When Can I Go Back to Work After Robotic Hysterectomy

This guide volition help you go gear up for your robotic-assisted or laparoscopic hysterectomy at Memorial Sloan Kettering (MSK). It will also help y'all understand what to expect during your recovery.

Use this guide as a source of information in the days leading up to your surgery. Bring it with yous on the day of your surgery. You and your healthcare team will refer to information technology as you acquire more about your recovery.

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Nearly Your Surgery

A hysterectomy (HIS-teh-REK-toh-mee) is a surgery to remove your uterus. You lot may be having a hysterectomy because you take:

• Uterine cancer, cervical cancer, or ovarian cancer
• Uterine fibroids
• Endometriosis
• Heavy vaginal bleeding
• Pelvic hurting

Your healthcare provider will talk with y'all about why you're having the surgery.

About your reproductive arrangement

Your reproductive system includes your ovaries, fallopian tubes, uterus, cervix, and vagina (see Figure i). Your uterus is in your lower belly (belly) between your bladder and rectum. The lower narrow finish of your uterus is called your cervix. Your ovaries and fallopian tubes are fastened to your uterus.

Subsequently your hysterectomy, you won't be able to take children naturally. Yous'll also stop menstruating (getting your monthly period). A hysterectomy doesn't cause menopause unless your ovaries are removed.

If you want to have biological children in the time to come, enquire your healthcare provider for a referral to a fertility specialist.

Effigy 1. Your reproductive system

Robotic-assisted or laparoscopic hysterectomy

You'll accept either a robotic-assisted or a laparoscopic hysterectomy.

With both types of hysterectomies, your surgeon will make several small incisions (surgical cuts) on your abdomen. They'll put a laparoscope (long, sparse surgical tool with a video camera) through i of the incisions into your abdomen. The laparoscope lets your surgeon meet the within of your belly.

Carbon dioxide gas will be pumped into your abdomen to make space. This gives your surgeon more room to do your surgery. Your surgeon volition also put long, skinny surgical tools into the other incisions on your belly.

• With a laparoscopic hysterectomy, your surgeon directly controls the surgical tools with their hands. They tin come across the images from the laparoscope on a television receiver monitor.
• With a robotic-assisted hysterectomy, your surgeon sits at a console and controls a robot that moves the surgical tools. The panel has a special monitor where they can see the images from the laparoscope in 3 dimensions (3-D).

With both types of hysterectomies, your surgeon volition remove your uterus and cervix through your vagina, if possible. If your uterus or cervix can't exist removed through your vagina, your surgeon volition make one of your incisions bigger and remove your uterus and neck from there. Then they'll shut your incisions with sutures (stitches).

You might besides accept one or both of the post-obit procedures during your hysterectomy. Your surgeon will talk with yous about the plan for your specific surgery.

Salpingo-oophorectomy

A salpingo-oophorectomy (sal-PIN-goh-oh-oh-foh-REK-toh-mee) is a surgery to remove your ovary and fallopian tube on one or both sides of your torso.

If you haven't started menopause, you'll become into menopause if both of your ovaries are removed. You may take some of the mutual symptoms, including night sweats, hot flashes, and vaginal dryness. Talk with your healthcare provider about ways to manage these symptoms. If you've already gone through menopause, you shouldn't detect any changes.

Picket lymph node mapping and lymph node autopsy

Lymph nodes are small, bean-shaped glands that brand and store the cells that help your torso fight infections. Lymph nodes are establish throughout your body. Sentinel lymph nodes are the lymph nodes most likely to be affected if you lot take cancer and information technology has spread.

If your surgeon thinks you may have cancer, they may do sentinel lymph node mapping and remove some of your lymph nodes during your surgery. This is called a lymph node autopsy.

For spotter lymph node mapping, your surgeon will inject a small amount of dye in the surface area where the cancer may be. They'll talk with you lot about the type of dye they'll use. This dye will travel to the lookout lymph node(s) and turn them blue or green.

Once the watch node(south) are located, your surgeon volition make a modest incision. They'll remove the sentinel node(s) and ship them to the Pathology Section to exist checked for cancer cells.

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Before Your Surgery

The information in this department will assist you get ready for your surgery. Read this section when your surgery is scheduled and refer to information technology every bit your surgery date gets closer. Information technology has important information about what yous need to practice before your surgery.

As you read through this section, write down any questions y'all want to ask your healthcare provider.

Getting gear up for your surgery

You and your intendance squad will work together to get set for your surgery.

Help united states of america keep you safe during your surgery by telling us if any of the post-obit statements utilise to you, even if you aren't certain.

