Main Menu
Abdominal Hysterectomy
The removal of the uterus through abdominal hysterectomy is performed to treat a number of medical conditions involving the uterus, although other reproductive organs such as the cervix, fallopian tubes, and ovaries may also be removed if the doctor sees fit.
The removal of the uterus through abdominal hysterectomy is performed to treat a number of medical conditions involving the uterus, although other reproductive organs such as the cervix, fallopian tubes, and ovaries may also be removed if the doctor sees fit.
A woman's menstrual cycle stops after undergoing hysterectomy, making her unable to bear children. Contrary to popular misconceptions, a woman who has undergone hysterectomy can still have a healthy sexual life and does not have to worry about looking older. An added benefit is that she no longer has to practice birth control. In addition, the abdomen won't become hollow because of the removed organs. The bowels take over the space occupied by these organs.
For some women, a hysterectomy surgery alone is enough to treat their medical conditions. However, there are some conditions where further treatment may be required.
Classifications of Abdominal Hysterectomy
Different techniques are employed for an abdominal hysterectomy. These are the following: total with bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy, subtotal, and total.
If only the uterus needs to be removed and the cervix can be retained then a subtotal hysterectomy is performed. This procedure results in shorter hospital stays because the patient gets to recover more quickly, given the faster completion of the surgery. There is also reduced risk of blood loss, fever, vaginal prolapse, and organ damage. The patient may still experience spotting due to the remaining endometrial tissue in the endometrial canal, and the risk of cancer remains due to the retained cervix.
The removal of the ovaries and the fallopian tubes along with the uterus and the cervix is known as a total hysterectomy with bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy. A total abdominal hysterectomy is when only the uterus and cervix are removed.
Conditions Treated by Abdominal Hysterectomy
A doctor may require an abdominal hysterectomy to treat the following:
* Cancer of the uterus or the cervix
* Fibroids
* Abnormal bleeding
Getting Ready for an Abdominal Hysterectomy
Preparing yourself and your family for the surgery will enable you to go into the surgery in the best possible condition. Keep the following in mind:
* Make the necessary provisions in your home and work for the time you'll be undergoing and recuperating from the surgery.
* Do not take blood thinners at least five days before the surgery.
* Contraceptives can cause blood clots, so stop using them a month before your hysterectomy. Also ask your doctor about other medicines you should temporarily stop taking.
Taking Care of Yourself after the Surgery
The following are some dos and don'ts right after undergoing a hysterectomy:
* You may encounter vaginal bleeding for a while after your hysterectomy. Refrain from using tampons. Sanitary pads are a better alternative.
* If vaginal bleeding becomes prolonged and you get odorous secretions, be sure to inform your doctor to get proper advice and treatment.
* It's alright to use pain killers to make yourself comfortable after your hysterectomy. Just make sure to follow your doctor's prescription.
by SarahJohnson
The removal of the uterus through abdominal hysterectomy is performed to treat a number of medical conditions involving the uterus, although other reproductive organs such as the cervix, fallopian tubes, and ovaries may also be removed if the doctor sees fit.
A woman's menstrual cycle stops after undergoing hysterectomy, making her unable to bear children. Contrary to popular misconceptions, a woman who has undergone hysterectomy can still have a healthy sexual life and does not have to worry about looking older. An added benefit is that she no longer has to practice birth control. In addition, the abdomen won't become hollow because of the removed organs. The bowels take over the space occupied by these organs.
For some women, a hysterectomy surgery alone is enough to treat their medical conditions. However, there are some conditions where further treatment may be required.
Classifications of Abdominal Hysterectomy
Different techniques are employed for an abdominal hysterectomy. These are the following: total with bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy, subtotal, and total.
If only the uterus needs to be removed and the cervix can be retained then a subtotal hysterectomy is performed. This procedure results in shorter hospital stays because the patient gets to recover more quickly, given the faster completion of the surgery. There is also reduced risk of blood loss, fever, vaginal prolapse, and organ damage. The patient may still experience spotting due to the remaining endometrial tissue in the endometrial canal, and the risk of cancer remains due to the retained cervix.
The removal of the ovaries and the fallopian tubes along with the uterus and the cervix is known as a total hysterectomy with bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy. A total abdominal hysterectomy is when only the uterus and cervix are removed.
Conditions Treated by Abdominal Hysterectomy
A doctor may require an abdominal hysterectomy to treat the following:
* Cancer of the uterus or the cervix
* Fibroids
* Abnormal bleeding
Getting Ready for an Abdominal Hysterectomy
Preparing yourself and your family for the surgery will enable you to go into the surgery in the best possible condition. Keep the following in mind:
* Make the necessary provisions in your home and work for the time you'll be undergoing and recuperating from the surgery.
* Do not take blood thinners at least five days before the surgery.
* Contraceptives can cause blood clots, so stop using them a month before your hysterectomy. Also ask your doctor about other medicines you should temporarily stop taking.
Taking Care of Yourself after the Surgery
The following are some dos and don'ts right after undergoing a hysterectomy:
* You may encounter vaginal bleeding for a while after your hysterectomy. Refrain from using tampons. Sanitary pads are a better alternative.
* If vaginal bleeding becomes prolonged and you get odorous secretions, be sure to inform your doctor to get proper advice and treatment.
* It's alright to use pain killers to make yourself comfortable after your hysterectomy. Just make sure to follow your doctor's prescription.
About the Author:
See Abdominal Hysterectomy for more information and resources related to this article. You may use this article on your site, but you must retain the original content and links.