Abdominal hysterectomy is a surgical procedure in which the uterus is removed through an incision in the lower abdomen.
Uterus is the reproductive organ where a baby grows when you are a pregnant.
The other internal reproductive organs are ovaries, fallopian tubes, and the cervix.
During this procedure, abdominal hysterectomy, there is a possibility of removing one or both ovaries and fallopian tubes.
Other female organs may also be removed when the uterus is removed. With a radical hysterectomy, the reproductive organs such as cervix, ovaries, fallopian tubes, and pelvic lymph nodes are removed along with the uterus (womb).
During a total hysterectomy, there is a possibility of removal of the cervix along with uterus, but not the ovaries or fallopian tubes. However, a subtotal hysterectomy removes only uterus and the ovaries, cervix, fallopian tubes are all left in place.
An abdominal hysterectomy is preferred when you and your gynecologist decide to remove uterus for any reason. Here are some problems that can be treated with hysterectomy are:
When you have uterus cancer, continuous bleeding (heavy) that is uncontrolled by medicine or dilatation and curettage (D&C), endometriosis [Controlling Endometriosis] that does not react to other treatments, chronic pelvic pain, sagging uterus, presence of pre-cancerous or cancerous cells or tissue in the uterus.
During abdominal hysterectomy, you will be given a general or regional anesthesia. Remember a regional numbs only the part of your body while you stay conscious. It keeps you free from pain during the procedure.
However, a general anesthesia relaxes your muscles and gives you a deep sleep. Even this prevents you from feeling pain during the abdominal hysterectomy.
Generally, a catheter (small tube) is inserted into your bladder through the vagina. The catheter drains the bladder. Also, you will have an IV in your arm to provide you the necessary fluids and medicines.
In the abdominal hysterectomy, your doctor makes an incision (cut) in the abdominal wall to reveal the ligaments and blood vessels around the uterus to separate them from the uterus. The incision may be vertical or horizontal.
The doctor ties off the blood vessels so that they heal and not bleed. Now it is possible to remove the uterus by cutting it off at the top of the vagina. A proper care will be taken so that no hole is left at the top of the vagina.
Abdominal hysterectomy requires a longer healing time than other types of procedures. However, it is more advantageous to have an abdominal hysterectomy, as it gives the surgeon a good view of the uterus and other organs during the procedure.
On the other hand, there are some risks with abdominal hysterectomy. The cut in your abdomen may need to reopen if you have any bleeding; your bladder or the tubes may be injured and may need surgical repair; if a piece of blood clot break off, it may enter your bloodstream, and block an artery in the lung; an infection or bleeding may occur.
If you find any of these risks, immediately inform your doctor about your condition!