• I take a blood thinner, such as:
  • Aspirin
  • Heparin
  • Warfarin (Jantoven^® or Coumadin^®)
  • Clopidogrel (Plavix^®)
  • Enoxaparin (Lovenox^®)
  • Dabigatran (Pradaxa^®)
  • Apixaban (Eliquis^®)
  • Rivaroxaban (Xarelto^®)
  There are others, then be sure your healthcare provider knows all the medications you're taking.
• I have prescription medications (medications my healthcare provider prescribes), including patches and creams.
• I take over-the-counter medications (medications I buy without a prescription), including patches and creams.
• I have dietary supplements, such as herbs, vitamins, minerals, or natural or home remedies.
• I have a pacemaker, automatic implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (AICD), or other heart device.
• I have sleep apnea.
• I've had a problem with anesthesia (medication to brand me slumber during surgery) in the past.
• I'yard allergic to certain medication(s) or materials, including latex.
• I'thousand not willing to receive a blood transfusion.
• I drinkable booze.
• I smoke or use an electronic smoking device (such as a vape pen, e-cigarette, or Juul^®).
• I utilize recreational drugs.

Virtually drinking booze

The amount of booze yous drinkable can bear upon you during and afterward your surgery. It's important to talk with your healthcare providers about how much alcohol you drink. This will assist us program your care.

• If you stop drinking alcohol suddenly, it can cause seizures, delirium, and death. If we know you're at take a chance for these complications, we can prescribe medications to aid keep them from happening.
• If you potable alcohol regularly, yous may be at take chances for other complications during and later on your surgery. These include haemorrhage, infections, eye problems, and a longer infirmary stay.

Here are things you can practice earlier your surgery to keep from having issues:

• Be honest with your healthcare providers about how much alcohol yous potable.
• Endeavor to end drinking alcohol once your surgery is planned. If you develop a headache, nausea (feeling similar yous're going to throw up), increased anxiety, or tin't slumber after you stop drinking, tell your healthcare provider right away. These are early signs of alcohol withdrawal and can be treated.
• Tell your healthcare provider if yous can't stop drinking.
• Ask your healthcare provider questions nigh drinking and surgery. As e'er, all of your medical information will be kept confidential.

About smoking

If you lot smoke, you lot tin have breathing problems when y'all accept surgery. Stopping even for a few days before surgery can help. Your healthcare provider volition refer yous to our Tobacco Treatment Program if yous smoke. You can too reach the program by calling 212-610-0507.

About sleep apnea

Sleep apnea is a common animate disorder that causes y'all to stop animate for short periods of fourth dimension while sleeping. The most common type is obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). With OSA, your airway becomes completely blocked during sleep. OSA can crusade serious bug during and afterwards surgery.

Delight tell usa if you accept sleep apnea or if you call back you lot might take information technology. If you utilize a breathing device (such as a CPAP device) for slumber apnea, bring it with you the day of your surgery.

Using MyMSK

MyMSK (my.mskcc.org) is your MSK patient portal account. You tin can use MyMSK to ship and receive messages from your care squad, view your test results, see your appointment dates and times, and more. You lot tin as well invite your caregiver to create their own account so they can come across information about your care.

If yous don't have a MyMSK account, you can visit my.mskcc.org, telephone call 646-227-2593, or call your doctor's office for an enrollment ID to sign up. Yous can also watch our video How to Enroll in MyMSK: Memorial Sloan Kettering'southward Patient Portal. For help, contact the MyMSK Help Desk by emailing mymsk@mskcc.org or calling 800-248-0593.

Within 30 days of your surgery

Presurgical Testing (PST)

Earlier your surgery, y'all'll take an appointment for presurgical testing (PST). The date, time, and location will be printed on the date reminder from your surgeon's office. Information technology's helpful to bring the following things to your PST date:

• A list of all the medications y'all're taking, including prescription and over-the-counter medications, patches, and creams.
• Results of whatsoever tests done outside of MSK, such equally a cardiac stress test, echocardiogram, or carotid doppler study.
• The name(s) and phone number(s) of your healthcare provider(south).

You can consume and accept your usual medications the day of your appointment.

During your PST appointment, yous'll meet with a nurse practitioner (NP). They work closely with anesthesiology staff (specialized healthcare providers who will give you anesthesia during your surgery). Your NP will review your medical and surgical history with you. Yous may have tests, such equally an electrocardiogram (EKG) to cheque your heart rhythm, a chest x-ray, blood tests, and any other tests needed to program your care. Your NP may besides recommend that you lot see other healthcare providers.

Your NP will talk with you about which medications yous should take the forenoon of your surgery.

Identify your caregiver

Your caregiver plays an of import part in your care. Before your surgery, yous and your caregiver volition learn nigh your surgery from your healthcare providers. After your surgery, your caregiver will accept you home when yous're discharged from the hospital. They'll too aid y'all treat yourself at dwelling.

For caregivers

‌Resources and back up are available to help manage the responsibilities that come with caring for a person going through cancer treatment. For back up resources and data, visit www.mskcc.org/caregivers or read A Guide for Caregivers.

Adapt for someone to take you habitation

You must accept a responsible intendance partner take you domicile afterwards your surgery. A responsible intendance partner is someone who tin help you get dwelling house safely. They should be able to contact your care team if they accept any concerns. Make sure to program this before the day of your surgery.

