Hysterotomy
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on May 6, 2024.
What is a hysterotomy?
A hysterotomy is an incision made in your uterus. This allows your surgeon to work directly inside your uterus. A hysterotomy may be used during pregnancy. For example, a heart problem in a fetus may be fixed before he or she is born. A hysterotomy may also be used if a baby needs to be delivered quickly. A hysterotomy may also be used to end a pregnancy during the second or third trimester.
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How do I prepare for a hysterotomy?
- Your surgeon will tell you how to prepare. This depends on the reason you are having a hysterotomy. Your surgeon may tell you not to eat or drink anything after midnight on the day of your surgery. Arrange for someone to drive you home and stay with you after surgery.
- Tell your surgeon about all your current medicines. Your surgeon will tell you if you need to stop any medicine for surgery, and when to stop. Your surgeon will tell you which medicines to take or not take on the day of your surgery.
- Tell your surgeon about all your allergies, including to anesthesia or medicines. You will be given an antibiotic to help prevent a bacterial infection.
What will happen during a hysterotomy?
- General anesthesia may be given to keep you asleep and free from pain during surgery. You may instead be given regional anesthesia to numb the surgery area. You will be awake with regional anesthesia, but you should not feel pain.
- Your surgeon will make an incision in your abdomen. Your surgeon may need to bring your uterus partially out of the incision. This depends on the reason you are having a hysterotomy. A second incision will be made in your uterus. Your surgeon will complete any other work, such as surgery on a fetus. When your surgeon finishes, the incision into the uterus will be closed with absorbable stitches. Your uterus may need to be put back through the incision in your abdomen.
- Your surgeon will close the incision in your abdomen with stitches or staples. A bandage will help keep the area clean and dry to prevent infection.
What should I expect after a hysterotomy?
- Medicine may be given to prevent or treat pain, nausea, or a bacterial infection.
- You will be helped to walk around after surgery. You may also be given exercises to do in bed. Movement helps prevent blood clots. You may also be given an incentive spirometer to help prevent a lung infection. The spirometer will help you take deep breaths.
- Drains may be used to remove blood or fluid from the surgery area. The drains will be removed at a later time.
What are the risks of a hysterotomy?
You may bleed more than expected or develop an infection. Your bladder or intestines may be injured during the procedure. You may get a blood clot in your leg. This may become life-threatening.
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