Hysterectomy: Surgery, Types and Recovery | GetWellGo

Hysterectomy surgery in India

Hysterectomy is surgical removal of a woman's uterus and sometimes includes removal of the cervix, ovaries, and fallopian tubes based on the condition. It is one of the most frequently performed gynaecological procedures and is available in different forms in India based on the patient's medical requirements.

Types of hysterectomy procedures

Here's a detailed list of the types of hysterectomy procedures, classified by extent of removal and by type of surgery.

Types Based on Organs Removed:

Total Hysterectomy

• What is removed: Uterus + Cervix
• Most common type
• Why it's done: Uterine fibroids, abnormal bleeding, endometriosis, uterine prolapse
• Advantage: No future risk of cervical cancer

Subtotal (Partial or Supracervical) Hysterectomy

• What is removed: Only the Uterus (cervix is left behind)
• Why it's done: When removal of the cervix isn't required
• Advantage: May maintain pelvic floor support and sexual function
• Disadvantage: Pap smears still required; slim possibility of ongoing spotting

Radical Hysterectomy

• What is removed: Uterus + Cervix + upper vagina + surrounding tissues (possibly lymph nodes)
• Why it's done: Typically for cancer (cervical, uterine, or advanced endometriosis)
• Performed by: Gynecologic oncologists
• More extensive recovery and risks

Hysterectomy with Bilateral Salpingo-Oophorectomy

• What is removed: Uterus + fallopian tubes + ovaries
• Why it's done: Breast cancer, risk-reducing surgery (e.g. BRCA mutation), chronic pelvic pain
• Result: Ovaries removed = immediate menopause
• May need hormone therapy

Types Based on Surgical Technique:

Abdominal Hysterectomy

• Open surgery through a 5–7 inch cut in the lower abdomen
• For large fibroids, cancer, pelvic adhesions
• Strong visual access; longer recovery, more pain

Vaginal Hysterectomy

• Uterus taken out through the vagina with no incisions outside
• Uterine prolapse, smaller uterus
• Faster recovery; limited access to other organs

Laparoscopic Hysterectomy

• Small incisions with a camera (laparoscope) and instruments
• Endometriosis, fibroids, abnormal bleeding
• Minimally invasive; less pain, faster recovery

Robotic-Assisted Hysterectomy

• Surgeons operate with robotic arms through a console for high precision
• Cancer, deep endometriosis, adhesions
• Precise best; more expensive and less accessible

Hysterectomy recovery time

Abdominal (Open)

• Hospital Stay: 2–4 days
• Full Recovery: 6–8 weeks
• Return to work: 4–6 weeks (desk job)

Vaginal

• Hospital Stay: 1–2 days
• Full Recovery: 3–4 weeks
• Return to work: 2–3 weeks

Laparoscopic (Minimally invasive)

• Hospital Stay: 1–2 days
• Full Recovery: 2–4 weeks
• Return to work: 1–2 weeks

Robotic-assisted

• Hospital Stay: 1–2 days
• Full Recovery: 2–4 weeks
• Return to work: 1–2 weeks

Recovery Timeline – What to Expect:

Week 1–2:

• Pain and fatigue are the norm
• Light walking is encouraged
• No heavy lifting, driving, or sex
• Bleeding or discharge from the vagina is likely

Week 3–4:

• Energy begins to return (more quickly with laparoscopic or vaginal surgery)
• Gradual return to normal activities
• Light exercise with physician approval

Week 5–6 (Abdominal) / Week 3–4 (Laparoscopic/Vaginal):

• Stitches dissolve or may be removed
• Return to desk-type jobs
• Sexual intercourse may resume (after physician's approval)

Week 6–8:

• Full recovery from abdominal hysterectomy
• Return to normal life for most women
• Strengthening exercises can begin

Laparoscopic hysterectomy surgery

Laparoscopic hysterectomy is a less invasive surgery to remove the uterus (and occasionally cervix, fallopian tubes, or ovaries) through small belly cuts and a camera (laparoscope). It is among the most favored procedures in India and around the world because of faster recovery and reduced risk of complications.