If you don't accept a responsible care partner to take you lot abode, phone call one of the agencies below. They'll ship someone to go abode with you. There'southward oftentimes a charge for this service, and yous'll need to provide transportation. It's OK to use a taxi or car service, simply y'all notwithstanding need a responsible care partner with you.

Complete a Health Care Proxy form

If you haven't already completed a Wellness Intendance Proxy course, nosotros recommend you complete ane at present. If y'all've already completed one or have any other advance directives, bring them to your next appointment.

A wellness care proxy is a legal document that identifies the person who volition speak for you if you tin't communicate for yourself. The person you identify is called your health intendance amanuensis.

Talk with your healthcare provider if y'all're interested in completing a health care proxy. You tin can also read the resources Advance Care Planning and How to Be a Health Intendance Agent for data about health care proxies, other accelerate directives, and being a health care agent.

Exercise breathing and cough exercises

Exercise taking deep breaths and cough before your surgery. Your healthcare provider will give you an incentive spirometer to help aggrandize your lungs. For more data, read How to Use Your Incentive Spirometer.

Exercise

Try to practise aerobic practise every mean solar day. Aerobic exercise is any exercise that makes your heart beat faster, such as walking, swimming, or biking. If information technology's cold outside, utilize stairs in your home or get to a mall or shopping center. Exercising volition assist your body become into its all-time condition for your surgery and brand your recovery faster and easier.

Follow a healthy diet

Follow a well-balanced, healthy diet earlier your surgery. If you need assistance with your nutrition, talk with your healthcare provider nearly meeting with a clinical dietitian nutritionist.

Buy a iv% chlorhexidine gluconate (CHG) solution clarified peel cleanser (such as Hibiclens®), if needed

Your nurse will tell you if y'all demand to launder with a 4% CHG solution antiseptic pare cleanser before your surgery. Follow their instructions.

four% CHG solution is a pare cleanser that kills germs for 24 hours after you employ it. Showering with information technology before your surgery volition assistance lower your take a chance of infection after surgery. Yous tin can purchase a 4% CHG solution antiseptic pare cleanser at your local pharmacy without a prescription.

seven days before your surgery

Follow your healthcare provider's instructions for taking aspirin

If you lot take aspirin or a medication that contains aspirin, you may need to change your dose or stop taking it 7 days before your surgery. Aspirin can crusade bleeding.

Follow your healthcare provider's instructions. Don't terminate taking aspirin unless they tell you to. For more than data, read the resource Common Medications Containing Aspirin, Other Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs), or Vitamin Eastward.

Cease taking vitamin E, multivitamins, herbal remedies, and other dietary supplements

Terminate taking vitamin Eastward, multivitamins, herbal remedies, and other dietary supplements vii days before your surgery. These things can cause bleeding. For more information, read the resource Herbal Remedies and Cancer Treatment.

2 days earlier your surgery

Stop taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)

Stop taking NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen (Advil^® and Motrin^®) and naproxen (Aleve^®), 2 days earlier your surgery. These medications tin can cause bleeding. For more information, read the resource Mutual Medications Containing Aspirin, Other Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs), or Vitamin E.

ane day before your surgery

Note the time of your surgery

A staff member from the Admitting Office will call you lot later on ii:00 pm the solar day before your surgery. If your surgery is scheduled for a Mon, they'll call you lot on the Friday before. If you don't get a call by 7:00 pm, telephone call 212-639-5014.

The staff member will tell you lot what time to arrive at the hospital for your surgery. They'll also remind yous where to go.

Shower with a 4% CHG solution antiseptic peel cleanser (such as Hibiclens), if needed

If your healthcare provider told you to, shower using a 4% CHG solution antiseptic peel cleanser the night before your surgery.

1. Use your normal shampoo to wash your hair. Rinse your head well.
2. Employ your normal soap to wash your face and genital area. Rinse your body well with warm water.
3. Open the 4% CHG solution bottle. Pour some into your hand or a clean washcloth.
4. Move away from the shower stream. Rub the 4% CHG solution gently over your trunk from your neck to your feet. Don't put it on your face or genital area.
5. Move dorsum into the shower stream to rinse off the 4% CHG solution. Use warm water.
6. Dry yourself off with a clean towel after your shower.
7. Don't put on any lotion, cream, deodorant, makeup, powder, perfume, or cologne later your shower.

Instructions for eating earlier your surgery

‌
Do not consume anything after midnight the nighttime before your surgery. This includes hard candy and gum.

The morning of your surgery

Instructions for drinking earlier your surgery

‌  Y'all can drink a total of 12 ounces of water between midnight and 2 hours before your scheduled arrival fourth dimension. Do not drink anything else.

Do not drink anything starting 2 hours before your scheduled arrival time. This includes h2o.

Take your medications as instructed

If your healthcare provider told you to accept certain medications the morning of your surgery, take only those medications with a sip of water. Depending on what medications you accept, this may be all, some, or none of your usual morning medications.

