medstargeorgetown.org

Adjust Font Size

Education and Wellness

Health News You Can Use
Health Centers
MyGeorgetownMD - Health Newsletter
Health Tools and Information
Wellness Tools
Care Guides
Health Risk Assessments
Human Atlas
Clinical Trials
Community Lectures
Ask-A-Doc Video Series
Classes, Events and Support Groups
MedStar Georgetown Pediatrics Newsletters
Drug Notes
Drug Interaction
Request More Information

Home > Education and Wellness > ADAM - Health Information

Search Health Information

Hysterectomy - series

Normal anatomy

The uterus is joined at the cervix to the vagina and by the fallopian or uterine tubes to the ovaries.

Indications

A hysterectomy is the removal of the uterus, resulting in the inability to become pregnant (sterility). May be done through the abdomen or the vagina.

Hysterectomy may be recommended for:

severe, long-term (chronic) infections (pelvic inflammatory disease)
severe inflammation of the lining of the uterus (endometriosis)
tumors in the uterus
uterine fibroids, cancer of the endometrium
cancer of the cervix, cancer of the ovary
severe, long-term (chronic) vaginal bleeding

Procedure

Hysterectomy is a very common operation. The uterus may be completely removed, partially removed, or may be removed with the tubes and ovaries. A partial hysterectomy is removal of just the upper portion of the uterus, leaving the cervix and the base of the uterus are left intact. A total hysterectomy is removal of the entire uterus and the cervix . A radical hysterectomy is the removal of the uterus, both fallopian tubes, both ovaries, and the upper part of the vagina.

A hysterectomy may be done through an abdominal incision (abdominal hysterectomy) or through a vaginal incision (vaginal hysterectomy).

Aftercare

Most patients recover completely from hysterectomy. Removal of the ovaries causes immediate menopause and hormone replacement therapy (estrogen) may be recommended.

The average hospital stay is from 5 to 7 days. Complete recovery may require 2 weeks to 2 months. Recovery from a vaginal hysterectomy is faster than from a abdominal hysterectomy. If the bladder was involved, then a catheter may remain in place for 3 to 4 days to help the bladder pass urine. Moving about as soon as possible helps to avoid blood clots in the legs and other problems. Walking to the bathroom as soon as possible is recommended. Normal diet is encouraged as soon as possible after bowel function returns. Avoid lifting heavy objects for a few weeks following surgery. Sexual activities should be avoided for 6 to 8 weeks after a hysterectomy.

Review Date: 2/8/2013
Reviewed By: Susan Storck, MD, FACOG, Chief, Eastside Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Group Health Cooperative of Puget Sound, Bellevue, Washington; Clinical Teaching Faculty, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed by A.D.A.M. Health Solutions, Ebix, Inc., Editorial Team: David Zieve, MD, MHA, Bethanne Black, Stephanie Slon, and Nissi Wang.

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. © 1997- A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.

Specialty:
Name:

MedStar Georgetown University Hospital

Education and Wellness