Laparoscopic Hysterectomy

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW:

Laparoscopic hysterectomy (LH) is surgery done with a special tool called a laparoscope. It is done to remove your uterus only (partial hysterectomy), or your uterus and cervix (total hysterectomy). The uterus is where a baby grows during pregnancy. During a total hysterectomy, uterine ligaments and part of your vagina may also be removed. Ovaries, fallopian tubes, or lymph nodes may also be removed during surgery.

AFTER YOU LEAVE:

Medicines:

• Pain medicine: You may need medicine to take away or decrease pain.
  
  
  • Learn how to take your medicine. Ask what medicine and how much you should take. Be sure you know how, when, and how often to take it.
    
    
  • Do not wait until the pain is severe before you take your medicine. Tell caregivers if your pain does not decrease.
    
    
  • Pain medicine can make you dizzy or sleepy. Prevent falls by calling someone when you get out of bed or if you need help.
  
  
• Hormone replacement therapy: You may need to take hormone medicine, such as estrogen.
  
  
• Antibiotics: This medicine is given to fight or prevent an infection caused by bacteria. Always take your antibiotics exactly as ordered by your primary healthcare provider. Do not stop taking your medicine unless directed by your primary healthcare provider. Never save antibiotics or take leftover antibiotics that were given to you for another illness.
  
  
• Take your medicine as directed. Call your primary healthcare provider if you think your medicine is not helping or if you have side effects. Tell him if you are allergic to any medicine. Keep a list of the medicines, vitamins, and herbs you take. Include the amounts, and when and why you take them. Bring the list or the pill bottles to follow-up visits. Carry your medicine list with you in case of an emergency.

Activity guidelines:

• You may feel like resting more after surgery. Slowly start to do more each day. Rest when you feel it is needed.
  
  
• Ask your gynecologist or primary healthcare provider when you can resume having sexual intercourse.

What to expect after surgery:

• Ask your gynecologist or primary healthcare provider about routine tests that you will need.
  
  
• It is normal to have some bleeding from your vagina after certain types of hysterectomy surgery. Ask your gynecologist or primary healthcare provider if you should expect bleeding, and how much bleeding to expect.

Contact your gynecologist or primary healthcare provider if:

• You have a fever.
  
  
• You have pain that gets worse or does not decrease or go away with treatment.
  
  
• You notice pus or a foul-smelling drainage coming from an incision, or it is red or swollen.
  
  
• You have new or more bright red bleeding from your vagina or your incisions.
  
  
• You have yellow, green, or foul-smelling discharge coming from your vagina.
  
  
• You have trouble urinating, burning when you urinate, or feel a need to urinate often.
  
  
• You have trouble having a bowel movement.
  
  
• Your skin is itchy, swollen, or has a rash.
  
  
• You have questions or concerns about your surgery, care, or medicine.

Seek care immediately, or call 911 or your local emergency number if:

• You are bleeding from your vagina, or bleeding more than what you were told to expect.
  
  
• You have chest pain or trouble breathing that is getting worse over time.
  
  
• You suddenly feel lightheaded and have trouble breathing.
  
  
• You have new and sudden chest pain. You may have more pain when you take deep breaths or cough. You may cough up blood.
  
  
• Your arm or leg feels warm, tender, and painful. It may look swollen and red.