You will be given pain medicine as needed.
Ask your health care provider how long you will need to stay in the hospital after your procedure.
You may have a liquid diet at first. You will most likely return to your usual diet the day after surgery.
You will still have the urinary catheter in place. It will likely be removed the day after surgery.
You may have to wear compression stockings. These stockings help to prevent blood clots and reduce swelling in your legs.
You will be encouraged to walk as soon as possible. You will do breathing exercises or use a device to help keep your lungs clear.
You may need to use a sanitary napkin for discharge from the vagina.

Summary

Abdominal hysterectomy is a surgical procedure to remove the uterus. The uterus is the organ that holds a developing baby.
This procedure can affect the way you feel about yourself. Talk with your health care provider about the physical and emotional changes this procedure may cause.
You will be given pain medicine after the procedure.
Ask your health care provider how long you will need to stay in the hospital after your procedure.

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

Tell your health care provider about:

What are the risks?