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Total abdominal hysterectomy - the uterus with the cervix is
removed through the abdomen. The ovaries may or may not be
removed.
•
Laparoscopic hysterectomy – several small incisions are made in
the abdomen and the doctor works through these incisions using a
camera and small tools to detach the uterus. The uterus is removed
through the vagina.
To Prepare
•
Your doctor may tell you not to take aspirin or ibuprofen for several
days before your surgery. If you take aspirin daily, do not stop taking
it without asking your doctor first.
•
Do not eat or drink anything, including water, after midnight before
your surgery.
•
Ask your doctor if you should take your medicines the morning of
your surgery. If so, take with small sips of water only.
•
An adult family member or friend will need to take you home when
you leave the hospital. It is not safe for you to drive or leave alone.
During Surgery
•
You will wear a hospital gown.
•
An IV (intravenous) tube is put in a vein in your arm for giving
medicines and fluids.
•
You will be taken on a cart to the operating room and then helped
onto a table.
•
Medicine is given in your IV to keep you asleep and free from pain.
•
You will have a catheter that drains urine from your bladder. This
tube is often removed the morning after your surgery.
•
Another tube may be put in through your nose and is passed down to
your stomach to remove fluids so that you will not feel sick to your
stomach. This tube is often taken out before you leave the recovery
room.
•
The surgery area or abdomen is cleaned.