The majority of laparoscopic surgery cases are day surgery cases, however total laparoscopic hysterectomy is usually an overnight stay.

Laparoscopic surgery can take anywhere between 60-90 minutes, depending on the type of laparoscopic surgery you are having and any complications, such a the number of and size of adhesions.

A total laparoscopic hysterectomy usually takes around 90 minutes.

You may experience some vaginal bleeding for anywhere between a couple of days to up to one month after surgery. If this bleeding becomes heavy or you experience an unusual discharge, please contact Dr Siva’s rooms as this may indicate an infection.

Your next normal menstrual cycle may not occur until four to six weeks after surgery and you may experience heavier bleeding and more discomfort than usual.

Immediately after the surgery, you may feel sleepy and nauseous, with pain at the site of the incisions – you will be given pain-relieving medication for this. You may also experience a sensation of bloating in the abdomen or pain in the shoulder tips from the carbon dioxide gas used during a laparoscopy.

For the first 24 hours after you return home, have a responsible adult stay with you, rest quietly and don’t do any heavy lifting, housework, cooking or drink alcohol. Don’t drive, operate machinery or sign any important or legal documents.

Cuts on your abdomen will be closed by stitches or glue. Glue will dissolve by itself, while stitches may either dissolve or need to be removed in Dr Siva’s room five to seven days after surgery.

Your cuts will be covered with a dressing that can be removed 24 hours after your surgery, which is when you can also have a wash or shower.
If you have any stitches in your vagina they will dissolve themselves and you might see a stitch, or part of a stitch, coming away after a few days or weeks. This is normal and nothing to worry about.

Until you’ve had the sign off from Dr Siva at your post surgical review, don’t resume sexual intercourse, swimming, bathing or use tampons.

You will be permitted to resume sexual intercourse, swimming and bathing once your wound has fully healed, which is usually six weeks after surgery.

Avoid all vigorous activities for the first few weeks after your operation and avoid exercises such as sit-ups or lifting heavy objects until after your post surgical review.

Depending on the type of laparoscopic surgery, you should be able to return to driving and/or work 1-2 weeks after your procedure.