Surgery to remove the uterus and cervix is a standard treatment in most cases of endometrial cancer (EC), as it removes the source of the disease and stops it from spreading to surrounding tissue and organs.
There are three ways to perform the surgery: an abdominal hysterectomy or laparotomy via an incision in the lower abdomen, a vaginal hysterectomy or a laparoscopic hysterectomy. Here’s what you should know about an abdominal hysterectomy to treat endometrial cancer.
What is an abdominal hysterectomy in EC?
An abdominal hysterectomy is a surgical procedure to remove the uterus via an incision in the lower abdomen. It may also include a bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy, which is the removal of the ovaries, fallopian tubes and lymph nodes.
Unlike a laparoscopic hysterectomy, which is performed through several small incisions in the abdomen, an abdominal hysterectomy is a form of open surgery and performed through a larger incision. Abdominal hysterectomies are now less common than they were before laparoscopic surgery and other less-invasive techniques became widespread, but they are still sometimes the best choice for a patient.
An abdominal hysterectomy is recommended in cases where EC involves large tumors or if the cancer has spread. Direct access to the cancer and the pelvic organs via the abdomen allows the surgeon to clearly see the extent of the cancer.
Read more about EC treatment and care
What to expect from an abdominal hysterectomy
The decision on which type of hysterectomy is best for you will be made following pre-operative blood tests, imaging and a careful evaluation of your cancer. The stage and grade of your EC will be considered, as well as any existing health conditions and your overall health.
An abdominal hysterectomy usually requires a hospital stay of two or three days. The procedure generally lasts one to two hours. Your surgeon will make a large incision, usually around six to eight inches long, in your lower abdomen. This incision may be either vertical (from your belly button to your pubic bone) or horizontal (along the line where your pubic hair starts).
Tips to help your recovery from an abdominal hysterectomy
Recovering from an abdominal hysterectomy is made easier by following your healthcare team’s instructions and advice. Most importantly, the incision made in the abdomen during an abdominal hysterectomy needs around six to eight weeks to heal.
Here are some reminders on how to support your recovery:
- Rest, sleep and spend your recovery time lying on your bed or the couch.
- Don’t lift anything heavy that requires you to engage your internal core muscles.
- Don’t drive until six weeks post-surgery.
- Monitor the site of the incision for any signs of infection and wash it with warm soapy water.
- Take pain relief when you need it.
- Don’t do exercise more strenuous than regular walking until cleared by your doctor.
- Stay hydrated.
- Eat a healthy, nutritious diet.
- Practice self-care by listening to your body and giving it what it needs.
- Don’t push yourself to recover more quickly.
- Lean on family and friends for practical and emotional support, as well as company.
- Talk to a counselor if you’d like to speak freely about your psychological response to the loss of your reproductive system and the impact of battling cancer.
- Stay in close contact with your healthcare team.
Sign up here to get the latest news, perspectives, and information about EC sent directly to your inbox. Registration is free and only takes a minute.
