Abdominohysterectomy

Medical Encyclopedia

Overview Procedure Indications Recovery Risks

Abdominohysterectomy

/æbˌdɒmɪnoʊˌhɪstəˈrɛktəmi/
Medical term Surgical procedure

Definition:Surgical removal of the uterus through an abdominal incision

Etymology:From Latin "abdomen" (belly) + Greek "hystera" (womb) + "ectomy" (removal)

📚 Surgical Procedure

Preparation

Preoperative evaluation and anesthesia administration

Patients undergo preoperative testing including blood work and imaging.
General or regional anesthesia is typically used.
Preparation

Incision

Abdominal wall access techniques

The surgeon makes a horizontal (Pfannenstiel) or vertical incision in the lower abdomen.
Incision length typically ranges from 4-6 inches.
Surgical technique

Uterus Removal

Step-by-step organ extraction

The surgeon ligates blood vessels, separates the uterus from surrounding tissues, and removes it through the incision.
The cervix may or may not be removed (total vs. subtotal hysterectomy).
Core procedure

Abdominohysterectomy is typically performed when vaginal hysterectomy isn't possible or when better visualization is needed. The procedure takes 1-3 hours depending on complexity.

🔄 Procedure Comparison

Abdominal Approach

Larger incision required

Longer recovery time (4-6 weeks)

Better visualization of pelvic organs

Vaginal Approach

No external incision

Shorter recovery (2-3 weeks)

Limited visualization

🔊 Medical Indications

Common Reasons

  • Uterine fibroids
  • Endometriosis
  • Pelvic organ prolapse
  • Gynecologic cancers

Other Indications

  • Adenomyosis
  • Chronic pelvic pain
  • Abnormal uterine bleeding
  • Preventive surgery (BRCA+)

Diagnostic Process:

Considerations

  • Patient's age and fertility desires
  • Severity of symptoms
  • Alternative treatments available
  • Surgeon's recommendation

🎯 Recovery Process

Hospital Stay

Postoperative care timeline

Typical hospitalization lasts 2-3 days
IV pain medication gradually transitioned to oral
Acute recovery

Home Recovery

Post-discharge instructions

Activity restrictions for 4-6 weeks
No heavy lifting or strenuous exercise
Home care

Follow-up

Long-term monitoring

Postoperative visit at 2 weeks
Additional visits as needed
Medical follow-up

Recovery Timeline

First week: Rest, pain management, short walks
2-4 weeks: Gradual increase in activity
4-6 weeks: Return to most normal activities

⚠️ Important Notes

Warning Signs:

Contact your doctor immediately if you experience:

  • Fever over 101°F (38.3°C)
  • Heavy vaginal bleeding
  • Severe abdominal pain
  • Redness/swelling at incision site

✍️ Risks and Complications

Potential Risks

1. Bleeding during or after surgery
2. Infection at incision site or internally
3. Blood clots in legs or lungs
4. Damage to nearby organs (bladder, bowel)
5. Adverse reaction to anesthesia

Long-term Considerations

• Menopause symptoms if ovaries removed
• Pelvic floor changes that may affect bladder function
• Sexual function changes (varies by individual)
• Hormonal effects if ovaries removed before natural menopause

Alternative Procedures

Compare with other hysterectomy approaches:

1. Vaginal hysterectomy (no abdominal incision)
2. Laparoscopic hysterectomy (minimally invasive)
3. Robotic-assisted hysterectomy (precision technology)