Laparotomic hysterectomy (open removal)
Reliable surgical treatment in the most complex cases
Laparotomic hysterectomy is a radical open abdominal surgery for the complete removal of the uterine body and cervix through an incision in the abdominal wall (open access). Modern gynecology prefers minimally invasive methods (laparoscopy), but at St. Luke’s Clinic, we encounter clinical cases where open surgery is the only safe and effective way to save a woman’s health, and sometimes her life.
When is laparotomic surgery prescribed? (Indications)
Our gynecological surgeons decide on open access only when laparoscopy is technically impossible or dangerous. Main indications:
Giant tumor sizes: Multiple or very large fibroids, due to which the uterus reaches the size of 12–16 weeks of pregnancy or more. It is physically impossible to safely remove them through punctures.
Oncological pathology: Malignant tumors of the uterine body or cervix, ovaries. Open access allows the surgeon to thoroughly examine all adjacent organs and lymph nodes to leave no affected cells.
Severe adhesive process: Strong adhesions of pelvic organs after previous surgeries or severe endometriosis.
Emergency conditions: Massive uterine bleeding that cannot be stopped by other means, uterine rupture, complications during childbirth.
How is the surgery performed at St. Luke’s Clinic?
Despite being classic open abdominal surgery, we use the most modern approaches to reduce trauma.
Anesthesia: The surgery is always performed under reliable general anesthesia (endotracheal anesthesia). The patient sleeps soundly and feels no pain or stress.
Surgical access: Depending on the diagnosis and uterine size, the surgeon chooses the type of incision. Whenever possible, we make a cosmetic horizontal incision above the pubis (Pfannenstiel incision), which is later easily hidden under underwear. In more complex (oncological) cases, a vertical (midline) incision is performed for maximum visualization of the abdominal cavity.
Removal: The surgeon carefully excises the uterus along with the cervix (and, if indicated, with the adnexa), securely ligates all vessels to prevent bleeding, and applies cosmetic sutures.
Rehabilitation and care in our inpatient facility
Recovery after open surgery requires more time than after laparoscopy, but thanks to professional care at St. Luke’s Clinic (Banchery village), this period passes as comfortably as possible.
Stay in the clinic: Usually lasts from 3 to 5 days. You will stay in a cozy ward with round-the-clock supervision by nurses and doctors.
Pain relief: We apply modern pain management protocols in the first days after surgery so that you do not suffer from pain.
Recovery at home: Full rehabilitation and tissue healing takes about 1.5–2 months. During this time, it is important to wear a supportive bandage, avoid lifting weights over 3 kg, and refrain from sexual activity.
Life after hysterectomy
Uterine removal is a serious step that permanently deprives a woman of reproductive function. However, for many of our patients, this operation becomes a real salvation: debilitating bleeding, chronic pain, and fear of oncology disappear. If the ovaries were preserved, the woman’s hormonal background does not change, and menopause does not occur prematurely.
Complex diagnoses require high qualifications. Entrust your life to the experienced surgeons of St. Luke’s Clinic.
