
A total abdominal hysterectomy means that both the uterus and the cervix are removed. In some cases, the ovaries and fallopian tubes are also removed, but this depends on the surgeon and the patient. The surgery usually is completed by making an incision in the abdomen.
What foods should you avoid after a hysterectomy?
These foods may contribute to constipation:
- Dried or dehydrated foods: These include dried fruits (prunes are an exception, they can help to ease constipation), beef jerky, and some types of potato chips.
- Processed foods: These foods have little fiber and may be high in sugar and fat.
- Cheese: Cheese is high in fat.
What are the side effects of a complete hysterectomy?
They may include:
- Blood loss and the risk of blood transfusion
- Damage to surrounding areas, like the bladder, urethra, blood vessels, and nerves
- Blood clots in the legs or lungs
- Infection
- Side effects related to anesthesia
- The need to change to an abdominal hysterectomy from one of the other techniques
Why would you need a total abdominal hysterectomy?
You may be having a hysterectomy because you have:
- Uterine cancer, cervical cancer, or ovarian cancer
- Uterine fibroids
- Endometriosis
- Heavy vaginal bleeding
- Pelvic pain
Can You reverse a total hysterectomy?
No, a hysterectomy can not be reversed since the uterus and cervix were removed and are gone with no way of being replaced. Since the uterus can not be replaced, child birth will no longer be possible since there is no longer a place for fetus growth and holding.

What all do they take out when you have a total hysterectomy?
Types of hysterectomy surgery A total hysterectomy (top right) removes the uterus and cervix. At the time of a total hysterectomy, your surgeon may also remove the ovaries and fallopian tubes (bottom). An abdominal hysterectomy is a surgical procedure that removes your uterus through an incision in your lower abdomen.
How do they do a total abdominal hysterectomy?
During your total abdominal hysterectomy, your surgeon will make an incision (surgical cut) on your abdomen. They'll remove your uterus and cervix through the incision. They'll then close your incision with sutures (stitches).
What is removed in a total laparoscopic hysterectomy?
In a total laparoscopic hysterectomy, a surgeon removes your whole uterus (womb) and the opening to the uterus (cervix). Sometimes other reproductive organs are removed, including the fallopian tubes (tubes sending the eggs to the uterus), or ovaries (the egg producers).
Do you have internal stitches with an abdominal hysterectomy?
If your operation is performed through an abdominal incision, the wound will be held together with clips or stitches. There will still be some stitches with laparoscopic surgery. The internal stitches used in vaginal hysterectomy will dissolve naturally.
Do they cut your stomach muscles during a hysterectomy?
Your Recovery An abdominal hysterectomy removes the uterus through a large cut (incision) in the belly. Your doctor made an incision in your lower belly and took out your uterus. You can expect to feel better and stronger each day. But you might need pain medicine for a week or two.
Do they put a tube down your throat for hysterectomy?
If you receive a general anesthesia, after you are asleep and before the surgery starts: a tube to help you breathe will be placed in your throat. Another tube will be placed in your stomach to remove any gas or other contents to reduce the likelihood of injury during the surgery.
Why is the cervix removed during hysterectomy?
Women whose Pap smears recently found lesions that could be pre-cancerous are generally advised to have the cervix removed during a hysterectomy. Some physicians won't leave the cervix in place if a woman tests positive for strains of human papillomavirus that can cause cervical cancer.
Do your hips widen after hysterectomy?
The uterine ligaments are the pelvis' support structures so the torso collapses after those ligaments are cut to remove the uterus. The hips widen and the spine and rib cage fall. This explains why hysterectomized women have shortened and thickened midsections and no curve in their lower backs.
Where is the cut for hysterectomy?
To perform the hysterectomy, your surgeon makes a cut (incision) in your lower abdomen, using one of two approaches:
What part of the uterus is removed?
The lower part of your uterus (cervix) is usually removed (total hysterectomy) but may sometimes be left in place (partial hysterectomy). If necessary, your surgeon may remove additional pelvic organs and tissue, such as your ovaries or fallopian tubes.
What is the term for the growth of the lining of the uterus?
Endometriosis. In endometriosis, the tissue lining the inside of your uterus (endometrium) grows outside the uterus on your ovaries, fallopian tubes, or other pelvic or abdominal organs. When medication or conservative surgery doesn't improve endometriosis, you might need a hysterectomy along with removal of your ovaries and fallopian tubes (bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy).
What is the procedure called when you have both ovaries removed?
