Abdominal Hysterectomy

In an abdominal hysterectomy, the surgeon will detach the uterus from your ovaries, fallopian tubes and upper vagina. The lower part of the uterus, the cervix, may be left in place or removed. The procedure may also involve the removal one or both ovaries and the fallopian tubes (this is known as a bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy).

One of the most common surgical procedures for women, an abdominal hysterectomy is preferred over a vaginal hysterectomy when the uterus is large of if your doctor needs to look at other pelvic organs to see if the cancer has spread.

A hysterectomy may be needed to address gynecologic cancer such as uterine or cervical cancer, the presence of fibroids, endometriosis, persistent vaginal bleeding, chronic pelvic pain or uterine prolapse.

Unfortunately, a hysterectomy means you can’t become pregnant. If you think you might want to become pregnant, you may want to discuss alternatives with your doctor.

Hysterectomies are fairly common procedures and considered safe.

Complications may include:

• Blood clots
• Infection
• Excessive bleeding
• Adverse reaction to anesthesia
• Potential damage to the urinary tract, bladder or rectum, which may require follow up surgery
• Early onset of menopause