A hysterectomy is a surgical procedure in which the uterus (and sometimes other organs) have to be removed due to cancer, endometriosis, uterine prolapse, or other reasons. While there are alternatives to a hysterectomy in some cases, often a hysterectomy is the only surefire way to solve the problem.
The procedure may involve removing only the uterus, but sometimes the cervix or pelvic lymph nodes, along with the fallopian tubes and ovaries (which is called a salpingo-oophorectomy, depending on the underlying reason for the hysterectomy.
There are two basic ways to go about a hysterectomy—through open surgery or with a minimally invasive procedure. Open surgery is the standard operation. A large incision (five to seven inches long) is made in the abdomen, and then the uterus and anything else that needs to be is removed through the incision. Minimally invasive procedures (MIPs) can be done in a few different ways. Making a small incision in the vagina and removing the uterus that way, which leaves no visible scarring. Alternatively, a laparoscope, which is a small tube with a camera and a light on the end, can be inserted through a small incision in the abdomen, and then the procedure is done vaginally, through additional small incisions with small tools, or with a system of robotic tools.
Hospitalization
All of these factors are essential in knowing what to expect from your recovery. However, a hospital stay is the first step regardless. At best, you can plan to be hospitalized for at least a day or two. The more extensive the surgery, the longer your time there. Open surgery generally requires closer to a week. You will most likely begin prescriptions of pain medication and antibiotics to prevent infection.
At-Home Recovery
Once back at home, it’s important to continue any medication as your doctor recommends. Not finishing antibiotics can actually make dangerous bacteria stronger. Additionally, you should plan for a little bit of bedrest and a lot of taking it easy for close to two months. Generally, doctors recommend avoiding lifting heavy objects for a few weeks. Driving may not be a good idea either, especially in combination with strong pain killers. Abstain from sexual activity and baths (because of incisions and healing) for at least six weeks.
Otherwise, you can gradually increase your activity level. If your body doesn’t seem up to whatever you’re trying to make it do, then don’t do it.
When to Call the Doctor
If everything is going okay, you can probably expect to be back to normal and to return to your usual routine after about three months. In the meantime, some bleeding, pain, and pressure is to be expected, but if it starts to become extreme, you should contact your doctor. Additionally, if there’s any extreme pain that seems unrelated to the site, you should still seek help. Any high grade fever; draining, inflammation, or swelling of the wound; nausea or vomiting; incontinence or inability to pass gas; or shortness of breath are signs you should probably go back to the doctor.