Sometimes a hysterectomy includes removal of one or both ovaries and fallopian tubes, a procedure called a total hysterectomy with salpingo-oophorectomy (sal-ping-go-o-of-uh-REK-tuh-me). A hysterectomy can also be performed through an incision in the vagina (vaginal hysterectomy) or by a laparoscopic or robotic surgical approach — which uses long, ...
What is the difference between a partial hysterectomy and a total hysterectomy?
Your uterus — or womb — is where a baby grows if you're pregnant. A partial hysterectomy removes just the uterus, leaving the cervix intact. A total hysterectomy removes the uterus and the cervix. Sometimes a hysterectomy includes removal of one or both ovaries and fallopian tubes, a procedure called a total hysterectomy with salpingo-oophorectomy ...
How long does a hysterectomy last?
A hysterectomy typically is performed under general anesthesia, so you won't be awake during the surgery. The procedure itself generally lasts about one to two hours, although you'll spend some time beforehand getting ready to go into the operating room.
What to tell your doctor about hysterectomy?
Be sure to tell your doctor about any over-the-counter medications, dietary supplements or herbal preparations that you're taking. Discuss what type of anesthesia you'll have. Abdominal hysterectomy requires you to have general anesthesia, which makes you unconscious during surgery. Plan for a hospital stay.
What Is Total Hysterectomy?
A complete or total hysterectomy is a medical procedure during which a female patient’s cervix and uterus are removed. In many cases, the surgeon also removes the ovaries as well as the fallopian tubes. The most common conditions in which a doctor may recommend this procedure are abnormal bleeding, severe cramping, fibroids, or cervical or uterine cancer.
Where is the incision for hysterectomy?
The following description is regarding an abdominal hysterectomy. The surgeon will make an incision in the lower midline of the abdomen. The incision is usually made vertically in the patient’s skin, using a no. 10 scalpel. The doctors do the dissection with a Bovie cautery, through the subcutaneous tissue.
How long does it take to recover from a total abdominal hysterectomy?
Usually, after a total abdominal hysterectomy, the patient needs to remain hospitalized for a several days . However, the recovery time for a robotic or vaginal or laparoscopic hysterectomy is much less. Many patients can go home the same day or next day from the hospital.
How to strengthen pelvic muscles?
Pelvic muscle weakness. If you want to strengthen your pelvic muscles after this medical intervention, you should regularly perform Kegel exercises. Many patients will need pelvic physical therapy to teach them how to strengthen their pelvic floor.
What is the condition where the inner lining of the uterus develops into the uterus muscle?
If you were diagnosed with adenomyosis, which is a disorder in which your uterus’ inner lining develops into the uterus’ muscle.
How long does it take to recover from a hysterectomy?
Even though you may be home from the hospital, the complete recovery can take up to six weeks. You should avoid heavy lifting for at least two weeks. On the other hand, you should walk every day. Except for an abdominal hysterectomy, you can drive 24 hours after surgery. You can walk up and down stairs, and shower immediately. Again, except for abdominal hysterectomy, you can return to office work as early as 1, 2 or 3 weeks. However, most people are still given 6 weeks off of work by their jobs.
What is it called when you have a tumor in your uterus?
When you have benign tumors in your uterus, called fibroids.
Who May Need a Total Abdominal Hysterectomy?
For example, it can affect her ability to have children in the future as well as to produce hormones naturally. With this in mind, the decision to get a total abdominal hysterectomy is not a matter to take lightly. Some of the conditions that may result in the recommendation for this surgery or in the medical necessity for it include fibroids, endometriosis, an overgrowth of the uterine lining, pelvic pain, abnormal vaginal bleeding, an infection in these organs and more.
How long does it take to recover from a total abdominal hysterectomy?
Most patients are able and even encouraged to get up and move around within 24 hours after the surgery. Mobility encourages more rapid recovery time, but it can be painful after this type of surgery.
How is abdominal surgery done?
The surgery usually is completed by making an incision in the abdomen. The incision may be a bikini cut, meaning that that it is concealed by the lower half of a bikini, or a vertical cut. This is considered to be a major abdominal surgery. Lab work and fasting must be completed before the procedure. Anesthesia is required, and the patient ...
What are the conditions that may result in the recommendation for this surgery?
Some of the conditions that may result in the recommendation for this surgery or in the medical necessity for it include fibroids, endometriosis, an overgrowth of the uterine lining, pelvic pain, abnormal vaginal bleeding, an infection in these organs and more.
