The laparoscopic hysterectomy recovery time can be sped with proper post-operative care and diet.
Gone are the days when hysterectomy and other major surgeries were performed by entering the body cavity through incisions. The recovery also took a longer time and the patient had a prolonged hospital stay, till the sutures were removed and the wound healed partially. But nowadays, thanks to a breakthrough in modern medicine, laparoscopic surgery has come into existence. This surgical procedure is very different from the standard surgery and involves the insertion of a laparoscope and correcting the disorder. This article gives you a gist of the procedure along with the laparoscopic hysterectomy recovery time
Procedure
Hysterectomy is a gynecological procedure, which involves the surgical removal of the uterus. This process is done in order to correct the problems in the uterus. It may be performed in case of uterine fibroids, excessive menstrual bleeding, endometriosis, etc. Women suffering from cervical or uterine cancer may also be required to undergo this gynecological surgery to prevent the cancer from spreading.
Depending on the seriousness of the condition, the surgery has two types – total and partial. In the former (also known as complete hysterectomy), the fundus of the uterus, fallopian tubes, ovaries, cervix, etc., are removed. On the other hand, in the latter, only the uterine body is removed. This procedure is also called supracervical hysterectomy.
In the traditional method, a long incision would be made on the abdomen, following which the diseased parts are removed. This procedure is done when the uterus has become enlarged or if the surgeon wants to inspect the other organs in the pelvic region. This is done by making a horizontal or vertical incision. After the process has been completed, the doctor closes the incision by sutures and staples.
Nowadays, in the modern method of laparoscopy, small incisions are made on the abdomen. This advanced procedure is done with the help of specialized medical tools and an instrument called a laparoscope, which is fitted with a camera. This camera helps the surgeon to view the location of the abnormalities in the uterus and other organs. Once the abnormality is detected, a specialized tool in inserted into the body and surgery is carried out. After the surgery, the incisions are sealed with stitches.
Recovery Period
Since the traditional method involves a long incision to address the problem, the patient may be required to stay in the hospital for a couple of weeks. The recovery period is also a long and slow process, which may also be painful. The patient may have to stay in the hospital till the stitches are removed and the wound heals. The time may be approximately 6 to 7 weeks. There are also many alterations in the diet of the patient. However, with this modern method, the recovery time is comparatively quicker, and it takes about three weeks for the patient to resume routine activities. Total laparoscopic hysterectomy is done through keyhole-sized incisions near the navel. Hence, its recovery time is almost two weeks. In some cases, patients recover faster, even within a week.
It is always helpful to be aware of the side effects of this procedure to avoid unwanted complications.
Disclaimer: This HerHaleness article is for informative purposes only, and should not be used as a replacement for expert medical advice.
