How many incisions are needed for a robotic hysterectomy?

During a robotic hysterectomy, your surgeon makes five small incisions in your abdomen to provide access for surgical tools. Through these incisions, your surgeon detaches your uterus and possibly your ovaries and fallopian tubes from surrounding tissues.

Where are the incisions for a robotic hysterectomy?

Three or 4 small incisions are made near your belly button. Gas may be pumped into your belly to inflate it and give your surgeon a better view and more room to work. The laparoscope is inserted into your abdomen. Other surgical instruments are inserted through the other incisions.

How many incisions do you need for a hysterectomy?

To perform the hysterectomy, your surgeon makes a cut (incision) in your lower abdomen, using one of two approaches: A vertical incision, which starts in the middle of your abdomen and extends from just below your navel to just above your pubic bone.

How big are the incisions for robotic hysterectomy?

This robotic piece has four arms, which are long thin tubes that are attached to either a thin surgical instrument or a tiny camera. The surgical instruments and camera enter the patient's body through small ½ inch cuts (incisions) in the abdomen.

How long does a full robotic hysterectomy take?

Robotic technology is used to perform total hysterectomies (removing the uterus and cervix) or partial hysterectomies (removing only the uterus). Single-incision robotic hysterectomies typically take between one-and-a-half to two-and-a-half hours. Surgeries requiring multiple incisions may take longer.

Watch a robotic hysterectomy at UnityPoint Health - St. Luke's Hospital

How much pain is there after a robotic hysterectomy?

For the first few weeks after surgery, some women experience cramps and pain, but this should not be severe. There can be light vaginal bleeding for one to two weeks. You are encouraged to start walking the day after surgery and can expect to return to normal activities and work within three to four weeks.

How long will stomach be swollen after robotic hysterectomy?

You will probably notice that your belly is swollen and puffy. This is common. The swelling will take several weeks to go down. It may take about 4 to 6 weeks to fully recover.

How long does it take for a robotic hysterectomy incision to heal?

Recovery after robotic hysterectomy is shorter and less painful than after an abdominal hysterectomy. A full recovery might take three to four weeks. Even if you feel recovered, don't lift anything heavy — more than 20 pounds (9.1 kilograms) — or have vaginal intercourse until six weeks after surgery.

Is robotic hysterectomy considered major surgery?

Robotic Hysterectomy is a major surgery and recovery typically takes 2-4 weeks. Following the recovery from a hysterectomy, it is expected for women to have relief from pain and correction of abnormal uterine bleeding.

How long do you bleed after a robotic hysterectomy?

Most people will experience some bleeding following the procedure. It's typical to expect bleeding for up to six weeks after your procedure as your body heals and the stitches from the procedure dissolve. The discharge may be red, brown, or pink.

What does a hysterectomy incision look like?

Abdominal Hysterectomy Scar Pictures

Abdominal hysterectomy usually leaves one large scar around the "bikini line," about halfway between the belly button and the pubic bone. A visible crease is usually visible even after the incision is fully healed.

What fills the space after a hysterectomy?

The bottom line

After any type of hysterectomy, your small and large intestines will fill most of the space your uterus previously occupied.

Do your hips widen after hysterectomy?

The uterine ligaments are the pelvis' support structures so the torso collapses after those ligaments are cut to remove the uterus. The hips widen and the spine and rib cage fall. This explains why hysterectomized women have shortened and thickened midsections and no curve in their lower backs.

Is a robotic hysterectomy painful?

Recovery after robotic hysterectomy is shorter and less painful than after a normal abdominal hysterectomy. Contact our office if you're experiencing pain that isn't relieved from medication, drainage, redness or swelling at your incision sites, fever, heavy vaginal bleeding, swelling in your legs, or chest pain.

How do you sleep after a robotic hysterectomy?

What kind of anesthesia is used for robotic hysterectomy?

These side effects usually go away a few days after surgery. General anesthesia is the most common type of anesthesia used for a hysterectomy. It is always used for laparoscopic procedures.

How long does it take for bladder to heal after hysterectomy?

The swelling will take several weeks to go down. You may take about 4 to 6 weeks to fully recover. It's important to avoid lifting while you are recovering so that you can heal. This care sheet gives you a general idea about how long it will take for you to recover.

How many days rest after uterus removal?

Most women go home 2-3 days after this surgery, but complete recovery takes from six to eight weeks. During this time, you need to rest at home. You shouldn't do any tasks until you talk with your doctor about restrictions. Don't do any lifting for the first two weeks.

Why does it hurt to poop after hysterectomy?

The anesthesia used during your hysterectomy also paralyzes your bowel movement. Your bowel movements become irregular due to it recovering from the anesthesia. Cramping, constipation, and irregular bowel movement are all common for women to experience after their procedure.

Is robotic surgery painful?

There are several types of pain associated with robotic surgery: incisional port site pain, pain from the peritoneum being distended with carbon dioxide, visceral pain, and shoulder tip pain.

Will my belly go down after hysterectomy?

Internal lower abdominal and pelvic swelling can take a number of months to subside after a hysterectomy. Abdominal hysterectomy and abdominal incisions can cause the deep abdominal muscles to stop working. When these muscles stop working, this can make your belly look floppy and larger in size.

What hurts after a hysterectomy?

In the weeks following your hysterectomy, you may notice: pain at the incision site. swelling, redness, or bruising at the incision site. burning or itching near the incision.

Is the G spot removed in a hysterectomy?

Researchers believe the clitoris is the tip of a series of nerve “roots” that extend into the vaginal canal and form the G-spot. The good news is, if you're having a hysterectomy, none of these roots or tissues are likely to be removed.

Do they shave you for a hysterectomy?

Preparation for both vaginal and abdominal hysterectomy is similar. If you are having an abdominal hysterectomy, you will have a strip at the top of your pubic hair shaved the night before your operation.

Will I look old after hysterectomy?

Having a hysterectomy is a big change for your body. Depending on where you are in your menopause journey, this type of procedure can cause hormonal changes resulting in different side effects. A hysterectomy by itself usually doesn't affect your hormones and aging as much.