How/what should I tell young family members about upcoming hysterectomy?

I have a 10 and 7 year-old. What is the "just right" amount of info? I want to be honest and accurate without making them anxious or confused. Please tell me what worked for you (or didn't and what you'd do differently)!

I'd just say that Mommy's sick in her tummy and has to go to the hospital to get better -- and that when she gets home, she'll feel worse for a little while, and then much better. Tell them that this happens to lots of people, and it's a normal part of life, and that's why doctors and hospitals are there -- to help people out like this.

I think the age is very important as is the maturity of the child. I have 3 children and I spoke to them all one on one. The 17 and 13 year olds were the easiest.

I have a 10 year old son and with him, I was more general. I explained I was having out patient surgery and would be home that night. I had my gallbladder out at one point. I asked him if he remembered me telling him about that? I told him this would be a little like that, and after I healed I would be feeling much better. His biggest concern was "what if I stayed over night?" We spoke through his Dad coming home to be with them and how that would look and he was fine. Every parent knows their child. I often allow my children's own questions to be my guide about how much they REALLY want to know and what you feel they are able to handle. I believe in being honest, but giving them information on their level to put their mind at ease.

Thank you for your responses! I agree it's good to start general and dole out more info if they ask. I hadn't thought about the fact that they will most of all need reassurance that *they* will be looked after! This helps a lot, thank you.

My kids are much younger, but I have been talking about it casually with them, reminding them that it is coming up, that mommy has a boo-boo (they are 3 and 4) and that the doctor is going to make it all better, but that means mommy has to be away for a few days, and that daddy will be staying home with us for a while so mommy can get better. They seem good with it so far, but of course I would anticipate older children to be more inquisitive.

My 12 year old daughter knew all about it, and was wonderful.

My other daughters are 7, 5 and 3 and they were just told that Mummy was going into the hospital to have her tummy fixed, that I'd be in hospital for a few days and I needed rest and gentle cuddles.
This worked well until I had to stay in longer as my five year old is Autistic and is very fixated on time and was expecting me home earlier. She also hated visiting me in hospital and got stressed. Was much better once I got home!