How the Procedure Is Performed?

• Anaesthesia: General anaesthesia is administered.
• Incisions: 3–4 tiny incisions (5–10 mm) on the abdomen.
• Laparoscope placed: Camera displays the uterus on a screen.
• Instruments employed: Uterus is separated from its surrounding tissues.
• Removal: Uterus is removed through the vagina or morcellated (divided into small pieces) and removed through incisions.
• Closure: Incisions are closed with dissolvable stitches.

Best hysterectomy surgeon in India

• Dr. Renu Raina Sehgal
• Dr. Sabhyata Gupta
• Dr. Rama Joshi
• Dr. Vivek Marwah

Fortis Hospital hysterectomy

Fortis Healthcare is India's top multi-specialty hospital chain, renowned for its sophisticated gynaecology care, expert surgeons, and great infrastructure. Fortis performs all forms of hysterectomy, such as laparoscopic, vaginal, abdominal, and robotic-assisted hysterectomy.

Types of Hysterectomy Performed at Fortis:

• Total Hysterectomy
• Subtotal / Supracervical Hysterectomy
• Radical Hysterectomy
• Laparoscopic Hysterectomy
• Robotic Hysterectomy
• Vaginal Hysterectomy

Popular Techniques Employed at Fortis:

• 3D laparoscopic surgeries for quicker and sharper visualization
• Robotic-assisted surgeries (available in Fortis Gurgaon, Delhi, Bangalore)
• Advanced imaging & diagnostics (MRI, hysteroscopy, transvaginal ultrasound)

Fortis Support for International Patients:

• Medical visa guidance
• Airport pick-up and drop
• Exclusive International Patient Coordinators
• Language interpreters (Arabic, French, Bengali, Russian, etc.)
• Online consultation prior to travel
• Affordable stay arrangements nearby

Recovery at Fortis:

• Hospital stay: 1–3 days (laparoscopic/vaginal), 3–5 days (abdominal)
• Follow-up visits: Typically after 7–10 days and 1 month
• Rehabilitation support: Dietitian, physiotherapy, counselling if required
• Painless anaesthesia options for enhanced patient comfort

What to expect after hysterectomy?

Here is a comprehensive overview of what to expect after a hysterectomy, including physical, emotional, and long-term recovery aspects:

Immediate Recovery (First 24–72 Hours)

Hospital Stay:

• Laparoscopic/Vaginal: 1–2 days
• Abdominal: 2–4 days

Common Experiences:

• Pain in the area of the incision or in the lower abdomen
• Vaginal bleeding or discharge
• Grogginess due to anaesthesia
• A temporary urinary catheter may be placed
• Constipation or gas because of anaesthesia and inactivity
• Pain Management: Oral or IV pain medications will be administered.

Physical Recovery (Weeks 1–6)

Fatigue

• Very frequent, particularly in first 2 weeks
• Rest usually, short walks facilitate recovery

Bleeding

• Light vaginal bleeding for 1–4 weeks
• Use sanitary pads, not tampons

Abdominal Swelling

• Common in all forms, particularly abdominal
• Wear loose clothing, drink plenty of fluids

Bowel Problems

• Constipation, gas, bloating
• High-fiber diet, mild laxatives if instructed

Pain

• Dull aches, particularly around the incision
• Take medicines as scheduled, avoid heavy lifting

Avoid for 4–6 weeks:

• Lifting anything heavy (>5–7 kg)
• Driving (until advised)
• Sexual intercourse
• Intense exercises (except light walking)

Emotional and Hormonal Effects

Emotional highs and lows are typical:

• Symptom relief (e.g., heavy bleeding)
• Sadness or loss, particularly if fertility is a concern

If ovaries are removed:

• Sudden menopause (hot flashes, mood swings, night sweats)
• May need hormone replacement therapy (HRT) — talk to your doctor

