Abdominal hysterectomy

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Risks

By Mayo Clinic staff

Hysterectomy is generally very safe, but with any major surgery comes the risk of complications.

Risks associated with abdominal hysterectomy include:

  • Blood clots
  • Infection
  • Excessive bleeding
  • Adverse reaction to anesthesia
  • Damage to your urinary tract, bladder, rectum or other pelvic structures during surgery, which may require further surgical repair
  • Earlier onset of menopause even if the ovaries aren't removed
  • Rarely, death
How you prepare Why it's done
References
  1. Stovall TG, et al. Abdominal hysterectomy. http://www.uptodate.com/index. Accessed Nov. 6, 2012.
  2. Hoffman BL, et al. Williams Gynecology. 2nd ed. New York, N.Y.: The McGraw-Hill Companies; 2012. http://accessmedicine.com/resourceTOC.aspx?resourceID=768. Accessed Nov. 6, 2012.
  3. Falcone T, et al. Overview of hysterectomy. http://www.uptodate.com/index. Accessed Nov. 12, 2012.
  4. Frequently asked questions. Special procedures FAQ008. Hysterectomy. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. http://www.acog.org/~/media/For%20Patients/faq008.pdf?dmc=1&ts=20121106T1337303494. Accessed Nov. 12, 2012.
  5. Hysterectomy fact sheet. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office on Women's Health. http://womenshealth.gov/publications/our-publications/fact-sheet/hysterectomy.cfm. Accessed Nov. 12, 2012.
  6. About hysterectomy: Surgical removal of the uterus, or womb. American College of Surgeons. http://www.facs.org/public_info/operation/brochures/hysterectomy.pdf. Accessed Nov. 12, 2012.
  7. Nieboer TE, et al. Surgical approach to hysterectomy for benign gynaecological disease. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/14651858.CD003677.pub4/abstract. Accessed Nov. 13, 2012.
  8. Bakkum-Gamez JN (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. Nov. 27, 2012.
MY00163 Dec. 11, 2012

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