Understanding Abdominal Hysterectomy

Description

Abdominal hysterectomy is used to treat several gynecological disorders, like endometriosis, and cancers, Like Uterine Cervical Cancer 

What is an abdominal hysterectomy? 

Hysterectomy is a surgery performed to remove the uterus (or womb). The fallopian tubes and ovaries may also be removed based on an individual’s medical history and reason for surgery. There are different methods of performing hysterectomy. Abdominal hysterectomy, done through a surgical cut in the abdomen, is one of them. 

An abdominal hysterectomy may be advised if the uterus, enlarged due to fibroids or pelvic tumors, cannot be removed through the vagina. The procedure, performed under general anesthesia or regional anesthesia takes approximately one hour to complete. After a hysterectomy, you will no longer have periods or be able to conceive.

Indications of abdominal hysterectomy

Usually, your gynecologist decides whether you require a hysterectomy or not. Surgery is recommended when medication might not be enough to treat your symptoms. Some of the conditions for which a hysterectomy is recommended are as follows:( In Selected cases) are as fallows 

• Heavy menstrual bleeding that cannot be managed by any other treatment
• Uterine fibroid
• Chronic uterine infection
• Endometriosis
• Adenomyosis
• Uterine prolapse
• Ovarian, cervical, or uterine cancer 
• Certain types of breast cancer

An abdominal hysterectomy may be recommended over vaginal and laparoscopic assisted vaginal hysterectomy when you not only have a large uterus but also have an abnormally thick endometrium (uterine lining). It may also be recommended when your surgeon needs to examine other pelvic organs for potential signs of a disease.

All about abdominal hysterectomy 

Before surgery:

Preparation for abdominal hysterectomy involves physical and pelvic examinations to assess your overall condition. You will be advised not to drink or eat anything at least 12 6 hours before the procedure. Your doctor might prescribe a laxative for you to empty your bowel before the surgery. The doctor might also prescribe some medicines to reduce the risk of heavy bleeding during the procedure. 

During surgery: 

You will be given general anesthesia or regional anesthesia to help you sleep or not feel any pain during the surgery. You will have a catheter (or urinary tube) passed through the urethra to empty the bladder. It remains in place during and a few hours after surgery.

Once the anesthesia takes effect, the surgeon will make a six- to eight-inch-long incision (or cut) on your abdomen. This incision will either be horizontal along the bikini line or vertical from the naval to the bikini line. Your surgeon will generally discuss the incision type before the surgery. A vertical incision will normally be required if there are large fibroids (non-cancerous growths) in the uterus or some forms of cancer. The uterus, cervix, ovaries, and/or fallopian tubes are removed through this incision.  Hysterectomy can be done by open /laparoscopic /laparoscopic /assisted vaginal /robotic techniques. 

The surgeon will decide the type of hysterectomy to be performed based on your health condition. The surgeon might make some decisions during the surgery if they see a problem before them. 

The surgeon may decide to do a partial hysterectomy, like removing the main body of the uterus and leaving the cervix behind. However, it is rarely performed. A total hysterectomy includes the removal of both the cervix and the uterus. In a radical hysterectomy, the uterus, cervix, , parametrical[BRA1]  tissue  lymph glands, and fatty tissues are removed. 

At the end of the surgery, the wound is closed with dissolvable sutures or non-dissolvable sutures or staples that need to be removed in five to seven days. A dressing will be applied to cover the suture.

After surgery and recovery:

You will be shifted to the post-operative care unit immediately after the surgery. Generally, a hospital stay of three to five days is required. During this time, you will be monitored for discomfort and given medication to manage pain and prevent infection. Once you return home, you will need to keep the wound clean and dry. You might have to use sanitary napkins because you might experience vaginal bleeding for a few weeks. Avoid lifting heavy objects, strenuous physical activity, tub baths, and sexual intercourse for at least the first six to eight weeks. Expect a complete recovery in six to eight weeks.

Potential risks

The risks of abdominal hysterectomy include:

1. Fever
2. Formation of blood clots
3. Wound infection, bruising, and delayed wound healing
4. Development of a hernia in the scar
5. Numbness or burning sensation around the scar
6. Excessive bleeding
7. Adverse reaction to anesthesia
8. Accidental damage to the urinary tract, bladder, rectum, or other pelvic structures during the surgery, which may require further surgical care
9. Early onset of menopause (even if ovaries are not removed)
10. Psychological symptoms, like depression or sleep disturbance

What are the disadvantages of abdominal hysterectomy? 

• Longer recovery period 
• Elevated pain during the recovery period 
• A visible scar on the abdomen 

Contact Fortis Healthcare to know more about the abdominal hysterectomy procedure.

FAQs

1. How long is the surgery?

The surgery generally lasts about one to two hours.

1. What should I monitor after an abdominal hysterectomy?

After the surgery, you will need to monitor the incision site for any signs of redness, discharge, or swelling. You will also need to look for any excessive bleeding or abnormal vaginal discharge. Ensure regular urination and bowel movements.

1. How do I know if the abdominal hysterectomy procedure was a success?

The results may vary from person to person. Ideally, if you are free from the discomforting and painful symptoms present before the surgery, the surgery can be considered a success.

1. How can I prepare myself for the surgery?

If you smoke, stop smoking for six weeks before the surgery to reduce the risk of complications and for better healing. Also, try to maintain a healthy weight. You might have a higher risk of complications if you are overweight. 

1. What are the restrictions after the procedure?

Limit strenuous physical activity for two weeks after the surgery. Avoid lifting, pushing, or pulling heavy weights; strenuous activities; using tampons; douching; or sexual intercourse for six weeks.