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Definition

Hysterectomy is surgery to remove the uterus (womb). Pregnancy will no longer be possible.

There are different types this surgery:

• Supracervical hysterectomy—removal of the uterus only
• Total hysterectomy—removal of the uterus and cervix (the opening of the uterus leading to the vagina)
• Radical hysterectomy—removal of the uterus, ovaries, fallopian tubes, upper part of the vagina, and the pelvic lymph nodes
• Salpingo-oophorectomy —removal of the ovaries and fallopian tubes (may be combined with any of the above procedures)

Reasons for Procedure

This procedure may be done if the uterus is causing health problems that cannot be treated by other means. It may also be done to:

• Treat cancers, such as uterine, endometrial, and ovarian cancers
• Remove uterine fibroids
• Treat conditions, such as chronic pelvic pain or heavy bleeding

Possible Complications

Problems are rare, but all procedures have some risk. The doctor will go over some problems that could happen, such as:

• Excess bleeding
• Problems from anesthesia, such as wheezing or sore throat
• Infection
• Injured pelvic organs (bowel and/or bladder)
• Urinary incontinence (problems controlling your urine)
• Depression
• Sexual dysfunction

Things that may raise the risk of problems are:

• Smoking
• Drinking alcohol
• Chronic diseases, such as diabetes or obesity
• Previous pelvic surgery or serious infection

What to Expect

Description of the Procedure

This surgery will be done in one of two ways:

Open Abdominal Hysterectomy

An incision will be made in the lower abdomen. This will expose the tissue and blood vessels that surround the uterus. The tissue will then be cut. The blood vessels will be tied off. The uterus will be removed. Next, the abdominal wall will be sewn back together and the skin will be closed with stitches or staples. If the cervix is also removed, stitches will be put in the top of the vagina. Bandages will be placed over the abdomen. The vagina will be packed with gauze. This will be removed in 1 to 2 days.

Abdominal Hysterectomy The uterus is removed through the abdomen. Copyright © Nucleus Medical Media, Inc.

Open Vaginal Hysterectomy

This method will not involve any outside incisions. The vagina will be stretched and kept open with special tools. Next, the uterus and cervix will be cut free. The connecting blood vessels will be tied off. The uterus and cervix will be removed through the vagina. Lastly, the top of the vagina will be closed with stitches. The vagina will be packed with gauze. This will be removed in 1 to 2 days.

Vaginal Hysterectomy The uterus is removed through the vagina. Copyright © Nucleus Medical Media, Inc.

Call Your Doctor

Call the doctor if you are not getting better or you have:

• Signs of infection, such as fever and chills
• Redness, swelling, excessive bleeding, or discharge
• Pain that you cannot control with medicine
• Pain, burning, urgency or frequency of urination, or lasting blood in the urine
• Swelling, redness, or pain in the legs

If you think you have an emergency, call for medical help right away.