How long does it take for a patient to return home after a stent removal?
This is usually within two to three days after the surgery. Bed rest alternating with light walking can promote healing in the days following the surgery.
How long do you have to stay in the hospital after a syringe?
Anesthesia is required, and the patient typically will need to remain in the hospital for at least a couple of days after the procedure to recover and to ensure that there are no serious complications.
Is a total abdominal hysterectomy dangerous?
As with all surgeries, there are risks associated with having a total abdominal hysterectomy performed, and there are also long-term consequences associated with it. During the surgery, the patient may experience significant or heavy bleeding that could result in the need for a transfusion. In rare cases, the patient experiences severe damage to surrounding organs, and these include the bladder, kidneys, ureters or bowels. Death is very rare from a hysterectomy.
What organs are being removed during a hysterectomy?
What organs are being removed during my upcoming hysterectomy? A hysterectomy refers only to the removal of the uterus, but how much of the uterus will be removed can be confusing. There are two main parts of the uterus --the fundus and cervix. The fundus refers to the upper (and larger) portion, while the cervix refers to the bottom (or neck) ...
What is it called when you have a partial hysterectomy?
When only the fundus portion is removed, the surgery is called a partial (or supracervical) hysterecto my because only “part” of the uterus is removed. If you will be having a bilateral salpingectomy along with your hysterectomy, then you will also be having both tubes removed. If only one tube is removed, the surgery is called a right ...
What is the term for the removal of the fallopian tube?
Salpingectomy: the removal of the fallopian tube. Bilateral: both. A hysterectomy refers only to the removal of the uterus, but how much of the uterus will be removed can be confusing. There are two main parts of the uterus --the fundus and cervix.
What is the name of the procedure when both ovaries are removed?
When both tubes and ovaries are removed, it is referred to as a bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy (BSO). There are many types of hysterectomies, and your choices for surgery can depend on things like your diagnosis, body frame, ...
What is bilateral oophorectomy?
When an oophorectomy is done along with a hysterectomy, the fallopian tube is almost always removed as well. When both tubes and ovaries are removed, it is referred to as a bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy (BSO).
What is a total abdominal hysterectomy?
Total abdominal hysterectomy (TAH) is commonly referred to as extrafascial hysterectomy. This article explains the basic surgical procedure of TAH as taught to residents. TAH is an operation to remove the uterus with the outer wall of the uterus, and is a fundamental operation that gynecologists must master. Possible complications during TAH include ureteral injury, intestinal damage, and bladder injury. To avoid operative complications, it is important to follow the correct release layer procedure and ensure that “the uterus has been naturally removed.”
How to cut the uterine artery?
Cut the uterine artery and cardinal ligament (first step of parametrial tissue cutting): The Heaney's forceps should be place as close to 90 degrees as possible and Ko cher's forceps are placed in contact with the side wall of the u terus and the tip of the Heaney's forceps so that the space between the forceps makes a triangle. (Reproduced with permission from 1. Hiramatsu Y. Basic Procedure 1. In: Hiramatsu Y, Konishi I, Sakuragi N, Takeda S, eds. Mastering the Essential Surgical Procedures OGS Now, No.2 Total Abdominal Hysterectomy (Japanese). Tokyo: Medical View; 2010: 42–55. Copyright © Medical View).
How far away from the uterus is the round ligament cut?
Ligate and cut the round ligament: Place a ligature in the round ligament approximately 1.5–2 cm away from the uterus and the uterine side is clamped with a Kocher's forceps, and the round ligament is cut. (Reproduced with permission from 1. Hiramatsu Y. Basic Procedure 1. In: Hiramatsu Y, Konishi I, Sakuragi N, Takeda S, eds. Mastering the Essential Surgical Procedures OGS Now, No.2 Total Abdominal Hysterectomy (Japanese). Tokyo: Medical View; 2010: 42–55. Copyright © Medical View).
How to cut ligaments in TAH?
The second important point is to ligate and cut the parametrial ligaments along the roundness of the uterine cervix (A). If you cut along the same cross section as B without following the roundness of the cervix, ureter damage is likely to occur in the location shown by the arrow. (Reproduced with permission from 1. Hiramatsu Y. Basic Procedure 1. In: Hiramatsu Y, Konishi I, Sakuragi N, Takeda S, eds. Mastering the Essential Surgical Procedures OGS Now, No.2 Total Abdominal Hysterectomy (Japanese). Tokyo: Medical View; 2010: 42–55. Copyright © Medical View).
