WHAT TO EXPECT FROM A HYSTERECTOMY OPERATION - PRIOR TO SURGERY, DAY OF SURGERY, AND RECOVERY PERIOD

Sep 27, 2026

Uploaded by Muffet

Guidance on preparing for a hysterectomy and understanding what occurs before, during, and after surgery. Defines key procedures, including hysterectomy and bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy, and explains options related to ovarian removal and testosterone therapy. Details a preoperative consultation (history review, possible labs, and records), anesthesia planning, showering and diet instructions, hospital day flow, PACU recovery, pain and bowel management, catheter timing, enhanced recovery steps, and expected discharge and recovery timelines.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryHealthcare

FormatPDF

Pages3

Reading Time8 min

AccessFree to download

Prior to surgery

Preoperative consultation and records

Preoperative instructions

Day of surgery

Preoperative area and perioperative team

Postanesthesia care (PACU)

Immediately after surgery

Pain, bowel function, catheter removal

Enhanced Recovery pathway

Longer-term recovery

Expected recovery timeline

WHAT TO EXPECT FROM A HYSTERECTOMY OPERATION – PRIOR TO SURGERY, DAY OF SURGERY, AND RECOVERY PERIOD This document reviews common concerns and the answers to frequently asked questions regarding a hysterectomy operation. Definitions: Hysterectomy: Surgical removal of the uterus and cervix. Once the uterus is removed, a person can no longer bear a child themselves. Bilateral Salpingo-oophorectomy: Surgical removal of the fallopian tubes and ovaries. Removal of the ovaries is optional at the time of hysterectomy for gender affirmation. A patient should think about whether they want to potentially contribute genetic material to future children as they make the decision whether to have their ovaries removed. A patient can retain their ovaries and still be on testosterone therapy. Dr. Bell performs the majority of hysterectomies laparoscopically (meaning through small 1-2 centimeter incisions on the lower abdomen, usually 4-5 incisions total) . The length of a hysterectomy operation depends upon many factors, but in general lasts between 2 and 5 hours. With any laparoscopic surgery, there is always a potential for needing to convert to an open surgery with a larger incision if the hysterectomy cannot be completed with small incisions. Regarding day of surgical consultation with Dr. Bell, you can expect: 􀁸 Review of your medical and surgical history, medications, and allergies 􀁸 Possibly blood work 􀁸 Depending upon patient comfort and whether a patient has had gynecologic care before (e.g. a pap smear), a pelvic exam may be recommended , though Dr. Bell knows that not all patients may be comfortable with proceeding with a pelvic exam. If you have had preventative gynecologic care before, please ask your provider to give you copies of: your most recent pap smear (this is the most important), most recent sexually transmitted infection testing, HPV vaccination record, and pelvic ultrasound. Bring these records with you to your visit with Dr. Bell. 􀁸 Depending upon your medical history, Dr. Bell may require you to visit other providers before she is able to book the surgery. Regarding what happens prior to the surgery (“preoperatively”), you can expect: 􀁸 If currently on testosterone therapy, you may continue your testosterone before and after surgery. 􀁸 You will be booked for an anesthesia visit prior to surgery so they can assess your risk for receiving general anesthesia and counsel you about preoperative recommendations and your early recovery in the hospital. You will be given a soap to shower with the day before and morning of the surgery, as well as an electrolyte-rich drink to split between the day prior to surgery and the morning of surgery. 􀁸 You may eat solid food until midnight the night before surgery. 􀁸 You may drink only clear liquids until 2 hours before surgery. Regarding day of surgery, you can expect: 􀁸 You may have a friend, family member, or other loved one accompany you the day of surgery. They will be able to stay with you in the preoperative area until you go to the operating room. They will not necessarily be able to stay overnight in the hospital with you. 􀁸 In the preoperative area, you can expect to see Dr. Bell again and the providers who will assist with the surgery (generally one resident and a medical student) . You will also meet the anesthesia team who will be providing anesthesia for the surgery. You will sign consent forms for surgery and anesthesia. You will also meet the nurse who will help Dr. Bell in the operating room (called a circulating nurse) . The preoperative area nurse will place an IV in your arm, draw any blood work we need, and give you some pain medications by mouth which will help with pain control immediately after surgery. 􀁸 After coming out of the operating room, you will spend at least two hours in our postanesthesia care unit (PACU) . You may spend the night in the PACU , shared room, or ina private room. Regarding what happens immedi

FAQs

What is a hysterectomy, and can someone still bear children after the procedure?

A hysterectomy is the surgical removal of the uterus and cervix. After the uterus is removed, the person can no longer bear children themselves.

What should a patient expect during the preoperative consultation with Dr. Bell?

The visit reviews medical and surgical history, medications, and allergies, with possible blood work. Depending on prior gynecologic care, a pelvic exam and copies of recent records (especially the most recent pap smear, STI testing, HPV vaccination record, and pelvic ultrasound) may be recommended.

How does recovery typically proceed after a laparoscopic hysterectomy?

After surgery, at least one night in the hospital is expected, with pain and bowel medications and early catheter removal (often between 4 and 6 AM). The Enhanced Recovery pathway supports early eating and walking, and total recovery after a laparoscopic hysterectomy is about six weeks.

Sep 27, 2026

Uploaded by Muffet