Laparoscopic hysterectomy

A laparoscopic hysterectomy is done through small cuts (0.5 to 1cm) made in your tummy. The surgeon passes a thin tube with a camera (laparoscope) and other surgical instruments in through the cuts to complete the hysterectomy.  

You will need to prepare to take at least 2 to 3 weeks off work after your surgery to recover.

Arrange for a friend or whānau member to take you home after the operation and to help out for a few days after.

The day before your surgery

• Stop eating before midnight.
• Use the surgical sponge you have been given to wash yourself before going to bed.

On the day of your surgery

• You can drink water, black tea, or coffee (no milk or juice) until one hour before your appointment.
• Use the surgical sponge you have been given to wash the night before and the morning of surgery.

After your surgery

After your surgery:

• you will be given pain relief and monitored
• you can start eating and drinking within a few hours
• you will be encouraged to move around with help
• you will have a catheter in your bladder which will be removed before you go home
• you can go home the next day.

What to expect after your surgery.

Stitches and dressings

Your small incisions will have dissolvable stitches. If they have not disappeared after a week, talk to your healthcare provider. Skin glue or small dressings will cover the wounds — remove them after 2 to 3 days.

Vaginal bleeding

Light bleeding for 1 to 2 weeks is normal. You may experience a sudden gush of old blood around 10 days after surgery — this usually stops quickly. Use sanitary towels, not tampons, to avoid infection.

Pain and discomfort

You may have some pain around the incisions or your tummy. This is normal. Taking pain relief will help you stay mobile and help with recovery.

Trapped gas from the surgery

You may have pain in your shoulder or rib because of the carbon dioxide gas used to inflate your tummy during the surgery. Walking and pain relief help you to feel better.

Constipation

It may take time for you to poo regularly. Constipation is common and you can manage it with movement, drinking plenty of fluids and eating well. 

Fibre and fluid for health bowels

Blood clot prevention

Blood clots are a risk after surgery. Stay active and take any prescribed blood thinners for 28 days.

Showering

You can shower normally after surgery. The dressings are waterproof. Avoid baths until stitches heal (6 to 8 weeks).

Driving

Do not drive until you can comfortably sit, wear a seatbelt, and do an emergency stop. This is usually 2 to 3 weeks after surgery. Check with your healthcare provider or insurance company.

Sex

Wait 6 to 8 weeks before having sex to allow healing. You may find using a lubricant helps when having sex.

Returning to work

You should be able to return to work within 2 to 3 weeks, depending on your job. If you have a physically demanding job, you will need to start with lighter duties.

See your healthcare provider if you experience:

• Fever – which may indicate an infection.
• Heavy or smelly vaginal bleeding – this could be an infection.
• Painful urination – this could be a urinary tract infection needing antibiotics.
• Red or painful scars – this could mean a wound infection.