If ovaries are saved:

• You won't have immediate menopause

Follow-Up Appointments

• First follow-up: typically within 7–10 days
• Second follow-up: about 4–6 weeks
• Pathology report (if biopsy was performed) reviewed during these visits

Abdominal hysterectomy recovery tips

Here's a helpful and medically supported list of tips for recovery following an abdominal hysterectomy, intended to enable you to recover quicker and more comfortably:

Get Plenty of Rest and Gradual Activity

• Get lots of rest, particularly during the initial 2–3 weeks, but not all day in bed.
• Begin walking as soon as you can (typically day 1 in the hospital) to:
• Prevent blood clots
• Decrease gas pain
• Enhance bowel function
• Stay away from heavy lifting, bending, or straining for 6–8 weeks.

Take Care of Your Incision

• Keep it dry and clean
• Gently clean with mild soap and water (if allowed)
• Pat dry—not rub

Be on the lookout for signs of infection:

• Redness, pus, bad smell, or swelling
• Wear loose-fitting garments to prevent irritation

Handle Pain Appropriately

• Take pain medications as prescribed on schedule, particularly the first 1–2 weeks.
• You may use a heating pad (not on the incision itself) for back pain or cramps.
• If pain worsens or becomes different suddenly, see your doctor.

Light, Healthy Meals

High-fiber diet to help prevent constipation:

• Whole grains, fruits, vegetables, soups
• Drink plenty of water – a minimum of 8–10 glasses each day

Avoid:

• Spicy, fried, and gas-producing foods (at first)
• Caffeine and carbonated beverages
• If constipated: talk to your doctor about stool softeners or gentle laxatives.

Avoid These for 6–8 Weeks

• Lifting >5 kg
• Sexual intercourse
• Driving (until cleared by doctor)
• House chores like vacuuming, bending, squatting
• Swimming or soaking in baths (showers are fine)

Support Your Emotional Health

It's okay to feel:

• Mood swings
• Sadness (particularly if ovaries were removed)
• Relief and exhaustion at the same time
• Talk to someone—a friend, counselor, or support group
• If depression lasts more than 2 weeks, tell your doctor

Follow Up and Monitor Recovery

• First follow-up visit: typically 7–10 days after surgery
• Second visit: approximately 6 weeks (or sooner if necessary)

Ask your doctor:

• When may you resume work?
• When to resume exercise/sex?
• Whether hormone therapy is necessary (if ovaries were removed)

Hysterectomy side effects and risks

Here is a comprehensive breakdown of the side effects and risks of hysterectomy, including both short-term and long-term effects, as well as rare but possible surgical risks.

Common Side Effects After Hysterectomy:

• Pain and fatigue
• Vaginal bleeding/discharge
• Constipation or gas
• Hot flashes, night sweats
• Emotional ups and downs

Possible Surgical Risks:

• Excessive bleeding
• Injury to nearby organs (bladder, ureters, bowel)
• Anaesthesia-related complications
• Infection (incision site, urinary tract, or internal)
• Blood clots (in legs or lungs – deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism)
• Wound complications (dehiscence, hematoma)
• Urinary retention or incontinence

Long-Term Side Effects:

• Menopause (if ovaries are removed)
• Sexual Changes
• Emotional Impact
• Pelvic Organ Prolapse
• Urinary and Bowel Issues

GetWellGo hysterectomy treatment guide

• Complete transparency
• Fair costs.
• 24 hour availability.
• Medical E-visas
• Online consultation from recognized Indian experts.
• Assistance in selecting India's top hospitals for hysterectomy treatment.
• Expert gynaecologists with a strong track record of success
• Assistance during and after the course of treatment.
• Language Support
• Travel and Accommodation Services
• Case manager assigned to every patient to provide seamless support in and out of the hospital like appointment booking
• Local SIM Cards
• Currency Exchange
• Arranging Patient’s local food