One way of doing hysterectomy is through abdominal hysterectomy. This procedure allows the removal of the uterus and other reproductive organs such as ovaries, fallopian tubes and cervix through an incision in the lower abdomen.

After hysterectomy, a woman can still continue having sexual intercourse without getting pregnant so there is no need for the use of contraception. She is also expected not to have monthly period anymore but this changes doesn’t necessarily mean that the woman will become older than her age. The space in the abdomen once occupied by the reproductive organs will then be occupied by the bowels.

Know beforehand if you will still need to undergo other treatments after the surgery. Make sure that hysterectomy is the only procedure required to treat your abdominal problem.

Kinds of Hysterectomy

The following are the three types of abdominal hysterectomy: subtotal, total, and total with bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy.

In a subtotal abdominal hysterectomy, only the uterus is removed, and the cervix is kept. Some of the advantages of this procedure are a faster operation; lowered risk of organ damage; lowered risk of vaginal prolapse; less blood loss; less chance of getting a fever; and shorter hospital stay. This type of abdominal hysterectomy, however, can still result in spotting after the surgery due to residual endometrial tissue in the cervical canal. Furthermore, there is a risk of acquiring cancer from the cervix that remained in the vagina.

A total abdominal hysterectomy is when both the uterus and the cervix are removed, while a total hysterectomy with bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy is when the ovaries and the fallopian tubes are removed along with the uterus and the cervix.

When Abdominal Hysterectomy is Needed

Abdominal hysterectomy is needed for some common reasons:

Cervical Cancer Excessive bleeding of the uterus Fibroids Cervical cancer

Abdominal Hysterectomy Preparations

Preparedness is the best weapon even in undergoing any surgery. Here are some of the things to prepare before undergoing hysterectomy.

Make arrangements at home or at work for the time you’ll be away. Also quit smoking, or at least stop smoking a week prior to the surgery in order to reduce the risk of complications, such as pneumonia. It is recommended that you stop taking NSAIDS or any other blood thinning medications 5 to 7 days prior to surgery. Patients should stop using contraceptive medication at least four weeks before the surgery. Consult your doctor on the other medications you need to stop prior to the surgery.

Post Abdominal Hysterectomy Activities

Things you should do right after the operation:

Take pain killers prescribed by your doctor to deal with the pain brought about by the surgery. If bleeding still persist at home with unusual smelly discharge, consult your doctor immediately. Refrain from using tampons and use sanitary pads instead for vaginal bleeding after the surgery.

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