Hysterectomy Recovery Time: How Long?

Recovering from a hysterectomy is much like recovering from any other major surgery. How long recovery takes will depend on the type of procedure and the extent of the surgery performed. It will also depend on any complications that may be encountered following surgery. Patients who suffer hemorrhaging or infection after surgery will have longer recovery times as a rule than patients whose recovery is uneventful. About ten percent of patients suffer post operative complications.

The least invasive surgery is the laproscopic hysterectomy. If the cervix and ovaries were left intact by the surgery, and only the uterus was removed, the patient may be able to return to work in as little as 5 days. There may still be some physical restrictions. Patients should not lift heavy objects or engage in strenuous activity for three to four weeks after surgery. Patients who are experiencing pain or post operative complications like infection may take a bit longer to heal.

The recovery time for vaginal hysterectomy is longer than the recovery period for laproscopic hysterectomy. Although no incisions are made externally, the internal incision is larger than the incisions made for laparoscopic hysterectomy and will take longer to heal. In general, vaginal hysterectomy is more extensive than laparoscopic hysterectomy in that the cervix is often removed. Removal of the cervix increases the recovery time. These patients may have to be out of work two to three weeks and will have to restrict lifting for about three months. Post operative complications increase recovery time as a rule.

The most invasive and in most cases the most extensive hysterectomy is the abdominal hysterectomy. The abdominal hysterectomy involves a larger external incision. In this type of hysterectomy the uterus, cervix, ovaries and sometimes the upper part of the vagina may be removed. Following the surgery the patient will be in a considerable amount of pain and will probably have to remain in bed for at least two days. The patient may require physical therapy post operatively to assist her with mobility. It is important for patients to move around as much as possible after major surgery to avoid blood clots which can be life threatening.

Following an abdominal hysterectomy, the patient will probably not be able to return to work for about four to six weeks, barring complications. Lifting will be restricting for three months. The more active the patient is after surgery, the shorter the recovery period is likely to be.

Recovery following hysterectomy is largely dependent on the individual patient. Younger patients in otherwise good health will recover more quickly than older patients or patients with other health complications. Patients who were physically fit prior to surgery will recover more quickly and tend to get back into physical activities more quickly than patients who were less fit and active before surgery.
The last consideration regarding length of time of recovery is the patient's state of mind. Some patients, especially younger patients who have no children, will become depressed following the surgery. The depression can be quite severe and can interfere in the patient's physical recovery. Older patients, who are beyond child bearing age, tend to view the surgery with less dread. Not being able to bear children is an issue they have already faced.

There is no absolute time limit on recovery from hysterectomy. Patients who have had the surgery for a malignancy will probably undergo radiation therapy or chemotherapy following the surgery, and this may increase their recovery time. The fastest recovery usually occurs in active fit women who have had children, but there are factors with every patient that can effect the time it will take them to recover following a hysterectomy.