How long hysterectomy take

It's normal to have bloody vaginal drainage for several days to weeks after a hysterectomy. However, let your surgeon know if you have bleeding that's as heavy as a menstrual period or bleeding that's persistent. It takes time to get back to your usual self after an abdominal hysterectomy — about six weeks for most women.

During that time:. Other parts of your life will likely return to normal or perhaps improve once you've recovered from your hysterectomy. For example:. On the other hand, you may feel a sense of loss after hysterectomy. Premenopausal women who must have a hysterectomy to treat gynecologic cancer may experience grief and possibly depression over the loss of fertility. If sadness or negative feelings begin to interfere with your enjoyment of everyday life, talk with your doctor.

Abdominal hysterectomy care at Mayo Clinic. Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission.

This content does not have an English version. This content does not have an Arabic version. Overview Types of hysterectomy surgery Open pop-up dialog box Close. Types of hysterectomy surgery A partial hysterectomy top left removes just the uterus, and the cervix is left intact. Female reproductive system Open pop-up dialog box Close.

Female reproductive system The ovaries, fallopian tubes, uterus, cervix and vagina vaginal canal make up the female reproductive system.

Request an Appointment at Mayo Clinic. Abdominal hysterectomy incisions Open pop-up dialog box Close. Abdominal hysterectomy incisions During abdominal hysterectomy, your surgeon makes a vertical or a horizontal incision in your lower abdomen. Share on: Facebook Twitter. Your surgeon can discuss the pros and cons of removing your ovaries with you. Radical hysterectomy A radical hysterectomy is usually carried out to remove and treat cancer when other treatments, such as chemotherapy and radiotherapy , are not suitable or have not worked.

During the procedure, the body of your womb and cervix is removed, along with: your fallopian tubes part of your vagina ovaries lymph glands fatty tissue Performing a hysterectomy There are 3 ways a hysterectomy can be performed. These are: laparoscopic hysterectomy vaginal hysterectomy abdominal hysterectomy Laparoscopic hysterectomy Laparoscopic surgery is also known as keyhole surgery.

Laparoscopic hysterectomies are usually carried out under general anaesthetic. Vaginal hysterectomy During a vaginal hysterectomy, the womb and cervix are removed through an incision that's made in the top of the vagina.

A vaginal hysterectomy can either be carried out using: general anaesthetic — where you'll be unconscious during the procedure local anaesthetic — where you'll be awake, but will not feel any pain spinal anaesthetic — where you'll be numb from the waist down A vaginal hysterectomy is usually preferred over an abdominal hysterectomy as it's less invasive and involves a shorter stay in hospital. Abdominal hysterectomy During an abdominal hysterectomy, an incision will be made in your tummy abdomen.

It may also be recommended if your ovaries need to be removed. Getting ready If you need to have a hysterectomy, it's important to be as fit and healthy as possible. As soon as you know you're going to have a hysterectomy: stop smoking eat a healthy, balanced diet exercise regularly lose weight if you're overweight You may need to have a pre-assessment appointment a few days before your operation.

It's also a good opportunity to discuss any concerns and to ask questions. Vaginal Hysterectomy. UNC School of Medicine. Laughlin-Tommaso, et al.

Cardiovascular and metabolic morbidity after hysterectomy with ovarian conservation: a cohort study. Menopause , May Sources Incision Care After Surgery. Comprehensive Gynecology Center. March 29, Hot Flashes. February 10, Hysterectomy, Vaginal MedlinePlus. August 14, Pain Control After Surgery. Cleveland Clinic. October 2, January 29, Postoperative Bleeding. January 30, Postoperative Fever.

Some women develop urinary tract infections or constipation. Both can easily be treated. It's recommended that you drink plenty of fluids and increase the fruit and fibre in your diet to help with your bowel and bladder movements. For the first few bowel movements after a hysterectomy, you may need laxatives to help you avoid straining. Some people find it more comfortable to hold their abdomen to provide support while passing a stool.

After a hysterectomy, you'll experience some vaginal bleeding and discharge. Visit your GP if you experience heavy vaginal bleeding, start passing blood clots or have a strong-smelling discharge. If your ovaries are removed, you'll usually experience severe menopausal symptoms after your operation.

You may have hormone replacement therapy HRT after your operation. These feelings are particularly common in women with advanced cancer , who have no other treatment option. Some women who have not yet experienced the menopause may feel a sense of loss because they're no longer able to have children. Others may feel less "womanly" than before. In some cases, having a hysterectomy can be a trigger for depression. See your GP if you have feelings of depression that will not go away, as they can advise you about the available treatment options.

Talking to other women who have had a hysterectomy may help by providing emotional support and reassurance. How long it'll take for you to return to work depends on how you feel and what sort of work you do. If your job does not involve manual work or heavy lifting, it may be possible to return after 4 to 8 weeks. Do not drive until you're comfortable wearing a seatbelt and can safely perform an emergency stop.