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Abdominal Binder & Hysterectomy

Most women suffer from a number of problems while recovering from a hysterectomy. These include swelling and weak stomach muscles, which can make it feel as though your insides are going to fall down. While this is temporary, these problems can be combated by using an abdominal binder while you recover.

  1. Hysterectomy

    • A hysterectomy is a surgery that is undergone in order to remove the uterus. There are two sorts of hysterectomy, the vaginal and the abdominal. This refers to the area that the surgeon cuts through to reach the uterus. Your doctor will help you to decide which type is right for you. In an abdominal hysterectomy, a five to seven inch incision is made into the lower belly. The surgeon then removes all or part of the uterus and closes the incision with sutures.

    Recovery

    • Recovery time for an abdominal hysterectomy is four to six weeks, which is longer than the three to four-week recovery time for a vaginal hysterectomy. Because an incision has been made in the stomach muscles, these will feel weak for a long time as they heal, and can be very painful. Abdominal binders can be used to help with this and assist in the healing process.

    Abdominal Binders

    • An abdominal binder is a piece of material that stretches around the stomach and attaches at the back. A high quality abdominal binder should be made of a material that will not cause an allergic reaction, and is strong and durable. It is important to choose the right size for your abdominal binder. Your doctor should help you with this before the surgery.

    Function

    • Abdominal binders work by putting pressure on the incision site. This improves blood flow after the operation, which also reduces swelling. Because the abdominal binder also provides support to the weakened muscles, it can help you feel a lot more comfortable going about everyday tasks and activities. An abdominal binder won't immediately restore your ability for vigorous exercise, but it can make the recovery period easier after surgery.

    Considerations

    • As with anything medical, it is a good idea to talk to your doctor before making any decisions. Also, while most insurance companies cover products like abdominal binders, it is still a good idea to check with your insurance provider before making any purchases.

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