Traditional Surgical Uterus Removal
An Abdominal Hysterectomy is a surgical procedure to remove the uterus through an incision in the lower abdomen. While minimally invasive techniques are often preferred, there are specific medical situations where a traditional open abdominal approach is the safest and most effective option for the patient.
When is this Procedure Recommended?
Our experienced surgeons may recommend an abdominal hysterectomy instead of a laparoscopic procedure in cases involving:
- Very Large Uterus or Fibroids: When the uterus is enlarged beyond the capacity of laparoscopic removal.
- Severe Endometriosis or Adhesions: Extensive scar tissue from previous pelvic surgeries can make minimally invasive access difficult or unsafe.
- Gynaecological Cancers: Suspected or confirmed cancers of the uterus, cervix, or ovaries often require a larger incision to allow the surgeon to thoroughly evaluate surrounding tissues and remove lymph nodes.
- Complex Pelvic Anatomy: Situations where a wider field of vision is required for the surgeon to operate safely.
What to Expect During the Procedure
The surgery is performed under general anesthesia. The surgeon makes an incision, usually horizontal across the bikini line (though sometimes a vertical incision is necessary), to access and remove the uterus. Depending on your specific condition, the ovaries and fallopian tubes may also be removed during the same procedure.
Recovery & Aftercare
Because this is an open surgery, recovery time is longer than with laparoscopic procedures:
- Hospital Stay: You can expect to stay in the hospital for 2 to 3 days post-surgery.
- Full Recovery: It generally takes 6 to 8 weeks to fully recover and return to normal, strenuous activities.
- Aftercare: You will be advised to get plenty of rest, avoid heavy lifting, and abstain from sexual intercourse for a specified period while the internal tissues heal. Our team will provide detailed pain management strategies and schedule follow-up visits to monitor your progress.