Shower with a 4% CHG solution antiseptic skin cleanser (such as Hibiclens), if needed

If your healthcare provider told you to, shower with a 4% CHG solution clarified skin cleanser before you lot leave for the hospital. Use information technology the same way you lot did the dark before.

Don't put on any lotion, foam, deodorant, makeup, powder, perfume, or cologne after your shower.

Things to remember

• Wear something comfortable and loose-fitting.
• If you article of clothing contact lenses, clothing your spectacles instead. Wearing contact lenses during surgery tin damage your optics.
• Don't wear any metal objects. Remove all jewelry, including body piercings. The tools used during your surgery tin can crusade burns if they touch metal.
• Leave valuable items at home.
• If you're menstruating (have your monthly menstruation), use a sanitary pad, not a tampon. Yous'll go disposable underwear, also as a pad if needed.

What to bring

• Your breathing device for sleep apnea (such as your CPAP device), if you have one.
• Your incentive spirometer, if y'all have one.
• Your Wellness Care Proxy form and other advance directives, if yous completed them.
• Your jail cell phone and charger.
• Only the coin you may want for minor purchases (such as a newspaper).
• A case for your personal items (such as eyeglasses, hearing aids, dentures, prosthetic devices, wig, or religious articles), if you take whatsoever.
• This guide. Your healthcare squad will use it to teach you how to care for yourself after surgery.

One time you lot're in the hospital

Staff members will ask you to say and spell your name and birth date many times. This is for your rubber. People with the aforementioned or a similar proper name may exist having surgery on the same day.

When it's time to change for surgery, you lot'll become a hospital gown, robe, and nonskid socks to wear.

Meet with a nurse

You'll meet with a nurse earlier surgery. Tell them the dose of any medications yous took after midnight (including prescription and over-the-counter medications, patches, and creams) and the time y'all took them.

Your nurse may place an intravenous (IV) line in ane of your veins, usually in your arm or hand. If your nurse doesn't identify the 4, your anesthesiologist will do it in the operating room.

Run across with an anesthesiologist

You lot'll too run into with an anesthesiologist before surgery. They volition:

• Review your medical history with you.
• Enquire if you've had any problems with anesthesia in the by, including nausea or pain.
• Talk with you lot about your comfort and safety during your surgery.
• Talk with you lot almost the kind of anesthesia you'll get.
• Answer your questions almost your anesthesia.

Get ready for your surgery

When it'southward fourth dimension for your surgery, you'll need to remove your hearing aids, dentures, prosthetic device(s), wig, and religious manufactures, if you take them.

Y'all'll either walk into the operating room or exist taken in on a stretcher. A fellow member of the operating room team will help you onto the operating bed and identify compression boots on your lower legs. These gently inflate and deflate to assist blood flow in your legs. You may likewise have a blood force per unit area cuff and EKG pads to monitor you during your surgery.

Once you lot're comfortable, your anesthesiologist will give y'all anesthesia through your Four line and you'll fall asleep. Y'all'll likewise become fluids through your Iv line during and after your surgery.

During your surgery

After you're fully comatose, a animate tube volition exist placed through your oral fissure and into your windpipe to assistance yous breathe. A urinary (Foley) catheter volition as well exist placed to bleed urine (pee) from your bladder.

Once your surgery is finished, your surgeon will close your incisions with sutures and cover them with Steri-Strips^™ (thin pieces of surgical tape) or Dermabond^® (surgical gum). They may likewise cover them with a dry, foursquare, white dressing (bandage) chosen a Primapore^® dressing.

Your animate tube is usually taken out while you're even so in the operating room.

Dorsum to peak

Later Your Surgery

The information in this section will tell yous what to wait later on your surgery, both during your hospital stay and after you leave the hospital. You'll learn how to safely recover from your surgery.

Every bit you lot read through this department, write downwards any questions yous want to ask your healthcare provider.

In the Post-Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU) or your recovery room

When you wake up after your surgery, you'll be in the PACU or your recovery room. A nurse will be keeping track of your body temperature, blood pressure, pulse, and oxygen levels. You may exist getting oxygen through a thin tube that rests below your nose. You lot'll also have pinch boots on your lower legs.

Yous may take a urinary catheter in your bladder to help proceed runway of how much urine (pee) yous're making. If you do, it should be removed earlier you go home.

Managing your hurting

Yous'll get pain medication through your IV line or as a tablet that you consume. Your healthcare providers will ask you nigh your pain often and give you medication as needed. If your hurting isn't relieved, tell ane of your healthcare providers. Information technology's important to control your pain so you can apply your incentive spirometer and move around.

You'll get a prescription for pain medication earlier you leave the hospital. Talk with your healthcare provider about possible side effects and when to start switching to over-the-counter pain medications.