How to avoid complications in a transection?
The two most important points of the authors' method to avoid complications are as follows: (1) cut sequentially from the ligament away from the ureter which moves the ureter further away from the cervix with each transection stage; (2) cut the parametrial tissue along the circumference of the cervix in the next three steps:
What is the first step in a uterine artery?
First step: clamping and cutting the uterine artery and upper part of the cardinal ligament; second step: clamping and cutting the sacrouterine ligament and the posterior half of the cardinal ligament; third step: clamping and cutting the vesicou terine ligament and anterior half of the cardinal liga ment.
Where is the gauze placed for opening the vagina?
Opening the vagina: A large gauze is placed on the posterior side of the uterus, the bladder is elevated with the bladder spatula, and the anterior wall of the cervix is incised with an electric knife. (Reproduced with permission from 1. Hiramatsu Y. Basic Procedure 1.
How many different ways can a surgeon perform a hysterectomy?
There are also four different ways the surgeon can perform your hysterectomy on the day:
What is partial hysterectomy?
Partial hysterectomy (supracervical hysterectomy) removes the uterus but leaves the cervix intact. This type affects the body the least, internally.
What is the tube that connects the ovaries to the uterus?
The fallopian tubes connect the ovaries to the uterus. Ligaments that extend from the upper part of the uterus to the lower part of the ovaries hold them in place. If you want to preserve your ovaries, your surgeon can reattach them after they’ve separated them from your uterus.
How long does it take for bowel movements to go away after a hysterectomy?
You can expect your first bowel movement within 4-5 days after surgery. Bowel problems should go away anywhere from several days to weeks after your hysterectomy.
Can a hysterectomy cause incontinence?
Yes. After a hysterectomy, the remaining abdominal and pelvic organs will shift slightly to fill in the space. This shift can cause incontinence as well as other problems. Keeping your pelvic floor muscles strong by doing Kegels and regular exercise can help prevent these problems.
Can you get depression after a hysterectomy?
Even if you don’t have your ovaries removed, you still have a 4-6% chance of being affected by depression or anxiety after a hysterectomy. Unfortunately, younger women are at a higher risk (12%) of suffering from depression after a hysterectomy.
Can a hysterectomy affect your bowels?
Everything in your pelvis sits close together , so it’s natural that your bowels would be affected by a hysterectomy.

Overview
- An abdominal hysterectomy is a surgical procedure that removes your uterus through an incision in your lower abdomen. Your uterus — or womb — is where a baby grows if you're pregnant. A partial hysterectomy removes just the uterus, leaving the cervix intact. A total hysterectomy removes the uterus and the cervix. Sometimes a hysterectomy includes r...
Why It's Done
- You may need a hysterectomy to treat: 1. Gynecologic cancer.If you have a gynecologic cancer — such as cancer of the uterus or cervix — a hysterectomy may be your best treatment option. Depending on the specific cancer you have and how advanced it is, your other options might include radiation or chemotherapy. 2. Fibroids.A hysterectomy is the only certain, permanent sol…
Risks
- A hysterectomy is generally very safe, but with any major surgery comes the risk of complications. Risks associated with an abdominal hysterectomy include: 1. Blood clots 2. Infection 3. Excessive bleeding 4. Adverse reaction to anesthesia 5. Damage to your urinary tract, bladder, rectum or other pelvic structures during surgery, which may require further surgical repair 6. Earlier onset o…
How You Prepare
- It's normal to feel anxious about having a hysterectomy. Here's what you can do to prepare: 1. Gather information.Before surgery, get all the information you need to feel confident about your decision to have a hysterectomy. Ask your doctor and surgeon questions. Learn about the procedure, including all the steps involved if it makes you feel more comfortable. 2. Follow your …
What You Can Expect
- During abdominal hysterectomy, your surgeon detaches your uterus from the ovaries, fallopian tubes and upper vagina, as well as from the blood vessels and connective tissue that support it. The lower part of your uterus (cervix) is usually removed (total hysterectomy) but may sometimes be left in place (partial hysterectomy). If necessary, your surgeon may remove additional pelvic o…
Results
- It takes time to get back to your usual self after an abdominal hysterectomy — about six weeks for most women. During that time: 1. Get plenty of rest. 2. Don't lift anything heavy for a full six weeks after the operation. 3. Stay active after your surgery, but avoid strenuous physical activity for the first six weeks. 4. Wait six weeks to resume sexual activity. 5. Follow your doctor's recommenda…