HYSTERECTOMY (ABDOMINAL) WITH REMOVAL OF TUBES & OVARIES

General Information

DEFINITION--Removal of the uterus, cervix, fallopian tubes and ovaries through an incision in the abdomen.

BODY PARTS INVOLVED--Uterus; cervix; fallopian tubes; ovaries; vagina.

REASONS FOR SURGERY

• Uterus: Cancer or suspected cancer; fibroid tumors; chronic bleeding; prolapsed (dropped) uterus; endometriosis; chronic pelvic infection; severe menstrual pain; or voluntary sterilization.
• Fallopian tubes and ovaries: Cancer or suspected cancer of the ovaries; precancerous or twisted ovarian cysts; ovarian pregnancy; ovarian abscess; damage to the ovaries from severe endometriosis.

SURGICAL RISK INCREASES WITH

• Obesity.
• Smoking.
• Iron-deficiency anemia; heart or lung disease; or diabetes mellitus.
• Use of drugs such as: cortisone; antihypertensives; diuretics; or beta-adrenergic blockers.
• Use of mind-altering drugs.

What To Expect

WHO OPERATES--General surgeon or obstetrician-gynecologist.

WHERE PERFORMED--Hospital.

DIAGNOSTIC TESTS

• Before surgery: Blood and urine studies; x-rays of abdomen and kidneys; dilatation and curettage of the uterus (D & C).
• After surgery: Blood studies.

ANESTHESIA--General anesthesia by injection and inhalation with an airway tube placed in the windpipe.

DESCRIPTION OF OPERATION

• An incision is made in the abdomen.
• The abdominal organs are examined.
• The uterus, cervix, fallopian tubes and ovaries are cut free and removed.
• The vagina is closed with sutures at its deeper end.
• The surgical wound is closed in layers.
• A catheter may remain in the bladder for several days.
• The procedure may also be performed by laparoscopy (see in Surgery section).

POSSIBLE COMPLICATIONS

• Excessive bleeding.
• Surgical-wound infection.
• Inadvertent injury to the bladder or ureters.

AVERAGE HOSPITAL STAY--5 to 7 days.

PROBABLE OUTCOME--The vagina will be shortened slightly. This should cause no lasting problem. Expect permanent sterility. Allow about 6 weeks for recovery from surgery.

Postoperative Care

† Use sanitary napkins--not tampons---to absorb blood.

MEDICATION---

Your doctor may prescribe:

• Pain relievers. Don't take prescription pain medication longer than 4 to 7 days. > Supplemental female hormones, unless there are reasons why you should not take them. Ask your doctor.

† To help recovery and aid your well--

being, resume daily activities, including work, as soon as you are able.

• Resume driving 2 weeks after returning home. > Resume sexual relations when able.

DIET--Clear liquid diet until the gastrointestinal tract functions again. Then eat a well--balanced diet to promote healing.

Call Your Doctor If

Any of the following occurs:

• Vaginal bleeding that soaks more than 1 pad per hour.
• Frequent urge to urinate or excessive vaginal discharge that persists longer than 1 month.
• Increased pain or swelling in the surgical area.
• Signs of infection: headache, muscle aches, dizziness or a general ill feeling and fever.