TAH (Total abdominal hysterectomy) is a surgery to remove the womb (uterus) along with its outer walls and cervix by making an incision in the abdominal walls. The TAH is also called extrafascial hysterectomy.
TAH (Total abdominal hysterectomy) steps
Laparotomy (to enhance the visual field of the surgeon)
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Ligation and cutting of the round ligament
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Clamping, cutting, and ligating the ovarian ligaments and Fallopian tube
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Bladder mobilization
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Clamping, cutting, and ligating the uterine supply of veins and arteries
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Clamping, cutting, and ligating various ligaments (sacrouterine, vesicouterine, and portions of the cardinal ligament)
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Clamping, cutting, and ligating the vesicouterine ligament and the anterior half of the cardinal ligament
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Clamping the outline of the vagina and portio vaginalis
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Uterus removal from the abdominal incision
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Sutures to close the abdominal incision.
Side effects of TAH (total abdominal hysterectomy)
Immediate side effects on the health of a woman:
- 1. Vaginal dryness
- 2. Insomnia
- 3. Hot flashes
- 4. Night sweats
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Some of the possible side effects weeks after surgery on the health of a woman:
- 1. Pain and itching at the incision site
- 2. Redness, swelling or bruising at the site of the incision
- 3. Burning sensation on the skin surrounding the incision
- 4. A feeling of numbness down the legs and at the incision site
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Effects of TAH (Total abdominal hysterectomy) on the emotional health of women
Tough adjustment with the female body without a uterus is a crucial part of the reproductive system in females.
Sense of losing an internal organ along with the important aspects of feminine character
Long-term side effects of TAH (total abdominal hysterectomy)
- 1. Organ prolapse
- 2. No periods anymore
- 3. No chances of getting pregnant
- 4. Vagina gets bulged out of the body
- 5. Bladder or bowel prolapse
- 6. Bladder prolapse may cause urinary problems
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Side effects of TAH (total abdominal hysterectomy) on the sexual health of women
- 1. Pain while intercourse
- 2. Lowered sex drive
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TAH (total abdominal hysterectomy) indications
- 1. Gynecologic cancer – cancer of the uterus, cervix, and ovaries.
- 2. Enlarged womb due to pelvic tumours and fibroids
- 3. Symptomatic uterine leiomyomas
- 4. Abnormal bleeding from the uterus
- 5. Endometriosis
- 6. Pelvic prolapse
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Classifications of total abdominal hysterectomy
TAH (total abdominal hysterectomy)
TAH involve surgically removing the uterus and cervix
TAH (total abdominal hysterectomy) with Bilateral salphingo-oopherectomy
Removal of the uterus and cervix along with the removal of fallopian tubes and both ovaries. The surgery is performed in order to treat ovarian cancer and its spread to the fallopian tubes.
TAH (total abdominal hysterectomy) with Right-sided salphingo-oopherectomy
Surgical removal of right ovary and the same side fallopian tube along with uterus and cervix
TAH (total abdominal hysterectomy) with Left-sided salphingo-oopherectomy
Removal of left side ovary along with the same side fallopian tube.
TAH (total abdominal hysterectomy) incision
TAH incisions are made in the abdomen and can be vertical or horizontal. A vertical abdomen incision provides the surgeon with more access to the pelvic region. The horizontal incisions leave a thin scar as it follows the natural lines of the skin.
Incision made in the traditional method of TAH (total abdominal hysterectomy) is 6-8 inches long and made in the lower abdominal wall.
Complications of TAH (total abdominal hysterectomy)
Some of the possible complications that may arise during TAH (total abdominal hysterectomy) are:
- 1. Ureteral injury
- 2. Intestinal damage
- 3. Bladder injury.
- 4. Infection
- 5. Excessive bleeding
- 6. Reaction to anaesthesia
- 7. Venous thromboembolism
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Frequently Asked Questions
Which organs and tissues are removed in a total abdominal hysterectomy?
Total abdominal hysterectomy includes the removal of the cervix along with the uterus (womb). The surgeon may also remove fallopian tubes and ovaries if needed. In the abdominal hysterectomy, the uterus and other organs are removed via the incision made in the abdomen.
Why is a total abdominal hysterectomy done?
Total abdominal hysterectomy is recommended over other hysterectomy procedures.
In case a woman has an abnormally large uterus that cannot be removed through the vaginal opening.
In case the surrounding organs also have the indications of disease.
Other health complications make the abdominal hysterectomy the best choice for the patient.
Why is a total abdominal hysterectomy considered major surgery?
Total abdominal hysterectomy is one of the major surgeries as it involves the removal of important reproductive organs of the female body. Also, it takes almost 4-5 days to stay at hospitals. There is a time of almost 6-8 weeks for a full recovery.
What is the difference between a total and partial hysterectomy?
A total abdominal hysterectomy involves the removal of both uterus and cervix, while a partial hysterectomy involves the removal of some portion of the uterus (only the upper portion).
What happens to a woman’s body after a total hysterectomy?
Total abdominal hysterectomy affects a woman’s body to a greater extent as the uterus and cervix are removed. Vaginal discharge and irritation at the incision site are common after a hysterectomy. If the ovaries are also removed along with the uterus and cervix, then there are chances of vaginal dryness and hot flashes. Glamyo health provides free gynaecologist consultation with expert advice to women looking for suggestions and outcomes of TAH (total abdominal hysterectomy).
How long does a total abdominal hysterectomy take?
Time taken to perform a total abdominal hysterectomy is variable depending upon the type of surgical procedure. Generally, it takes 1-2 hours to complete the hysterectomy procedure.
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