Laparoscopically Assisted Vaginal Hysterectomy

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW:

Laparoscopically assisted vaginal hysterectomy (LAVH) is a type of surgery to remove your uterus. Other organs, such as your ovaries and fallopian tubes, may also be removed.

AFTER YOU LEAVE:

Medicines:

• NSAIDs: These medicines decrease swelling and pain. NSAIDs are available without a doctor's order. Ask your primary healthcare provider which medicine is right for you. Ask how much to take and when to take it. Take as directed. NSAIDs can cause stomach bleeding and kidney problems if not taken correctly.
  
  
• Acetaminophen: This medicine decreases pain. Acetaminophen is available without a doctor's order. Ask your primary healthcare provider how much to take and how often to take it. Follow directions. Acetaminophen can cause liver damage if not taken correctly.
  
  
• Pain medicine: You may be given a prescription medicine to decrease pain. Do not wait until the pain is severe before you take this medicine.
  
  
• 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.

Follow up with your primary healthcare provider or gynecologist as directed:

You may need to return for more tests. Write down your questions so you remember to ask them during your visits.

Rest as needed:

You may feel like resting more after surgery. Slowly start to do more each day.

For more information:

• The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists
  P.O. Box 70620
  Washington , DC 20024-9998
  Phone: 1- 202 - 638-5577
  Phone: 1- 800 - 673-8444
  Web Address: http://www.acog.org
  

Contact your primary healthcare provider or gynecologist if:

• You have a fever.
  
  
• You have new or increasing bright red blood coming from your vagina or your incisions.
  
  
• You have trouble urinating, burning when you urinate, or feel a need to urinate often.
  
  
• You have trouble having a bowel movement.
  
  
• You have yellow, green, or foul-smelling discharge coming from your vagina.
  
  
• Your incision is red, swollen, or has pus or foul-smelling drainage coming from it.
  
  
• You have pain that gets worse instead of better, or that is not controlled with your pain medicine.
  
  
• Your skin is itchy, swollen, or has a rash.
  
  
• You have questions or concerns about your condition or care.

Seek care immediately or call 911 if:

• You have heavy vaginal bleeding that fills 1 sanitary pad or more an hour, for 4 hours in a row.
  
  
• Your arm or leg feels warm, tender, and painful. It may look swollen and red.
  
  
• You suddenly feel lightheaded and short of breath.
  
  
• You have chest pain when you take a deep breath or cough. You may cough up blood.