Hysterectomy how long does it take

The length of a postoperative stay depends on the how the surgery was performed. Vaginal, laparoscopic-assisted vaginal, or robotic-assisted procedures are usually done on an outpatient basis. In most cases, a woman who has these less invasive procedures will go home the same day, after the procedure. Be sure to discuss with your doctor in advance the various scenarios you may expect after surgery.

If you have an abdominal hysterectomy it may take a few days before you can tolerate food and resume eating. The anesthesia, along with the manipulation of your organs that happens during the procedure can cause the bowels to temporarily shut down.

It might take two to four more days before you have your first post-op bowel movement. If you undergo an abdominal hysterectomy your postoperative pain is generally greater than the pain after a laparoscopic or vaginal hysterectomy. But this pain generally responds to narcotics that are given during the first 24 hours and perhaps for a bit longer if needed. By the second day, you may find that nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs NSAIDs , such as ibuprofen Advil or Motrin , are enough to alleviate the pain.

If you have abdominal surgery, complete recovery can take six to eight weeks, so you must be patient and allow your body to heal. For at least six weeks, avoid any heavy lifting meaning items over 20 pounds. You must also abstain from sexual intercourse for at least six weeks. And do not put anything, including tampons, into your vagina. If you have a vaginal hysterectomy or a laparoscopic-assisted vaginal hysterectomy recovery can be as short as two weeks. Pain is generally minimal.

You may feel some achiness and tenderness at the incision sites if the surgery was performed laparoscopically. Most women will be advised to avoid heavy lifting and abstain from sex for at least six weeks. If you have a vaginal hysterectomy you may experience some light bleeding that comes and goes during the first few weeks following surgery.

This is called myolysis. The surgeon heats the fibroids, which causes them to shrink and die. Myolysis may be done laparoscopically through very small cuts in the pelvic area. You may still get pregnant after myolysis. Treatments to shrink fibroids without surgery.

UAE puts tiny plastic or gel particles into the vessels supplying blood to the fibroid. Once the blood supply is blocked, the fibroid shrinks and dies. MR f US sends ultrasound waves to the fibroids that heat and shrink the fibroids. How common are hysterectomies? What are the different types of hysterectomies? A total hysterectomy removes all of the uterus, including the cervix. The ovaries and the fallopian tubes may or may not be removed. This is the most common type of hysterectomy.

A partial , also called subtotal or supracervical , hysterectomy removes just the upper part of the uterus. The cervix is left in place. The ovaries may or may not be removed. A radical hysterectomy removes all of the uterus, cervix, the tissue on both sides of the cervix, and the upper part of the vagina.

A radical hysterectomy is most often used to treat certain types of cancer, such as cervical cancer. The fallopian tubes and the ovaries may or may not be removed. Will the doctor remove my ovaries during the hysterectomy? Will the hysterectomy cause me to enter menopause? How is a hysterectomy performed? Talk to your doctor about the different options: Abdominal hysterectomy.

Your doctor makes a cut, usually in your lower abdomen. Vaginal hysterectomy. This is done through a small cut in the vagina. Laparoscopic hysterectomy. A laparoscope is an instrument with a thin, lighted tube and a small camera that allows your doctor to see your pelvic organs. Laparoscopic surgery is when the doctor makes very small cuts to put the laparoscope and surgical tools inside of you. During a laparoscopic hysterectomy the uterus is removed through the small cuts made in either your abdomen or your vagina.

Robotic surgery. Your doctor guides a robotic arm to do the surgery through small cuts in your lower abdomen, like a laparoscopic hysterectomy. How long does it take to recover from a hysterectomy? The time it takes for you to return to normal activities depends on the type of surgery: Abdominal surgery can take from four to six weeks to recover.

Vaginal, laparoscopic, or robotic surgery can take from three to four weeks to recover. What changes can I expect after a hysterectomy? Other changes that you may experience after a hysterectomy include: Menopause. You will no longer have periods.

If your ovaries are removed during the hysterectomy, you may have other menopause symptoms. Change in sexual feelings.

Some women have vaginal dryness or less interest in sex after a hysterectomy, especially if the ovaries are removed. Increased risk for other health problems. If both ovaries are removed, this may put you at higher risk for certain conditions such as: bone loss, heart disease, and urinary incontinence leaking of urine.

Talk to your doctor about how to prevent these problems. Sense of loss. The main types of hysterectomy are described below. Total hysterectomy During a total hysterectomy, your womb and cervix neck of the womb is removed.

Subtotal hysterectomy A subtotal hysterectomy involves removing the main body of the womb and leaving the cervix in place. If you feel this way, talk to your surgeon about any risks associated with keeping your cervix. Total hysterectomy with bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy A total hysterectomy with bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy is a hysterectomy that also involves removing: the fallopian tubes salpingectomy the ovaries oophorectomy The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence NICE recommends that the ovaries should only be removed if there's a significant risk of further problems — for example, if there's a family history of ovarian cancer.

Your surgeon can discuss the pros and cons of removing your ovaries with you. Radical hysterectomy A radical hysterectomy is usually carried out to remove and treat cancer when other treatments, such as chemotherapy and radiotherapy , are not suitable or have not worked. During the procedure, the body of your womb and cervix is removed, along with: your fallopian tubes part of your vagina ovaries lymph glands fatty tissue Performing a hysterectomy There are 3 ways a hysterectomy can be performed.

These are: laparoscopic hysterectomy vaginal hysterectomy abdominal hysterectomy Laparoscopic hysterectomy Laparoscopic surgery is also known as keyhole surgery. Laparoscopic hysterectomies are usually carried out under general anaesthetic.

Vaginal hysterectomy During a vaginal hysterectomy, the womb and cervix are removed through an incision that's made in the top of the vagina. A vaginal hysterectomy can either be carried out using: general anaesthetic — where you'll be unconscious during the procedure local anaesthetic — where you'll be awake, but will not feel any pain spinal anaesthetic — where you'll be numb from the waist down A vaginal hysterectomy is usually preferred over an abdominal hysterectomy as it's less invasive and involves a shorter stay in hospital.

Laparoscopic Hysterectomy: What to Expect at Home. Your Recovery A laparoscopic hysterectomy is surgery to take out the uterus. How can you care for yourself at home? Rest when you feel tired. Be active. Walking is a good choice. Allow the area to heal. Don't move quickly or lift anything heavy until you are feeling better. Hold a pillow over your incisions when you cough or take deep breaths.

This will support your belly and may help to decrease your pain. You may shower 24 to 48 hours after surgery, if your doctor okays it. Pat the incision dry. Do not take a bath for the first 2 weeks, or until your doctor tells you it is okay. Ask your doctor when it is okay for you to have sex. You can eat your normal diet. If your stomach is upset, try bland, low-fat foods like plain rice, broiled chicken, toast, and yogurt. If your bowel movements are not regular right after surgery, try to avoid constipation and straining.

Drink plenty of water. Your doctor may suggest increasing your fibre intake, or taking a mild laxative. Your doctor will tell you if and when you can restart your medicines. He or she will also give you instructions about taking any new medicines. If you take aspirin or some other blood thinners, be sure to talk to your doctor. They will tell you if and when to start taking those medicines again. Make sure that you understand exactly what your doctor wants you to do. Be safe with medicines.