Introduction
Abdominal hysterectomy is a surgery to remove your womb (uterus). The womb is the part of your body that holds a growing baby. You may need this procedure if:
You have cancer.
You have growths (tumors).
You have long-term (chronic) pain.
You are bleeding.
Your womb has slipped down into your vagina.
You have a condition in which the tissue that lines the womb grows outside of its normal place.
You have an infection in your womb.
You have problems with your period.
You may also need other reproductive parts removed. This will depend on why you need to have the surgery.
What happens before the procedure?
Staying hydrated
Follow instructions from your doctor about hydration. This may include:
Up to 2 hours before the procedure – you may continue to …show more content…
Cereal.
6 hours before the procedure – stop drinking:
Milk
Drinks that have milk in them.
2 hours before the procedure – stop drinking clear liquids.
Medicines
Ask your doctor about:
Changing or stopping your regular medicines. This is important if you take diabetes medicines or blood thinners.
Taking medicines such as aspirin and ibuprofen. These medicines can thin your blood. Do not take these medicines before your procedure if your doctor tells you not to.
You may be given antibiotic medicine. This can help prevent infection.
You may be asked to take medicines that help you poop (laxatives).
General instructions
Ask your doctor how your surgical site will be marked or identified.
You may be asked to shower with a germ-killing soap.
Plan to have someone take you home from the hospital or clinic.
If you will be going home right after the procedure, plan to have someone with you for 24 hours.
Do not use any products that contain nicotine or tobacco, such as cigarettes and e-cigarettes. If you need help quitting, ask your doctor.
You may have an exam or tests done.
You may have a blood or urine sample taken.
Talk to your doctor about the changes this procedure may cause. These can be physical or
Abdominal hysterectomy is a surgery to remove your womb (uterus). The womb is the part of your body that holds a growing baby. You may need this procedure if:
You have cancer.
You have growths (tumors).
You have long-term (chronic) pain.
You are bleeding.
Your womb has slipped down into your vagina.
You have a condition in which the tissue that lines the womb grows outside of its normal place.
You have an infection in your womb.
You have problems with your period.
You may also need other reproductive parts removed. This will depend on why you need to have the surgery.
What happens before the procedure?
Staying hydrated
Follow instructions from your doctor about hydration. This may include:
Up to 2 hours before the procedure – you may continue to …show more content…
Cereal.
6 hours before the procedure – stop drinking:
Milk
Drinks that have milk in them.
2 hours before the procedure – stop drinking clear liquids.
Medicines
Ask your doctor about:
Changing or stopping your regular medicines. This is important if you take diabetes medicines or blood thinners.
Taking medicines such as aspirin and ibuprofen. These medicines can thin your blood. Do not take these medicines before your procedure if your doctor tells you not to.
You may be given antibiotic medicine. This can help prevent infection.
You may be asked to take medicines that help you poop (laxatives).
General instructions
Ask your doctor how your surgical site will be marked or identified.
You may be asked to shower with a germ-killing soap.
Plan to have someone take you home from the hospital or clinic.
If you will be going home right after the procedure, plan to have someone with you for 24 hours.
Do not use any products that contain nicotine or tobacco, such as cigarettes and e-cigarettes. If you need help quitting, ask your doctor.
You may have an exam or tests done.
You may have a blood or urine sample taken.
Talk to your doctor about the changes this procedure may cause. These can be physical or