Moving around and walking

Moving around and walking volition assist lower your risk for blood clots and pneumonia (lung infection). It will also aid you starting time passing gas and having bowel movements (pooping) again. Your nurse or physical therapist will help you motility around, if needed.

Read the resource Phone call! Don't Autumn! to learn what you tin can do to stay safe and keep from falling while you're in the infirmary.

Using your incentive spirometer

Use your incentive spirometer 10 times every hour y'all're awake. This volition help your lungs aggrandize fully, which helps prevent pneumonia. For more information, read the resource How to Use Your Incentive Spirometer.

Leaving the infirmary

Before you get out, look at your incisions with one of your healthcare providers. Knowing what they look like will help you detect whatsoever changes later.

Most people don't need any supplies after surgery. If you do, such as if y'all're leaving the hospital with tubes or drains, your nurse volition lodge them for you lot.

Before you leave, your healthcare provider will write your belch order and prescriptions. Yous'll also get written discharge instructions. One of your healthcare providers will review them with you before you lot get out.

At home

Filling out your Recovery Tracker

We want to know how y'all're feeling after you lot leave the infirmary. To help us continue caring for you, we'll ship questions to your MyMSK account every day for 10 days after you get out the hospital. These questions are known as your Recovery Tracker.

Fill out your Recovery Tracker every day earlier midnight (12:00 am). Information technology merely takes 2 to iii minutes to complete. Your answers to these questions will aid us understand how yous're feeling and what you lot demand.

Based on your answers, we may reach out to you for more information or ask you to call your surgeon'due south office. You tin always contact your surgeon'due south role if yous have any questions. For more information, read the resource About Your Recovery Tracker .

Eating and drinking

You'll be able to eat afterwards your surgery. Start with foods that are soft and like shooting fish in a barrel to digest, such equally absurdity and chicken noodle soup. Swallow small meals often. And so start adding your regular foods to your nutrition.

If y'all accept bloating, gas, or cramps, limit high-fiber foods, such as:

• Whole grain breads and cereal
• Nuts
• Seeds
• Salads
• Fresh fruit
• Broccoli
• Cabbage
• Cauliflower

Managing your pain

You'll take some pain after your surgery, especially in the starting time few days. The length of time each person has hurting or discomfort varies.

Follow the guidelines below to help manage your pain at dwelling house.

• Take your medications equally directed and as needed.
• Call your healthcare provider if the medication prescribed for you doesn't ease your pain.
• Don't bulldoze or beverage alcohol while you're taking prescription pain medication. Some prescription pain medications can make you drowsy. Alcohol tin make the drowsiness worse.
• As your incision heals, y'all'll have less pain and demand less pain medication. An over-the-counter hurting reliever such as acetaminophen (Tylenol^®) or ibuprofen (Advil^® or Motrin^®) volition ease aches and discomfort.
  • Follow your healthcare provider's instructions for stopping your prescription pain medication.
  • Don't take more of any medication than the amount directed on the label or equally instructed by your healthcare provider.
  • Read the labels on all the medications you lot're taking, especially if you're taking acetaminophen. Acetaminophen is an ingredient in many over-the-counter and prescription medications. Taking likewise much can harm your liver. Don't take more than than one medication that contains acetaminophen without talking with a member of your care team.
• Hurting medication should help you resume your normal activities. Take plenty medication to do your activities and exercises comfortably. It's normal for your pain to increment a fiddling as yous start to be more active.
• Keep runway of when you take your hurting medication. Information technology works best thirty to 45 minutes after you take information technology. Taking it when you showtime accept pain is better than waiting for the pain to get worse.

It's besides mutual to have some discomfort later surgery from the air that was pumped into your abdomen during surgery. To help with this, walk, drink plenty of liquids, and make certain to take the stool softeners your healthcare provider gave you.

Preventing and managing constipation

Some prescription hurting medications (such equally opioids) may cause constipation (having fewer bowel movements than usual). Talk with your healthcare provider nearly how to prevent and manage constipation. You can also follow the guidelines beneath.

• Go to the bath at the same time every day. Your torso will get used to going at that fourth dimension. If y'all experience like yous need to get, though, don't put information technology off.
• Try to use the bathroom five to 15 minutes after meals. After breakfast is a practiced time to go. That'south when the reflexes in your colon are strongest.
• Exercise, if you can. Walking is an excellent form of exercise.
• Drink 8 to 10 (8-ounce) glasses (ii liters) of liquids daily, if you can.
  • Cull liquids such as water, juices (such as prune juice), soups, and ice cream shakes.
  • Avoid liquids with caffeine (such as coffee and soda). Caffeine tin pull fluid out of your body.
• Slowly increase the fiber in your diet to 25 to 35 grams per day. Fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and cereals incorporate cobweb. If yous have an ostomy or have had recent bowel surgery, cheque with your healthcare provider before making any changes in your nutrition.
• Both over-the-counter and prescription medications are available to treat constipation. Check with your healthcare provider before taking whatsoever medications for constipation, especially if y'all accept an ostomy or have had bowel surgery. Follow the instructions on the characterization or from your healthcare provider. Examples of over-the-counter medications for constipation include:
  • Docusate sodium (Colace^®). This is a stool softener (medication that makes your bowel movements softer) that causes few side effects. You tin can employ it to aid forbid constipation. Don't take it with mineral oil.
  • Polyethylene glycol (MiraLAX^®). This is a laxative (medication that causes bowel movements) that causes few side furnishings. Take it with 8 ounces (1 cup) of a liquid. Only take information technology if you lot're already constipated.
  • Senna (Senokot^®). This is a stimulant laxative, which can cause cramping. Information technology'south all-time to take information technology at bedtime. Just accept information technology if you lot're already constipated.

