How long does a hysterectomy take?

A hysterectomy typically is performed under general anesthesia, so you won't be awake during the surgery. The procedure itself generally lasts about one to two hours, although you'll spend some time beforehand getting ready to go into the operating room.

Is a hysterectomy considered major surgery?

A hysterectomy is a major operation. You can be in hospital for up to 5 days after surgery, and it can take about 6 to 8 weeks to fully recover. Recovery times can also vary depending on the type of hysterectomy. Rest as much as possible during this time and do not lift anything heavy, such as bags of shopping.

How painful is recovery from hysterectomy?

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.

How long are you in the hospital after a hysterectomy?

Most women who have a hysterectomy, however, will stay in the hospital for 2 to 3 days, maybe even longer if you have a hysterectomy due to cancer. Recovery may take anywhere from 2 to 6 weeks, depending on the type of hysterectomy you have. A hysterectomy will cause menopause if you also have your ovaries removed.

What can I expect immediately after a hysterectomy?

After a hysterectomy, you'll no longer have periods or be able to get pregnant. If you had your ovaries removed but hadn't reached menopause, you'll begin menopause immediately after surgery. You might have symptoms such as vaginal dryness, hot flashes and night sweats.

What to expect with a hysterectomy

Can you go home same day after hysterectomy?

Laparoscopic hysterectomy normally only requires a 23-hour or less stay. Most patients go home the same day. In some cases, an overnight stay may be required. Expect some soreness around the surgical site during the first 24 to 48 hours following surgery.

How long do you have to be on bed rest after a hysterectomy?

It can take about 6 to 8 weeks to fully recover after having an abdominal hysterectomy. Recovery times are often shorter after a vaginal or laparoscopy hysterectomy. During this time, you should rest as much as possible and not lift anything heavy, such as bags of shopping.

Can I go back to work 2 weeks after hysterectomy?

You may return to work in 2-4 weeks if your job requires a lot of movement. Please contact your doctor if you need any return to work letters or medical leave paperwork to be completed. If you had a laparoscopic or robotic hysterectomy, you will have small incisions on your abdomen.

How many pounds does a uterus weigh?

Even during pregnancy, the mass of a human uterus amounts to only about a kilogram (2.2 pounds).

What happens first week after hysterectomy?

Common side effects of a hysterectomy in the first few weeks after your procedure include: Bloating and/or constipation — this is because your bowel will be working more slowly as you recover. Mild pain and discomfort in your lower belly. Light vaginal bleeding that comes and goes, and lessens over time.

How long should I stay in the house after a hysterectomy?

Most women go home 2-3 days after this surgery, but complete recovery takes from six to eight weeks. During this time, you need to rest at home. You shouldn't do any tasks until you talk with your doctor about restrictions. Don't do any lifting for the first two weeks.

What is the most common complication after hysterectomy?

The most common complications of hysterectomy can be categorized as infectious, venous thromboembolic, genitourinary (GU) and gastrointestinal (GI) tract injury, bleeding, nerve injury, and vaginal cuff dehiscence.

What not to do after a hysterectomy?

Avoid strenuous activities, such as biking, jogging, weight lifting, or aerobic exercise, until your doctor says it is okay. Ask your doctor when you can drive again. You may shower 24 to 48 hours after surgery, if your doctor okays it.

What happens to a woman's body after a hysterectomy?

Because your uterus is removed, you no longer have periods and cannot get pregnant. But your ovaries might still make hormones, so you might not have other signs of menopause. You may have hot flashes, a symptom of menopause, because the surgery may have blocked blood flow to the ovaries.

How do I prepare for a hysterectomy?

Is life better after hysterectomy?

In one study, persons with endometriosis, fibroids and abnormal bleeding who had not improved with other treatment options, and who had a hysterectomy, scored higher on quality of life surveys 6 months and 10 years after the hysterectomy.

Will I look thinner after hysterectomy?

There's no connection between hysterectomy and weight loss. Any weight loss noticed after a hysterectomy probably has an unrelated cause. Always talk to your doctor about any unintentional weight loss, as there could be an underlying condition at play.

How many pounds do fibroids weigh?

Most fibroids are on the smaller side and weigh less than a pound. However, a large cluster of fibroids could grow to more than 8 inches in diameter and have a mass equivalent to a grapefruit, or even a watermelon. These fibroid clusters can weigh 5 to 10 pounds.

Can you have a hysterectomy and tummy tuck at the same time?

A combination of both procedures is commonly perform when the patient health condition allows it. You could have had both of them, hysterectomy and Tummy Tuck, at the same time.

Is it OK to push to poop after hysterectomy?

Try to avoid constipation and straining with bowel movements. You may want to take a fibre supplement every day. If you have not had a bowel movement after a couple of days, ask your doctor about taking a mild laxative.

Can I drive 3 weeks after hysterectomy?

In general, most people recover from a vaginal or laparoscopic hysterectomy within 3–4 weeks and from an abdominal hysterectomy within 4–6 weeks. People should be able to return to their regular activities, such as work, driving, and workout regimens, within 4–6 weeks.

What should I pack for a hysterectomy?

personal care items, such as a toothbrush, toothpaste, denture cleaner, comb, brush, skin care products, deodorant and make-up. clothing you intend to wear home, including loose-fitting pants, shirt, underwear and socks. glasses and storage containers. hearing aids (if you wear them), storage container and extra ...

How long after a hysterectomy can you drive a car?

Some surgeons recommend avoiding long trips by car, train, or airplane during the first two weeks after major gynecologic surgery (such as hysterectomy) to avoid complications, such as blood clots in your legs.

Is it better to lay down or sit up after hysterectomy?

Avoid prolonged high sitting (unless medically advised). Vary your resting position throughout the day from lying flat and sitting out of bed. Sleep lying down flat on the mattress with one pillow supporting your knees and one pillow supporting your head and neck.

Do you need sanitary towels after a hysterectomy?

Some women have little or no bleeding initially, and then have a sudden gush of old blood or fluid about 10 days later. This usually stops quickly. You should use sanitary towels rather than tampons as using tampons could increase the risk of infection.