Hysterectomy is a surgical procedure to remove your uterus, and sometimes your fallopian tubes and ovaries, too. About 600,000 women undergo a hysterectomy each year in the United States, and it’s a common treatment for conditions like fibroids, endometriosis, and gynecologic cancers.
If you’re considering a hysterectomy, it’s worth finding out if you’re a good candidate for a minimally invasive procedure.
Minimally invasive hysterectomy is a gentler approach than traditional surgery, allowing for quicker recovery and less discomfort. Knowing what to expect after surgery can help you prepare both mentally and physically.
Our team at OB-GYN Associates of Marietta offers minimally invasive hysterectomy in Marietta and Woodstock, Georgia. Here’s what to expect following the procedure.
Most minimally invasive hysterectomies take 1-4 hours. As soon as your procedure is finished, we move you to a recovery room, where you likely spend a few hours. During this time, we monitor your vital signs and make sure you’re comfortably awakening from anesthesia.
You may feel some grogginess, discomfort, or mild abdominal cramping in the immediate post-op period. It’s also normal to experience some bloating or gas pains, because we use carbon dioxide during surgery to inflate your abdomen for better visibility.
We may recommend over-the-counter pain relievers or prescribe medication to help manage any discomfort or other symptoms. Because minimally invasive surgery is relatively gentle on your body, you can expect to go home the same day or the next day, depending on your overall health.
Once you’re home, your focus is on resting and allowing your body to heal. We give you specific instructions for recovery, and we typically recommend avoiding heavy lifting, strenuous activity, and driving for at least two weeks after surgery.
Most women can resume light activities, like walking or doing household tasks, within a few days.
Expect some tenderness around the incisions in your abdomen. Follow our instructions to care for them, and they should heal within a couple of weeks. You might also experience some light vaginal spotting or discharge, which is normal. If bleeding persists or gets heavier, contact us as soon as possible.
Overall, minimally invasive hysterectomy procedures typically have quicker long-term recovery compared to open surgery. Most patients return to their usual activities within 2-6 weeks, though this may vary based on the specific type of hysterectomy you had and your individual health factors.
We schedule a follow-up appointment a few weeks after your procedure to check on your healing and make sure you’re not experiencing any complications. During this appointment, your surgeon likely clears you for increased activity if all is well, and you can gradually return to exercise and other daily routines.
As your body recovers physically, you might experience emotional adjustments, too — particularly if your hysterectomy included removing your ovaries, which can induce menopause.
Mood swings, hot flashes, or other menopausal symptoms are possible, and if these symptoms bother you, we can discuss hormone replacement therapy (HRT).
It’s also common to have emotional reactions to the surgery, even if it was planned. Some women feel relief after a hysterectomy, while others may experience a sense of loss. Talking with a therapist, support group, or your doctor can help you process these emotions.
With modern, minimally invasive techniques, recovery from a hysterectomy can be smoother and faster than ever. The key to a successful recovery is listening to your body, following your doctor’s advice, and allowing yourself time to heal.
Are you considering a minimally invasive hysterectomy? Learn more about what to expect with a consultation at OB-GYN Associates of Marietta. Call us to get started.
