Abdominal Hysterectomy Pointers to Consider
If the hysterectomy is done in the lower part of the abdomen through incision, it is called, abdominal hysterectomy. During this procedure, the uterus is removed and in some cases, the cervix, fallopian tubes and ovaries is removed as well. This depends on the condition of the patient.
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.
Different Type of Hysterectomy
Abdominal hysterectomy is composed of three different types of procedures. It includes: subtotal, total with bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy and total hysterectomy.
Subtotal abdominal hysterectomy is when only the uterus is removed and the cervix is kept. This procedure has its advantages which includes faster surgery procedure, shorter hospital stay, less blood loss, minimal possibility of organ damage and vaginal prolapse, and less chance of having fever. On other hand, a patient may still experience spotting after the surgery because of the remaining endometrial tissue in the cervix. Moreover, the patient is also at risk of having cancer from the cervix that is left in the vagina.
In total abdominal hysterectomy, both the uterus and the cervix are removed. With bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy hysterectomy not only the uterus and cervix are removed but the ovaries and fallopian tubes as well.
When To Chose Abdominal Hysterectomy
Here are the common reasons why abdominal hysterectomy is needed:
Cancer of the cervix or the uterus Fibroids Excessive bleeding
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:
You can expect vaginal bleeding right after the surgery but refrain from using tampons, and use sanitary pads instead. If you still experience bleeding and have smelly secretions after you go home, consult your doctor. Use pain killers as prescribed by your doctor to deal with the pain and discomfort caused by the surgery.
Has the doctor advised you to have abdominal hysterectomy? You might want to consider Da Vinci hysterectomy procedure instead.
