Table of Contents
- Summary
- What Does Total Laparoscopic Hysterectomy Recovery Look Like?
- What to Expect Directly After Surgery
- Pain Associated with Recovery
- Recovery Guidance
- A Return to Activities
- Things to Watch Out For During Healing
- Caring for Yourself After Surgery
Summary:
- Full recovery from a Total Laparoscopic Hysterectomy typically takes 6-8 weeks, though many patients feel close to baseline after 1-2 weeks.
- It’s important to manage pain, follow incision care guidelines, and start light walking soon after surgery to promote healing and prevent complications.
- Avoid lifting heavy objects, driving while on pain medications, and engaging in activities that strain the abdomen for the first month after surgery.
- Contact your doctor or return to the hospital if you experience fever, heavy bleeding, signs of infection, or difficulty breathing.
Recovering from a Total Laparoscopic Hysterectomy (TLH) is a gradual process that typically takes 6-8 weeks, though many patients start feeling more like themselves within the first 1-2 weeks. Most patients can go home the same day, but it’s important to have someone available to drive you home and stay with you overnight for added support. During your recovery, you’ll experience various stages of healing, and understanding what to expect, from pain management to physical activity, will help you navigate the process smoothly and safely.
What Does Total Laparoscopic Hysterectomy Recovery Look Like?
The total recovery time for a Total Laparoscopic Hysterectomy (TLH) typically spans 6-8 weeks, although many patients begin to feel back to their baseline within 1-2 weeks. Most patients can return home on the same day as the procedure, but it is essential to have someone drive you home and ideally stay with you overnight for support.
What to Expect Directly After Surgery
As the anesthetic wears off, you may experience fatigue and some throat discomfort from the breathing tube used during the procedure. To promote circulation, you may be encouraged to engage in coughing, leg exercises, and breathing activities. It is essential to begin walking shortly after your procedure, as this improves blood flow and speeds wound healing to aid in your recovery.
Pain Associated with Recovery
After a TLH, you will likely experience some pain in various parts of your body due to the methods used in the procedure. This can include:
- Pain in your abdomen
- Shoulder pain from the CO2 that was used to inflate the abdomen
- A small amount of vaginal bleeding, though this should not be heavy
Light walking at home helps to prevent blood clots. You can climb stairs, although it may be uncomfortable for the first few days after surgery.
It is important to rest when you are home from the hospital.
Recovery Guidance
Following proper recovery guidelines after your surgery is essential for healing and helping you regain your strength.
Vaginal Bleeding: It is normal to have light bleeding after a total laparoscopic hysterectomy. Use a pad, and not tampons or menstrual cups, as nothing should be placed in the vagina during this time period. This can last up to four weeks.
Pain Management: You can use pain medication to manage your pain, as this will help you to recover. As you progress in your recovery you will require less medication.
Bathing: You can begin showering the day after surgery, however you should not have a bath until your incisions have closed. Let soapy water run over them but do not scrub those areas. You may have small bandages over the incision.
Incision Care: Ensure your incisions are gently cleaned and pat-dried. Avoid using any products aside from soap and water (e.g. no cream). Watch your incisions for any signs of infection. Steri-strips are often placed over the incisions, and these will fall off within a week.
If staples are used on your incisions, these will be removed by your physician. If stitches are used, these will dissolve on their own.
Diet: Ensure you drink enough fluids (6-8 cups per day), and reintroduce your full diet when you feel ready. Check out Canada’s Food Guide to learn more about healthy options for your recovery and beyond.
Constipation: This can be avoided with a one-month course of laxatives or stool softeners. Take these in addition to fluids and a fibre-filled diet, as these measures help to avoid straining.
A Return to Activities
Ask your physician for timelines of when you can get back to your normal activities, including driving, after your surgery.
Ease back into your regular activities post-procedure, keeping in mind that a full recovery will take time. Talk to your doctor regarding your expected return to work. For the month after your procedure, avoid any activities that put strain on your abdomen, such as vacuuming, and refrain from lifting anything heavier than 10 pounds. If you’re taking narcotic pain medications, it is important you do not drive.
Additionally, avoid vaginal sex and inserting anything into the vagina for 6-8 weeks, until you’ve discussed it with your doctor.
Things to Watch Out For During Healing
It’s important to know when to return to the hospital after surgery to ensure a smooth recovery and address any potential complications early on.
Reasons to come back to the hospital include:
- Fever
- Signs of infected incisions such as redness or pus
- Difficulty breathing
- Swollen and/or painful legs
- Increase in vaginal bleeding (e.g. soaking pads, worsening bleeding)
- Significant pain despite medications to relieve post-operative pain
- Pain that is becoming more severe
- Pain in chest, abdomen, or pelvis
- Significant vomiting or nausea
- Difficulty passing stool and/or urine
Caring for Yourself After Your Surgery
As you move through your recovery from a Total Laparoscopic Hysterectomy, it’s important to follow the recommended guidelines and listen to your body. While it may take time to fully regain your strength and return to normal activities, taking it slow and focusing on healing will ensure the best outcome. Stay in communication with your healthcare team, and reach out to them if you have concerns or experience any unusual symptoms. With patience and proper care, you’ll be on the path to a smooth and healthy recovery in no time!