If any of these medications cause diarrhea (loose, watery bowel movements), stop taking them. You can starting time over again if needed.

If you haven't had a bowel movement in 2 days, call your healthcare provider.

Caring for your incisions

You lot'll have several small incisions on your belly. They'll be closed with Steri-Strips or Dermabond. They may also be covered with square white Primapore dressings.

• If you have Primapore dressings, you can take them off in the shower 24 hours subsequently your surgery.
• If you lot take Steri-Strips or Dermabond, they'll loosen and may autumn or peel off on their ain. If they haven't fallen off within 10 days, you can take them off. Don't accept them off earlier then.

Don't become your incisions moisture for the offset 24 hours (1 24-hour interval) after your surgery. After that, clean them with lather and water in the shower every day.

Showering

Don't shower for the outset 24 hours after your surgery. After that, accept a shower every day to clean your incisions. Taking a warm shower is also relaxing and can help muscle aches.

During your shower, use soap to gently launder your incisions. Subsequently your shower, pat the areas dry with a make clean towel and exit your incisions uncovered (unless there'south drainage). Call your healthcare provider if you meet whatsoever redness or drainage from your incision.

Don't take tub baths until yous talk with your healthcare provider at your start appointment afterwards your surgery.

Managing vaginal spotting or haemorrhage

It's mutual to have some vaginal spotting or calorie-free bleeding after surgery. Utilise a pad or a panty liner so you can see how much yous're spotting or haemorrhage. Don't use a tampon.

If you have heavy bleeding (you lot're bleeding through a pad or liner every i to ii hours), call your healthcare provider right away.

Sexual activeness

Don't put anything in your vagina or take vaginal intercourse (sex) for 8 weeks subsequently your surgery. Some people volition need to wait longer than 8 weeks, so speak with your healthcare provider before starting to accept vaginal sex once more.

Driving and traveling

Yous can start driving again 2 weeks later on surgery every bit long equally you aren't taking pain medication that may make you drowsy.

It's OK to travel after your surgery. If you're traveling past airplane within a few weeks later on your surgery, make sure you get upwardly and walk every hour. Be certain to stretch your legs, potable plenty of liquids, and keep your feet elevated when possible.

Going dorsum to piece of work

Nigh people can return to work well-nigh 2 to 4 weeks after the surgery. Talk with your healthcare provider virtually your task and when it may be safe for you to get-go working again. The time it takes to render to work depends on the type of work yous do, the type of surgery you had, and how fast your body heals.

Concrete activity and exercise

Don't lift anything heavier than ten pounds (4.5 kilograms) for at least four weeks subsequently surgery. Speak with your healthcare provider about when you lot can practise heavy lifting.

Doing aerobic exercise, such as walking and stair climbing, will help y'all proceeds strength and feel better. Gradually increase the distance you walk. Climb stairs slowly, resting or stopping every bit needed. Enquire your healthcare provider earlier starting more strenuous exercises.

Managing your feelings

Later on surgery for a serious illness, y'all may have new and upsetting feelings. Many people say they felt weepy, sad, worried, nervous, irritable, and aroused at one time or another. You lot may find that you tin't command some of these feelings. If this happens, it'southward a expert idea to seek emotional support. Your healthcare provider can refer y'all to MSK's Counseling Center. You lot can also reach them by calling 646-888-0200.

The first step in coping is to talk nearly how you experience. Family and friends can aid. Your healthcare providers can reassure, back up, and guide you. It'southward always a good thought to let us know how y'all, your family, and your friends are feeling emotionally. Many resources are bachelor to y'all and your family. Whether you're in the hospital or at home, we're here to help you and your family and friends handle the emotional aspects of your illness.

Follow-upwards appointments afterwards surgery

Your commencement date after surgery will be 2 to 4 weeks after surgery. Your nurse will give yous instructions on how to brand this appointment, including the phone number to phone call.

When to call your healthcare provider

Call your healthcare provider if:

• Yous have a fever of 101 °F (38.3 °C) or higher.
• You have pain that doesn't get better with hurting medication.
• In that location'south redness, drainage, or swelling around your incisions.
• Your calves or thighs are bloated or tender.
• You coughing up blood.
• You have whatever shortness of breath or difficulty breathing.
• Yous don't laissez passer gas or have any bowel movement for 3 days or longer.
• You lot have nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea.
• You accept any questions or concerns.

