Abdominal Hysterectomy
Definition
● Surgical removal of the entire uterus through an abdominal incision.
● A hysterectomy is indicated for a variety of conditions, including endometriosis,
adnexal disease, postmenopausal bleeding, dysfunctional uterine bleeding, and
benign fibromas or malignant tumors.
● For women in their childbearing years, this surgery, as with a vaginal hysterectomy,
can be a devastating blow psychologically, since they may feel they have lost their
primary sexual characteristic and therefore can no longer function as women.
Positioning
● Supine, with arms extended on armboards.
Incision Sites
● Lower transverse (Pfannenstiel), vertical, midline, or paramedian.
Packs/ Drapes
Definition
● Surgical removal of the entire uterus through an abdominal incision.
● A hysterectomy is indicated for a variety of conditions, including endometriosis,
adnexal disease, postmenopausal bleeding, dysfunctional uterine bleeding, and
benign fibromas or malignant tumors.
● For women in their childbearing years, this surgery, as with a vaginal hysterectomy,
can be a devastating blow psychologically, since they may feel they have lost their
primary sexual characteristic and therefore can no longer function as women.
Positioning
● Supine, with arms extended on armboards.
Incision Sites
● Lower transverse (Pfannenstiel), vertical, midline, or paramedian.
Packs/ Drapes
