Hysterotomy
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Apr 6, 2025.
A hysterotomy is an incision made in your uterus. This allows your surgeon to work directly inside your uterus. A hysterotomy may be used during pregnancy. For example, a heart problem in a fetus may be fixed before he or she is born. A hysterotomy may also be used if a baby needs to be delivered quickly. A hysterotomy may also be used to end a pregnancy during the second or third trimester.
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DISCHARGE INSTRUCTIONS:
Call your local emergency number (911 in the US) for any of the following:
- You feel lightheaded, short of breath, and have chest pain.
- You cough up blood.
Seek care immediately if:
- Your arm or leg feels warm, tender, and painful. It may look swollen and red.
- You have increasing abdominal or pelvic pain.
- You have heavy vaginal bleeding that fills 1 or more sanitary pads in 1 hour.
- You have a fever.
Call your surgeon or gynecologist if:
- You have nausea or are vomiting.
- You feel pain or burning when you urinate, or you have trouble urinating.
- You have pus or a foul-smelling odor coming from your vagina.
- You have questions or concerns about your condition or care.
Medicines:
You may need any of the following:
- Prescription pain medicine may be given. Ask your healthcare provider how to take this medicine safely. Some prescription pain medicines contain acetaminophen. Do not take other medicines that contain acetaminophen without talking to your healthcare provider. Too much acetaminophen may cause liver damage. Prescription pain medicine may cause constipation. Ask your healthcare provider how to prevent or treat constipation.
- NSAIDs , such as ibuprofen, help decrease swelling, pain, and fever. NSAIDs can cause stomach bleeding or kidney problems in certain people. If you take blood thinner medicine, always ask your healthcare provider if NSAIDs are safe for you. Always read the medicine label and follow directions.
- Take your medicine as directed. Contact your healthcare provider if you think your medicine is not helping or if you have side effects. Tell your provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Keep a list of the medicines, vitamins, and herbs you take. Include the amounts, and when and why you take them. Bring the list or the pill bottles to follow-up visits. Carry your medicine list with you in case of an emergency.
Self-care:
Your surgeon may give you specific instructions based on the reason for your hysterotomy. The following are general guidelines:
- Rest as needed. Get up and move around as directed to help prevent blood clots. Start with short walks and slowly increase the distance every day. Limit the number of times you climb stairs to a few times a day for the first 2 weeks. Plan most of your daily activities on one level of your home. Ask when it is safe for you to drive, return to work, and return to other regular activities.
- Do not put pressure on the surgery area. Do not lift objects heavier than 10 pounds for 6 weeks, or as directed. Do not strain during bowel movements. High-fiber foods and extra liquids can help you prevent constipation. Examples of high-fiber foods are fruit and bran. Prune juice and water are good liquids to drink.
- Keep the area clean and dry. You may need to keep the bandage on for 1 to 2 days or until your follow-up visit. Usually you will not need to cover your incision after the bandage is removed.
Follow up with your surgeon or gynecologist as directed:
Write down your questions so you remember to ask them during your visits.
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The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.
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