This is the surgical procedure traditionally used to remove the uterus where access to the uterus is via an incision in the abdomen.
The incision is either:
• horizontal just above the pubic hair (at the bikini line, like a caesarean section called the Pfannenstiel incision). This is most common.
• vertical, running from below the navel to the pubic region (called mid-line incision). This is less common.
Depending on the reason for the hysterectomy, the surgeon will decide on the appropriate type of incision. If the patient has already undergone surgery then the existing scar is reopened.
Abdominal hysterectomy is often performed when the uterus is very large, when the area is cancerous, or if other forms of surgery are deemed too difficult to perform.
This type of hysterectomy allows the cervix to remain in place.
When the patient is suffering from cancer, this procedure allows for removal of the pelvic lymph nodes.
Postoperative recovery is good, however because the patient has an abdominal scar, she will stay in hospital a little longer and she will take up her former activities a little later.
