This document provides information about hysterectomies, including what the procedure is, the different types, reasons it may be performed, what to expect before, during, and after surgery, potential side effects and complications, and signs that should prompt contacting a healthcare provider. A hysterectomy is the surgical removal of the uterus and can also involve removing the ovaries and/or fallopian tubes. It is commonly performed to treat conditions like abnormal bleeding, fibroids, endometriosis, and various cancers. The procedure usually lasts 1-3 hours and is done under general or regional anesthesia through either an abdominal or vaginal incision. Recovery at home involves gradually increasing activity levels over 4-6 weeks.

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2. WHAT IS A HYSTERECTOMY?
• Hysterectomy is the surgical removal of the uterus. It
ends menstruation and the ability to become pregnant.
Depending on the reason for the surgery, a
hysterectomy may also involve the removal of other
organs and tissues such as the ovaries and/or fallopian
tubes.
• Hysterectomy is the most common non obstetrical
surgical procedure of women in the united state.
Approximately 300 out of every 100,000 women will
undergo a hysterectomy.

3. TYPES OF HYSTERECTOMY
Total abdominal hysterectomy.
Vaginal hysterectomy
Supra cervical hysterectomy
Laparoscopy –assisted vaginal
hysterectomy
Laparoscopic supra cervical
hysterectomy
Radical hysterectomy

4. IMAGE OF HYSTERECTOMY

5. WHY IS HYSTERECTOMY PERFORMED?
 A hysterectomy may be performed to treat:
• Abnormal vaginal bleeding that is not controlled by other
treatment methods
• Severe endometriosis (uterine tissue that grows outside the
uterus)
• Leiomyomas or uterine fibroids (benign tumors) that have
increased in size, are painful or are causing bleeding
• Increased pelvic pain related to the uterus but not controlled
by other treatment
• Uterine prolapse (uterus that has "dropped" into the vaginal
canal due to weakened support muscles) that can lead to
urinary incontinence or difficulty with bowel movements
• Cervical or uterine cancer or abnormalities that may lead to
cancer for cancer prevention .

6. DOES HYSTERECTOMY AFFECT SEXUAL
FUNCTION?
• A woman's sexual function is usually not
affected after hysterectomy, and her sexual
desire should not change. Only if the ovaries
were removed with the uterus prior to
menopause, decreased sex drive may occur
and vaginal dryness may be a problem during
sex. However, estrogen therapy can relieve
vaginal dryness and other hormone-related
effects.

7. BEFORE THE PROCEDURE
• A health care provider will explain the procedure
in detail, including possible complications and
side effects. He or she will also answer your
questions.
In addition:
• Blood and urine tests are taken
• An enema or bowel prep may be given to cleanse
the bowel
• Abdominal and pelvic areas may be shaved
• An intravenous (IV) line is placed in a vein in your
arm to deliver medications and fluids

8. DURING THE PROCEDURE
• An anesthesiologist will give you either:
• General anesthesia in which you will not be awake
during the procedure; or
• Regional anesthesia (also called epidural or spinal
anesthesia) in which medications are placed near the
nerves in your lower back to "block" pain while you
stay awake.
• The surgeon removes the uterus through an incision in
your abdomen or vagina. The method used during
surgery depends on why you need the surgery and the
results of your pelvic exam.
• During a vaginal hysterectomy, some doctors use a
laparoscope (a procedure called laparoscopically
assisted vaginal hysterectomy or LAVH) to help them
view the uterus and perform the surgery.

9. NOTES
How long does the
procedure last?
• The procedure lasts 1 to 3
hours. The amount of time
you spend in the hospital
for recovery varies,
depending on the type of
surgery performed.
The day of discharge
• A responsible adult must
drive you home the day
you are discharged from
the hospital.

10. HOME RECOVERY
• You may resume your normal diet, as tolerated.
• You may take a bath or shower. Wash the incision with soap
and water (the stitches do not have to be removed, as they
will dissolve in about 6 weeks). A dressing over the incision
is not necessary. If skin clips (staples) were used, they will
need to be removed by your health care provider.
• You may use lotions and creams on the skin around the
incision to relieve itching.
• Increase your activity gradually every day, when you feel
capable and aren't in pain. Completely normal activities can
be resumed within 4 to 6 weeks or sooner if the procedure
was performed vaginally or through the laparoscope.
• Drive when you feel capable and are no longer requiring
narcotic pain medications-- about 2 weeks after surgery.

11. HOW WILL I FEEL AFTER HYSTERECTOMY?
• After hysterectomy, your periods will stop.
Occasionally, you may feel bloated and have
symptoms similar to when you were
menstruating. It is normal to have light vaginal
bleeding or a dark brown discharge for about 4 to
6 weeks after surgery.
• You may feel discomfort at the incision site for
about 4 weeks, and any redness, bruising or
swelling will disappear in 4 to 6 weeks. Feeling
burning or itching around the incision is normal.
You may also experience a numb feeling around
the incision and down your leg. This is normal
and, if present, usually lasts about 2 months.

12. NOTE
• If the ovaries remain, you should not
experience hormone-related effects. If the
ovaries were removed with the uterus before
menopause, you may experience the
symptoms that often occur with menopause,
such as hot flashes. Your health care provider
may prescribe hormone replacement therapy
to relieve menopausal symptoms.

13. WHAT ARE THE COMPLICATIONS OF
HYSTERECTOMY?
• As with any surgery, there is a slight chance that
problems may occur. Problems could include blood
clots, severe infection, bleeding after surgery, bowel
blockage, urinary tract injury, or problems related to
anesthesia.

14. WHEN SHOULD I CALL MY HEALTH CARE PROVIDER?
• Call your health care provider if you have:
• Bright red vaginal bleeding
• A fever over 100°F
• Severe nausea or vomiting
• Difficulty urinating, burning feeling when
urinating, or frequent urination
• Increasing amount of pain
• Increasing redness, swelling, or drainage from
your incision

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