Abdominal Hysterectomy

Abdominal Hysterectomy - Post-surgery care

How will I feel after the hysterectomy

You are likely to feel some discomfort after the hysterectomy because of the anesthesia and drips in your arm. You may also feel uneasy at your bladder from the tube placed within to help you pee. These drips and tubes will be removed the next day.

Some pain will be present if the cut in the tummy is large or done up-and-down in the middle.

There might be a slight bloodstained discharge from the vagina after the hysterectomy. This will slowly clear after a week or two as you recover. Otherwise, you should consult your doctor.

For TAH, you may need to wait for a day or two to start drinking and eating. For TLH, you can usually start drinking fluids after the operation and start eating normally the next day.

You will be encouraged to get out of bed and move your legs as soon as you can. Naturally, this will depend on how well you feel and how you are coping with the pain.

When can I start eating and walking?

For TAH, you may need to wait for a day or two to start drinking and eating. For TLH, you can usually start drinking fluids after the operation and start eating normally the next day.

You will be encouraged to get out of bed and move your legs as soon as you can. Naturally, this will depend on how well you feel and how you are coping with the pain.

When Can i go home?

Once you are able to move about independently without pain, you will be able to go home. For TAH, this is usually

around the 3rd or 4th day after the operation whereas for TLH, it is usually earlier.

What happens internally after the hysterectomy?

The space that was once occupied by your womb will be covered by your bowel and intestines. There will be no empty space left behind and the vaginal remains unchanged. As such you should not worry that sexual relations will be any different from before the operation.

What are the risks of the hysterectomy

Like other surgeries, the risks include side effects of anaesthesia, bleeding and infection. Other risks include injury to the intestine, bladder and urine tubes that may require further surgery to repair.