Contact information

Monday through Friday from nine:00 am to 5:00 pm, phone call your healthcare provider's office.

After five:00 pm, during the weekend, and on holidays, call 212-639-2000 and ask to speak to the person on phone call for your healthcare provider.

Back to peak

Support Services

This department has a list of support services that may assist you get set for your surgery and recover safely.

As you read through this section, write down whatsoever questions y'all desire to ask your healthcare provider.

MSK support services

For more online data, visit the Cancer Types section of www.mskcc.org.

Albeit Office
212-639-7606
Call if you have questions near your hospital admission, including requesting a private room.

Anesthesia
212-639-6840
Call if you lot have questions well-nigh anesthesia.

Blood Donor Room
212-639-7643
Call for information if you're interested in donating blood or platelets.

Bobst International Center
888-675-7722
MSK welcomes patients from around the world. If you're an international patient, phone call for help arranging your care.

Counseling Center
646-888-0200
Many people find that counseling helps them. We provide counseling for individuals, couples, families, and groups, as well as medications to help if you experience broken-hearted or depressed. To make an appointment, ask your healthcare provider for a referral or call the number in a higher place.

Female Sexual Medicine and Women'due south Wellness Plan
646-888-5076
Cancer and cancer treatments tin have an impact on your sexual health. Our Female person Sexual Medicine and Women'due south Wellness Program tin can help if yous're dealing with cancer-related sexual wellness challenges such every bit premature menopause or fertility issues. Telephone call for more information or to brand an appointment. Nosotros tin can help you take activeness and address sexual health issues earlier, during, or after your handling.

Nutrient Pantry Program
646-888-8055
The food pantry program provides food to people in need during their cancer handling. For more information, talk with your healthcare provider or call the number above.

Integrative Medicine Service
646-888-0800
Integrative Medicine Service offers many services to complement (go along with) traditional medical care, including music therapy, heed/body therapies, dance and motility therapy, yoga, and touch therapy.

Male Sexual and Reproductive Medicine Plan
646-888-6024
Cancer and cancer treatments can have an impact on your sexual health. Our Male Sexual and Reproductive Medicine Programme tin can help if you're dealing with cancer-related sexual health challenges such every bit erectile dysfunction (ED). Call for information or to make an date. We tin help you take action and address sexual health bug before, during, or after your treatment.

MSK Library
library.mskcc.org
212-639-7439
You tin visit our library website or speak with the library reference staff to discover more than information about your specific cancer type. You tin can as well visit LibGuides on MSK's library website at libguides.mskcc.org

Patient and Caregiver Education
www.mskcc.org/pe
Visit the Patient and Caregiver Pedagogy website to search our virtual library. There you can detect written educational resources, videos, and online programs.

Patient and Caregiver Peer Support Programme
212-639-5007
You may find it comforting to speak with someone who has been through a treatment like yours. You can talk with a one-time MSK patient or caregiver through our Patient and Caregiver Peer Support Program. These conversations are confidential. They may take identify in person or over the phone.

Patient Billing
646-227-3378
Call if you have questions near preauthorization with your insurance company. This is also chosen preapproval.

Patient Representative Function
212-639-7202
Call if you take questions about the Wellness Care Proxy form or if you lot have concerns about your care.

Perioperative Nurse Liaison
212-639-5935
Telephone call if you have questions about MSK releasing any information while you're having surgery.

Private Duty Nursing Office
212-639-6892
Y'all may request private nurses or companions. Phone call for more information.

Resources for Life Subsequently Cancer (RLAC) Program
646-888-8106
At MSK, intendance doesn't finish after active treatment. The RLAC Program is for patients and their families who have finished handling. This program has many services, including seminars, workshops, support groups, counseling on life after treatment, and help with insurance and employment issues.

Social Work
212-639-7020
Social workers help patients, family unit, and friends bargain with bug that are common for cancer patients. They provide individual counseling and support groups throughout the class of treatment and tin help y'all communicate with children and other family members. Our social workers tin can also help refer you to community agencies and programs, as well equally financial resources if y'all're eligible.

Spiritual Care
212-639-5982
Our chaplains (spiritual counselors) are available to listen, aid back up family members, pray, contact customs clergy or faith groups, or merely exist a comforting companion and a spiritual presence. Anyone can request spiritual support, regardless of formal religious affiliation. MSK's interfaith chapel is located near Memorial Hospital's main lobby. It's open up 24 hours a day. If you have an emergency, call 212-639-2000. Ask for the clergyman on call.

Tobacco Treatment Plan
212-610-0507
If you want to quit smoking, MSK has specialists who tin can help. Call for information.

Virtual Programs
world wide web.mskcc.org/vp
MSK's Virtual Programs offer online didactics and support for patients and caregivers, even when you tin can't come to MSK in person. Through alive, interactive sessions, you tin can learn about your diagnosis, what to expect during handling, and how to prepare for the diverse stages of your cancer care. Sessions are confidential, gratuitous, and led by expert clinical staff. If you lot're interested in joining a Virtual Program, visit our website at www.mskcc.org/vp for more information.

External support services

Admission-A-Ride
spider web.mta.info/nyct/paratran/guide.htm
877-337-2017
In New York Urban center, the MTA offers a shared ride, door-to-door service for people with disabilities who can't take the public motorbus or subway.

Air Charity Network
world wide web.aircharitynetwork.org
877-621-7177
Provides travel to treatment centers.

American Cancer Social club (ACS)
www.cancer.org
800-ACS-2345 (800-227-2345)
Offers a multifariousness of information and services, including Hope Gild, a costless place for patients and caregivers to stay during cancer treatment.

Cancer and Careers
www.cancerandcareers.org
A resource for education, tools, and events for employees with cancer.

CancerCare
www.cancercare.org
800-813-4673
275 Seventh Artery (Betwixt West 25^th & 26^th Streets)
New York, NY 10001
Provides counseling, support groups, educational workshops, publications, and financial help.

Cancer Support Customs
www.cancersupportcommunity.org
Provides support and education to people affected by cancer.

Caregiver Action Network
www.caregiveraction.org
800-896-3650
Provides instruction and support for people who intendance for loved ones with a chronic illness or disability.

Corporate Angel Network
world wide web.corpangelnetwork.org
866-328-1313
Offers free travel to handling beyond the country using empty seats on corporate jets.

Gilda'south Club
www.gildasclubnyc.org
212-647-9700
A place where men, women, and children living with cancer find social and emotional support through networking, workshops, lectures, and social activities.

Practiced Days
www.mygooddays.org
877-968-7233
Offers fiscal aid to pay for copayments during treatment. Patients must take medical insurance, meet the income criteria, and be prescribed medication that's function of the Skillful Days formulary.

Healthwell Foundation
world wide web.healthwellfoundation.org
800-675-8416
Provides financial assistance to cover copayments, health care premiums, and deductibles for certain medications and therapies.

Joe's House
www.joeshouse.org
877-563-7468
Provides a list of places to stay near treatment centers for people with cancer and their families.

LGBT Cancer Projection
http://lgbtcancer.com/
Provides support and advancement for the LGBT customs, including online support groups and a database of LGBT-friendly clinical trials.

LIVESTRONG Fertility
www.livestrong.org/we-can-aid/fertility-services
855-744-7777
Provides reproductive information and back up to cancer patients and survivors whose medical treatments have risks associated with infertility.

Wait Expert Feel Improve Programme
world wide web.lookgoodfeelbetter.org
800-395-LOOK (800-395-5665)
This program offers workshops to larn things you can do to help y'all feel better about your advent. For more information or to sign upwardly for a workshop, call the number higher up or visit the plan's website.

National Cancer Constitute
www.cancer.gov
800-4-CANCER (800-422-6237)

National Cancer Legal Services Network
www.nclsn.org
Free cancer legal advocacy programme.

National LGBT Cancer Network
www.cancer-network.org
Provides education, training, and advocacy for LGBT cancer survivors and those at hazard.

Needy Meds
www.needymeds.org
Lists Patient Assistance Programs for make and generic name medications.

NYRx
www.nyrxplan.com
Provides prescription benefits to eligible employees and retirees of public sector employers in New York Land.

Partnership for Prescription Assistance
world wide web.pparx.org
888-477-2669
Helps qualifying patients without prescription drug coverage get costless or low-price medications.

Patient Access Network Foundation
www.panfoundation.org
866-316-7263
Provides assistance with copayments for patients with insurance.

Patient Advocate Foundation
www.patientadvocate.org
800-532-5274
Provides access to care, fiscal assistance, insurance assistance, job retention assistance, and access to the national underinsured resource directory.

RxHope
www.rxhope.com
877-267-0517
Provides assistance to help people go medications that they have trouble affording.

Back to tiptop

Educational Resources

This department has the educational resources mentioned in this guide. These resources will help yous get fix for your surgery and recover safely afterwards surgery.

As you read through these resource, write downwardly whatever questions you desire to ask your healthcare provider.

• A Guide for Caregivers
• About Your Recovery Tracker
• Advance Care Planning
• Call! Don't Fall!
• Common Medications Containing Aspirin, Other Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs), or Vitamin Eastward
• Herbal Remedies and Cancer Treatment
• How to Exist a Wellness Care Agent
• How to Enroll in MyMSK: Memorial Sloan Kettering's Patient Portal
• How to Use Your Incentive Spirometer

For information about lymphedema, you lot can also read the New York Country Department of Health'southward resource Understanding Lymphedema.

Dorsum to top

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Source: https://www.mskcc.org/cancer-care/patient-education/about-your-robotic-assisted-laparoscopic-hysterectomy

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