stitches

This is probably a strange question but I don't know exactly how an abdominal hysterectomy is performed. Is it all abdominal or is there a reason to be in stirrups during the surgery. I'm assuming that there is not going to be any vaginal stitches. Is this a correct assumption?

Hi,

Usually with a total abdominal hysterectomy, you'll have an incision in the abdomen only. There should be no reason for stirrups.

If you are having your cervix removed, you will have sutures at the top of the vaginal vault, closing off the end where the cervix was located. You'll also have many, many internal sutures where everything is cut and sewn back together.

There is a website that shows some pictures of the different types of surgeries. It's www.pelvicfloor.com. I must warn you though that the pictures are very graphic, so if you're squeemish at all, you might not want to go there.

Best wishes and s,

Lisa

I had an abdominal hysterectomy on 5/25. They make an incision in your abdomen and take everything out through there. You will have stitches or staples there. The only thing I can think to compare a abdominal insicion to is a C-section. If they take your cervix you will have vaginal stitches. ( internal ) It is called a vaginal cuff. This is where that stitch where the vagina and cervix met (cervicovaginal junction) It does shorten the vagina but not much. You will not be able to tell it is shorter. Hope this helps . Take care!

If your surgery is an abdominal hyst, no there is no reason to have your feet up in stirrups. I know mine weren't. HOwever, if you are having any type of internal repairs done (cystocele, rectocele, etc), this may necessitate stirrups, and vaginal stitches.

Many women end up with staples or stitches after abdominal hysts. I came home with neither. My surgeon prefers to use internal dissolving sutures. So all I can see is the odd black thread, and a big knot of suture material at one end.


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