After Laparoscopic Hysterectomy for Uterine Prolapse

Uterine prolapse occurs when the uterus drops (prolapses) into the vagina. In severe cases, the uterus may stick out from the vagina. The goal of surgery is to repair the problem. This helps ease your symptoms. You had a procedure called laparoscopic hysterectomy. A surgeon removed your uterus using instruments inserted through small incisions in your abdomen. These incisions may be sore. You may also have pain in your upper back or shoulders. This is from the gas used to distend your abdomen. That allowed your healthcare provider to see inside your pelvis and do the procedure. It usually takes about 1 to 4 weeks to recover from laparoscopic hysterectomy. Recovery time varies for everyone. Here's what you can do to speed your recovery.

Activity

• Ask your friends and family to help with chores and errands while you recover.

• Don’t lift anything heavier than 10 pounds for 6 weeks to avoid straining your incisions.

• Don’t do strenuous activities, including exercise, housework, or yardwork, until the healthcare provider says it’s OK.

• Climb stairs slowly and pause after every few steps.

• Continue the coughing and deep breathing exercises that you learned in the hospital.

• Don’t drive for a few days after the surgery. You may drive as soon as you are able to move comfortably from side to side and when you are no longer taking narcotics.

• Walk as often as you feel able.

Other home care

• Take your medicines exactly as directed by your healthcare provider.

• Prevent constipation.

  • Eat fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.

  • Drink 6 to 8 glasses of water every day, unless directed otherwise.

  • Use a laxative or a mild stool softener if your healthcare provider says it’s OK.

• Shower as usual. Wash your incision with mild soap and water. Pat it dry. Don’t use oils, powders, or lotions on your incision.

• Don’t put anything in the vagina or use tampons or douches until your healthcare provider says it’s safe to do so. Don't have sex until your healthcare provider says it is OK.

• Report hot flashes, mood swings, and irritability to your healthcare provider. There may be medicine that can help you.

Follow-up care

Make a follow-up appointment, or as directed.

When to call your healthcare provider

Call your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following:

• Fever of 100.4°F ( 38°C) or higher, or as directed by your healthcare provider

• Chills

• Bright red vaginal bleeding or foul-smelling discharge

• Vaginal bleeding that soaks more than 1 sanitary pad per hour

• Burning sensation when urinating, leaking urine, or trouble urinating

• Severe abdominal pain or bloating

• Redness, swelling, or drainage at your incision site

• Shortness of breath or chest pain

• Nausea and vomiting

• Pain, swelling, or redness in a leg