- The patient is placed in the dorsal lithotomy position in Allen Stirrups or in the supine position and her arms outstretched on arm boards or tucked at her sides.
- The patient is prepped and draped in the usual fashion for an abdominal procedure.
- The primary surgeon is usually standing on the left side of the patient with one assistant on the right side of the patient beside the surgical scrub technician.
- The abdominal hysterectomy tray is open on the back table, suction irrigation is hooked up and surgical energy is available.