2023-04-08T12:45:55
Laparoscopic Hysterectomy at Sukhayu Hospital What is a hysterectomy? A hysterectomy is an operation to remove your uterus (womb). Your cervix (neck of your womb) is usually also removed. Your ovaries may need to be removed at the same time. If you experience any of the following symptoms, contact your healthcare team. Changes to your monthly bleeding pattern if you have periods. Increased abdominal (tummy) swelling. Worsening pain that needs more medication than you are currently taking. What does the operation involve? The operation is usually performed under a general anaesthetic but various anaesthetic techniques are possible. The operation usually takes about 90 minutes. Your gynaecologist will make a small cut, usually on or near your belly button, so they can insert an instrument in your abdominal cavity to inflate it with gas (carbon dioxide). They will make several small cuts on your abdomen so they can insert tubes (ports) into your abdomen. Your gynaecologist will insert surgical instruments through the ports along with a telescope so they can see inside your abdomen and perform the operation. Your gynaecologist may need to place instruments through your vagina to help them remove your womb. They will make a cut around your cervix at the top of your vagina so they can remove your womb and cervix. How can I prepare myself for the operation? If you smoke, stopping smoking now may reduce your risk of developing complications and will improve your long-term health. Try to maintain a healthy weight. You have a higher risk of developing complications if you are overweight. Regular exercise should help to prepare you for the operation, help you to recover and improve your long-term health. Before you start exercising, ask the healthcare team or your GP for advice. If you have not had the coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccine, you may be at an increased risk of serious illness related to COVID-19 while you recover. Speak to your doctor or healthcare team if you would like to have the vaccine. What complications can happen? Some complications can be serious and can even cause death. General complications of any operation feeling or being sick bleeding infection of the surgical site (wound) allergic reaction to the equipment, materials or medication developing a hernia in the scar blood clot in your leg blood clot in your lung chest infection Specific complications of this operation Keyhole surgery complications surgical emphysema damage to structures such as your bowel, bladder or blood vessels developing a hernia near one of the cuts used to insert the ports conversion to an abdominal hysterectomy making a hole in your womb or cervix with possible damage to a nearby structure gas embolism Hysterectomy complications pelvic infection or abscess damage to structures close to your womb developing an abnormal connection (fistula) developing a collection of blood (haematoma) inside your abdomen vaginal cuff dehiscence Long-term problems developing a prolapse continued bleeding from your cervix your pain may continue difficulty or pain having sex tissues can join together in an abnormal way passing urine more often, having uncontrolled urges to pass urine or urine leaking from your bladder when you exercise, laugh, cough or sneeze feelings of loss as a hysterectomy will make you infertile going through menopause Consequences of this procedure pain unsightly scarring of your skin How soon will I recover? You will be able to go home when your gynaecologist decides you are medically fit enough, which is usually the same day or after 1 to 2 days. Rest for 2 weeks and continue to do the exercises that you were shown in hospital. You can return to work once your doctor has said you are well enough to do so (usually after 4 to 6 weeks, depending on your type of work). You should be feeling more or less back to normal after 2 to 3 months. Regular exercise should help you to return to normal activities as soon as possible. Before you start exercising, ask the healthcare team or your GP for advice. Most women make a good recovery and return to normal activities. Summary A hysterectomy is a major operation usually recommended after simpler treatments have failed. Your symptoms should improve.