| Now it's time to talk about the actual procedure your doctor has recommended for you.
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On the day of your operation, you will be asked to put on a surgical gown. |
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You may receive a sedative by mouth... |
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and an intravenous line may be put in. |
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You will then be transferred to the operating table. |
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To begin, your groin will be clipped or shaved... |
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and the anesthesiologist will begin to administer anesthesia - most probably general anesthesia by injection and inhalation mask. |
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The surgeon will then apply an antiseptic solution to the skin . . . |
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and will place a sterile drape around the operative site. |
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After you are asleep, a horizontal incision will be made across your lower abdomen. |
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Your doctor will use an instrument called a retractor to pull the skin aside, exposing your abdominal muscles. |
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The surgeon then separates the muscles by making a vertical incision. |
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Another retractor is used to pull aside the muscles and hold them in place. The fibroid will now be visible. |
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Using a pair of forceps, your doctor will take hold of the fibroid and pull it up and away from the wall of the uterus. |
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Next, you doctor will cut the connection between the fibroid and the uterus. |
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The fibroid is then removed. |
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A series of stitches are used to close incisions. First, the uterine wall is closed. |
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Then, the muscle retractor is removed and the abdominal muscles are sewn together. |
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Finally, the incision in the skin is closed |
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and a sterile bandage is applied to the site. |
