TAH: Upcoming May hysterectomy: What happens to surrounding tissues or ligaments?

Hello everyone, I am new to this wonderful website. I have abdominal hysterectomy already scheduled in almost 4 months.
Naturally very worried. This one question has been occupying my mind in the past few days. I am worried that the rest of the organs like ovaries or remaining tissues that are attached to the Uterus are going to be loose. What will happen to them? I haven' t asked my surgeon yet about this. Please let me know if anyone has gotten any answers.

Hi Spring22 -

Keep in mind that the uterus itself is very small - normal is about the size of a pear. So when you have your uterus and cervix (the neck of the uterus) removed, they will attach ligaments to the vagina and pelvic floor to help support it. The ovaries float a bit as described in this article:What Are My Ovaries Attached to Now?

Here is some general information on hysterectomy definitions and types

Your organs will move around a bit after your hysterectomy as they settle in to the place that has been vacated by the uterus and cervix.

I hope this helps some.

If you can stomach it, there are many surgical videos available to view and they discuss other organs and placement. If you can’t stomach those (I get it, my Hubs says they are gross), then review anatomy pictorial. I know it’s easy to picture our organs as free floaters but that’s not the case. Whereas organs can be interconnected, removal of one does not mean the other organ is now set adrift. Don’t be afraid to ask your Dr as well, especially about the bladder and urethra. Good Luck!!

Thank you so very much to you both. It is making sense now. I will check out the links you sent and I will find out if I could stomach it!!