HYSTERECTOMY (ABDOMINAL) WITHOUT REMOVAL OF FALLOPIAN TUBES & OVARIES

General Information

DEFINITION--Removal of the uterus and cervix through an incision in the abdomen. This surgery leaves the fallopian tubes and ovaries in place.

BODY PARTS INVOLVED--Uterus; cervix; vagina.

REASONS FOR SURGERY

• Cancer or suspected cancer of the uterus.
• Fibroid tumors.
• Chronic bleeding from the uterus.
• Chronic pelvic infection.
• Endometriosis.
• Prolapsed (dropped) uterus.
• Voluntary sterilization.

SURGICAL RISK INCREASES WITH

• Obesity.
• Smoking.
• Iron-deficiency anemia; chronic heart or lung disorders; or diabetes mellitus.
• Use of drugs such as: cortisone; antihypertensives; diuretics; or beta-adrenergic blockers.
• Use of abused drugs, including: narcotics; psychedelics; hallucinogens; marijuana; sedatives; hypnotics; or cocaine.

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 and cervix 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 blood supply to the ovaries.
• Inadvertent injury to the bladder or ureters.

AVERAGE HOSPITAL STAY--6 to 8 days.

PROBABLE OUTCOME--The vagina will be shortened slightly. This should cause no lasting problem. Expect permanent sterility. Allow 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. Use only as much as you need. > Vaginal creams or medicated douches, if vaginal discharge develops an unpleasant odor.

† To help recovery and aid your well--

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

• Resume driving 15 days 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.
• Signs of infection: headache, muscle aches, dizziness or a general ill feeling and fever.
• Excessive vaginal discharge persists beyond 1 month after surgery.
• Abdominal pain or swelling.