Hysterectomy

Day of surgery

The first thing you will do when you arrive at the hospital is check in. The Admitting Office (1st floor, East Pavilion) will direct you to Express Admission and a nurse will take your vital signs. Family and friends can stay with you until you leave for surgery, then they can wait in the operating room waiting area. An attendant will help them with their questions.

In preparation for surgery, you will be given an IV and compression boots to prevent blood clots in your legs, a possible complication of surgery.

The surgery itself can take from one and a half to three hours depending on the reason for your hysterectomy, which will influence whether you are having a vaginal hysterectomy, a laparoscopically assisted vaginal hysterectomy or an abdominal hysterectomy. The surgeon may close the wound with staples, which will be removed prior to discharge from the hospital.

Check the Yale New Haven Health Information Library for information about hysterectomy.

Immediately after surgery you will be wheeled to the recovery room where you will stay for one to two hours. You may:

• Wear an oxygen mask—especially if you are a smoker—to help you recover from anesthesia.
• Have a catheter, a tube that is placed in your bladder as it regains function. It will be removed a day or two later, usually with minimal discomfort.
• Learn how to cough and breathe deeply to clear your lungs to prevent pneumonia.
• Be monitored for fever and any uncommon complications of surgery.

A nurse will:

• Take your blood pressure, temperature and pulse every four hours.
• Maintain an IV that will provide pain medication, fluids and antibiotics.
• Check your bowel, bladder and lung function daily.
• Check your incision daily.

Last revised: December 22, 2005 (mv)

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All information is intended for your general knowledge and is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment for specific medical conditions. You should seek prompt medical care for any specific health issues and consult your physician before starting a new fitness regimen.