Abdominal Hysterectomy

With Abdominal Hysterectomy, reproductive organs are removed through a 5-7 inch incision in the abdominal wall (laparotomy.) A horizontal incision is more common but a vertical incision is used in cases of endometriosis, large fibroids, a large uterus, or cancer. The incision cuts through the skin, connective tissues, and abdominal muscle.

Surgery time is approximately 1-2 hours. Patients stay in the hospital for 3-5 days.

Recovery time is about 6-8 weeks. More strenuous physical activities can be resumed in 3-6 months.

Patients who plan to have Abdominal Phalloplasty are not good candidates for Abdominal Hysterctomy.

Abdominal Hysterectomy is the most invasive type of Hysterectomy, with higher risks and a longer recovery. However, a 2004 study suggested that Abdominal Hysterectomy results in the lowest complication rate when compared to TLH. Despite the advent of minimally invasive laparoscopic hysterectomy procedures, Abdominal Hysterectomy remains the most common surgical approach used in the United States.