Total Laparoscopic Hysterectomy (TLH): Procedures and Recovery

• Consultation and Preoperative Assessment: Make an appointment with your gynecologist to go over your medical history, prescription drugs, and any tests that may be required.
• Nutrition and Hydration: Before the procedure, eat a well-balanced diet and drink enough water.
• Medications: Follow the directions on blood thinners and let your surgeon know about any supplements, medications, or herbal remedies you are using.
• Smoking and Alcohol: Reduce smoking and limit alcohol consumption before surgery.
• Physical Activity: Engage in light exercise if approved by your surgeon.
• Preoperative Instructions: Follow instructions like fasting, showering with special soap, and avoiding makeup/nail polish.
• Arrangements for After Surgery: Arrange transportation and someone to assist with recovery at home.
• Mental and Emotional Preparation: Understand the procedure, discuss concerns, and consider relaxation techniques for anxiety.
• Pack Essentials: For your hospital stay, bring personal belongings, toiletries, and comfortable clothing.
• Follow Fasting Guidelines: Adhere to your surgeon’s fasting instructions to avoid complications.
• Postoperative Planning: Discuss recovery care, including pain management, wound care, and activity resumption.

• Anesthesia: The patient is given general anesthesia, and the abdomen is cleaned and sterilized.
• Incisions: Small incisions (0.5–1 cm) are made to insert laparoscopic instruments and a camera.
• Creation of Working Space: Carbon dioxide gas is introduced to separate the abdominal wall from organs, allowing better visibility.
• Visualization: A laparoscope (camera) provides real-time images on a monitor to guide the surgery.
• Dissection: The uterus is carefully dissected using specialized instruments, and blood vessels are sealed to minimize bleeding.
• Removal of the Uterus: The uterus is detached and removed through one of the incisions, often in smaller pieces.
• Closure: The top of the vagina may be sutured if needed, and the incisions are closed with sutures or adhesive strips.

• Hospital Stay: Depending on their unique situation, some patients may require a longer stay, but many can return home the same day or within 24 hours.
• Pain Management: Pain is common after surgery. Follow your doctor’s medication instructions and discuss any concerns or side effects.
• Physical Activity: Start with rest and work your way up to more activity. It is advised to walk to increase circulation.
• Driving: If taking painkillers that affect awareness, refrain from driving for a few weeks.
• Returning to Work: You can return to desk jobs in a few weeks; physically demanding jobs may require more time.
• Lifting and Strenuous Activities: Avoid heavy lifting and strenuous activities for several weeks.
• Dietary Considerations: Follow any dietary advice given by your doctor and stay hydrated for better recovery.
• Follow-Up Appointments: Attend follow-ups to monitor healing and remove stitches.
• Sexual Activity: Your doctor will advise when it’s safe to resume sexual activity.
• Complications and Warning Signs: Contact your doctor if you experience signs of infection (increased pain, redness, swelling, fever) or other unusual symptoms.

• Physical Activity and Rest: At first, stay away from hard lifting and demanding activity. Slowly resume mild workouts, such as walking, as directed by your physician.
• Diet and Nutrition: Eat a balanced diet rich in vitamins, minerals, and fibre to support healing and prevent constipation. Stay hydrated.
• Pain Management: Follow your doctor’s instructions for managing pain, including prescribed medications.
• Driving: Avoid driving until your doctor clears you, as it may strain the abdominal area.
• Sexual Activity: Wait until your doctor gives the go-ahead to resume sexual activity.
• Work and Activities: Take time off work as needed based on your health and job requirements. Don’t rush back before fully healed.
• Follow-Up Appointments: Attend scheduled follow-up appointments to monitor recovery.
• Wound Care: Keep incisions clean and dry as directed to prevent infection.
• Support System: Ask family or friends for help during recovery, especially with responsibilities like childcare.
• Emotional Well-being: If you’re feeling anxiety or depression, seek support from a healthcare provider or mental health professional.

Benefits of Total Laparoscopic Hysterectomy (TLH)

Risks and Complications of Total Laparoscopic Hysterectomy

Like any surgical procedure, TLH carries risks such as:

Patients should be informed about these potential risks before consenting to the surgery.