What is a hysterectomy?

• Total Hysterectomy: This surgery removes your uterus and cervix while keeping your ovaries intact. Since your ovaries are preserved, you will not experience immediate menopause post-surgery.

• Supracervical Hysterectomy: In this procedure, only the upper portion of your uterus is removed, leaving the cervix untouched. Optionally, your fallopian tubes and ovaries can be removed simultaneously. Retaining the cervix means that Pap smears will still be necessary.

• Total Hysterectomy with Bilateral Salpingo-Oophorectomy: This operation involves the removal of the uterus, cervix, fallopian tubes, and ovaries. Removing the ovaries will trigger menopause promptly unless it has already occurred.

• Radical Hysterectomy with Bilateral Salpingo-Oophorectomy: This comprehensive surgery removes the uterus, cervix, fallopian tubes, ovaries, and upper portion of the vagina, along with some surrounding tissues and lymph nodes. Typically employed in cases involving cancer, this procedure leads to menopause as the ovaries are no longer present.

• Abnormal or heavy vaginal bleeding.
• Severe pelvic pain.
• Uterine fibroids and other noncancerous tumours.
• Severe endometriosis.
• Uterine prolapse may result in urinary incontinence or faecal incontinence.
• Cervical, ovarian, or uterine cancer.
• Conditions affecting the lining of the uterus, such as hyperplasia or adenomyosis
• Serious complications of childbirth include uterine rupture.

• General anaesthesia will induce sleep during the procedure.
• Regional anaesthesia, such as epidural or spinal anaesthesia, involves administering medication near the nerves in your lower back to block pain while keeping you awake. This option is less commonly used.

• A surgeon will insert a laparoscope into your lower abdomen through a small incision located near your belly button.
• Using additional small incisions on your abdomen, surgical tools will be inserted.
• The surgeon will remove your uterus in small sections through the abdominal incisions or potentially through the vagina.

• Some individuals may return home the same day or after spending one night in the hospital.
• Recovery time is shorter and less painful compared to a traditional abdominal hysterectomy.

• Similar to a laparoscopic procedure, your surgeon will conduct the surgery with the aid of a robotic system.
• By inserting a laparoscope through abdominal incisions, the surgeon will introduce small, thin surgical tools through three to five additional small incisions around the belly button while controlling robotic arms and instruments.
• Recovery is similar to a laparoscopic hysterectomy.

• Your uterus will be removed through a 6- to 8-inch incision made in your abdomen.
• The incision may extend from the belly button to the pubic bone or run across the top of your pubic hairline, with closure using stitches or staples.
• This method may be preferred in cases involving cancer, significant uterus enlargement, or disease spreading to other areas of the pelvis.
• Typically, a more extended hospital stay of two to three days and a recovery period is required.

• The size of your uterus.
• The presence of scar tissue from prior surgeries.
• The necessity for additional procedures such as addressing endometriosis or removing other organs like fallopian tubes or ovaries.

• Formation of blood clots.
• Severe infections.
• Excessive bleeding.
• Damage to the urinary tract, bowel, or surrounding organs.
• Complications arise from anaesthesia.

• Light vaginal bleeding or dark brown discharge for up to six weeks. Use a light panty liner or sanitary pad for this discharge (avoid tampons).
• Avoid lifting heavy objects (over 10 pounds) for at least four to six weeks.
• Refrain from inserting anything into your vagina for four to six weeks, or follow your healthcare provider’s instructions.
• Abstain from sexual activity for six weeks after surgery.
• Avoid bathing or swimming in a pool for a minimum of six weeks.
• If surgical strips were used on abdominal incisions, they should fall off naturally within two weeks. Internal stitches will dissolve on their own in a few weeks. You can shower during this time, washing the incision with soap and water and patting it dry. No bandage is needed over the incision.
• Staple removal will be done at your follow-up appointment. You may need to wait to shower and use a protective/waterproof covering for several weeks.
• You can resume driving approximately two weeks after abdominal surgery or when you are no longer taking pain medications. If you had a vaginal or laparoscopic hysterectomy, you may start moving within a few days.
• Ease back into your exercise routine in four to six weeks, based on your comfort level. Gradually increase your activity and avoid returning to your previous intensity immediately.
• Returning to work is typically possible within two to six weeks, depending on the nature of your work.

• Bright red vaginal bleeding.
• A fever exceeding 100 degrees Fahrenheit (37.77 degrees Celsius).
• Severe nausea or vomiting.
• Difficulty urinating, a burning sensation when urinating, or frequent urination.
• Notice increasing redness, swelling, or discharge from your incision.
• Experience escalating levels of pain (pain intensifying instead of subsiding).

Frequently Asked Questions