Robot Assisted Laparoscopic Hysterectomy

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Feb 21, 2024.

Robot-assisted laparoscopic hysterectomy (RH) is surgery to remove your uterus and cervix using a machine controlled by your surgeon. Your ovaries, fallopian tubes, supporting tissues, some lymph nodes, and the top of your vagina may also be removed. After RH, you will not be able to become pregnant. You will go through menopause if your ovaries are removed.

DISCHARGE INSTRUCTIONS:

Medicines:

• Medicines may be given to decrease pain or prevent a bacterial infection. You may also need to take hormone medicine such as estrogen. Ask your healthcare provider how to take this medicine safely.
• Take your medicine as directed. Call your 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 when you can start having sexual intercourse again.

What to expect after surgery:

It is normal to bleed from your vagina after your uterus and cervix are removed. Change the sanitary pad often to prevent infection. Ask your gynecologist or healthcare provider how much bleeding to expect.

Contact your healthcare provider if:

• You have a fever.
• Your pain is getting worse, even after you take medicine.
• Your incisions look red and swollen, or they have bad-smelling drainage coming from them.
• You see new or an increased amount of bright red blood coming from your vagina or your incisions.
• You have yellow, green, or bad-smelling discharge coming from your vagina.
• You feel pain when you urinate or you need to urinate more often than usual.
• You have trouble having a bowel movement.
• 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 feel lightheaded, short of breath, and have chest pain.
• You cough up blood.
• Your arm or leg feels warm, tender, and painful. It may look swollen and red.
• You have more bleeding from your vagina than you were told to expect.

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer