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Recovery From Fibroid Surgery

A fibroid is a non-cancerous growth found in the uterus. Surgical procedures such as hysterectomies, and myomectcomies remove fibroids to relieve symptoms. Recovery conditions vary based on the invasiveness of the procedure.

  1. Hysterectomy

    • Hysterectomies remove fibroids by removing the entire uterus. Doctors perform hysterectomies in various ways including, through a large incision in the abdomen, laparoscopically through 3 to 4 small incisions in the abdomen, and vaginally through an incision in the vagina.

    Recovery from hysterectomy

    • An abdominal hysterectomy involves a large incision and has a recovery time of 4 to 6 weeks. Laparoscopic and vaginal hysterectomies utilize small incisions reducing recovery time to 3 to 4 weeks. All hysterectomies require 2 to 3 day hospital stays, painkillers, potentially a catheter to assist with the passage for urine, and moving around to prevent blood clots.

    Myomectomy

    • A myomectomy procedure removes only the fibroids, leaving the uterus intact. Doctors remove fibroids either by using one abdominal incision, laparoscopically using several small incisions or vaginally using a probe with an electric current inserted into the vagina to cut away fibroid tissue.

    Recovery from myomectomy

    • Recovery time after a single, large incision myomectomy lasts about 4 to 6 weeks. Laparoscopic and vaginal myomectomies have shorter recovery times of 1 to 3 weeks. All mymectomies require 2 to 3 day hospital stays, painkillers, and moving around as quickly as possible to prevent blood clots.

    Recovery at home

    • Patients should get plenty of rest, avoid heavy lifting for 6 weeks, and avoid sexual intercourse until the doctor says it's okay. Contact your doctor if your pain worsens or you develop a fever, nausea, vomiting or heavy bleeding.

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