Hysterectomy

Hysterectomy is a surgery to remove a women’s uterus. The uterus is one of the organs of the female reproductive system and is about the size of a closed hand.  Your can no longer have children after you have your uterus removed,  and you will continue to make female hormones.  If your ovaries are removed, menopause will occur.

There are different types of hysterectomy surgeries.  Ask your doctor what type of surgery you are having and if your cervix, tubes and ovaries are being removed.

• Vaginal hysterectomy – the uterus is removed through the vagina. No incision in the abdomen is needed.

• Abdominal hysterectomy – the uterus is removed through in incision in the abdomen.

• Laparoscopic Assisted Vaginal Hysterectomy(LAVH).

• Total Laparoscopic hysterectomy(TLH) – Several small incisions are made in the abdomen and the doctor works through these small incisions using a laparoscope.

To Prepare

• Tell your doctor all the medicines you are taking. Be sure to include any prescription or over the medicines, vitamins and herbs.

• You may be told not to take aspirin or ibuprofen for a few days before your surgery. If you takeaspirin daily, do not stop taking if without asking your doctor first.

• Ask your doctor if you should take your medicines the morning of your surgery. If so, take themwith small sips of water only.

• Do not eat after midnight before your surgery. You can take liquids upto 8 AM. on the morning of surgery.

• If you have any allergies to medicines, foods or other things, tell the staff before your surgery.

During Surgery

• An IV (intravenous) tube is put in a vein in your arm for giving medicines and fluids.

• You will be taken on a cart to the operating room and them helped onto a table.

• Medicine is given in your IV to keep you asleep and free from pain.

• You will have a catheter that drinks urine from your bladder. This tube is often removed the morning after your surgery.

• The surgery area or abdomen is cleaned.

• Your uterus is removed. Your cervix, Tubes and ovaries may also be removed.

• Any incisions are closed with stitches or staples.

• A bandage is put over the incisions.

After Surgery In the Hospital

• You are taken to the recovery room where you are watched closely until you wake up and are doing well.

• Your breathing, blood pressure and pulse are checked often.

• If you are staying at the hospital, you will be taken to your oom.

• A pad will be placed between your legs in case you have vaginal bleeding.

• The staff may teach you how to cough, deep breathe and use an incentive spirometer. An incentive spirometer is a device used to help you take deep breaths. These exercises  help open the airways of the lungs and prevent pneumonia.  If you have abdominal incisions,place a pillow or a folded blanket over your incisions forsupport when deep breathing or coughing. Do these exercises every 1 to 2 hours while you are awake.

• You will be given medicine to control your pain. Tell your nurse if you have pain.

• The IV is used to give you medicine and fluids until you re able to eat and drink well.

• You will be given clear liquids at first and then slowly progress to regular foods.

• If you have a vaginal hysterectomy, you will not have an incision.

At Home

• Take your medicine as directed.

• Schedule a follow-up visit with your doctor. You will need to seen your doctor in 7 – 10 days.

• Wash any incisions gently with soap and water and pat dry. You may take a shower or sponge bath.

• A small amount of vaginal discharge is normal for 2 to 4 weeks after surgery. Change the pad every few hours. Wash the vaginal area with soap and water and pat dry.

• Do not put anything in your vagina until your doctor checks you.

• Do not have sexual intercourse.

Activity Limits

• Limit your activities for 4 to 6 weeks.

• Do not lift over 10 pounds for at least 2 weeks.

• You make do light housework such as washing dishes and cooking.

• Do not do strenuous activities, such as exercising for at least 2 weeks. Go up and down stairs slowly, one step at a time. Take walks. starting with short distances. Slowly increase how long and fast you walk.

Other Issues

• If your ovaries are taken out, you may have signs of menopause such as hot flashes, vaginal dryness or mood

• It is common to have many feelings after surgery. You may feel sad, fearful, nervous or angry. Share these feelings with your loved ones and friends to help you cope as you recover. If the sadness does not go away   after a few weeks, talk to your doctor.

• Your looks will not change after this surgery. These are no physical changes except that you may have a scar fromyour incision.

• Your surgery should not affect your ability to have sex or the way you or your partner feel while having sex. Ask your doctor when you may resume sexual activity and discuss any concerns you may have about sex.

Call your doctor right away if you have:

• Shaking, chills or a temperature over 101 degrees F or 38 degrees C.

• An incision that is swollen, red, has drainage or comes apart.

• Bleeding from your incisions.

• Pain, warmth or tenderness in your legs.

• Heavy vaginal bleeding, soaking 2 to 3 pads in one hour.

• Vaginal drainage with an odor.

• Trouble urinating.

• Burning when you urinate or feel a need to urinate often.

• Skin that is itchy, swollen or has a rash.

• Severe mood swings or feel depressed.

Charges for Abdominal Hysterectomy

PLUS ALL MEDICINES USED AFTER SURGERY

Charges for Vaginal Hysterectomy (VH) and Laparoscopic Assisted Vaginal Hysterectomy (LAVH)

PLUS ALL MEDICINES USED AFTER SURGERY

Charges for Total Laparoscopic Hysterectomy (TLH)