How it Works

Laparoscopic or Robotic Hysterectomies are considered one of the safest ways to perform a hysterectomy. This is because the incisions are smaller and placed in a way that allows for lowered risk of bleeding, infection, and post-operative pain. Your provider will discuss all the benefits and risks of getting a Laparoscopic or Robotic Hysterectomy during your initial visit with us. At that point, we can discuss any of your concerns or pain points to ensure you feel totally safe and comfortable with our team. In general, we never recommend a surgical procedure for a patient unless our doctors feel it is safe and necessary to do so.

WCJC can perform Laparoscopic or Robotic Hysterectomies at Olathe Medical Center and Advent Health Shawnee Mission. The surgery itself takes three hours or less, depending on the exact nature of your procedure. You may be discharged home the same day or spend one night in the hospital. We’ll help coordinate the surgery for a day and time that works for you to have a driver present.

Whether or not insurance covers a Laparoscopic or Robotic Hysterectomy will depend on the carrier, as well as the exact reason for surgery. We recommend getting pre-approved by your insurance before any surgical procedure to avoid any billing surprises down the road.

While there is downtime after a Laparoscopic or Robotic Hysterectomy, it is less than a traditional Hysterectomy procedure. For those patients getting a Laparoscopic or Robotic Hysterectomy, we recommend taking off work for up to 2 weeks after surgery (however, if your job requires a high level of physical activity or lifting you will need to take off six weeks).

Like other similar surgeries, side effects you may notice after a Laparoscopic or Robotic Hysterectomy include pain, scarring, and temporary bowel blockage. It’s important to understand that after any type of hysterectomy, you will no longer be able to become pregnant. If we decide to remove your ovaries, this puts you into surgical menopause, which can come with additional side effects such as hot flashes, fatigue and more. Our providers will be sure to discuss all of this with you in advance and help you prepare for this change.

The Laparoscopic or Robotic Hysterectomy we perform in Kansas City is a minimally invasive procedure conducted while the patient is under general anesthesia. Afterwards, many patients actually notice an improvement in pain levels, as the conditions which made hysterectomy necessary in the first place are gone. Your WCJC provider will help coach you on everything you need to know and what to expect during and after surgery to help you manage pain and heal comfortably.

After your Laparoscopic or Robotic Hysterectomy in Kansas City, we will schedule follow-up visits after 2 weeks (depending on your physician) and 6 weeks post-operation to ensure proper healing and allow us to check in with you regarding your symptoms (or lack thereof).

• You may experience cramping similar to menstrual cramps for 48 hours after the procedure.
• You may take “over the counter” pain relievers that do not contain aspirin, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol®) or ibuprofen (Motrin® or Advil®). Do not exceed the daily recommended dose.
• Your doctor may have prescribed a narcotic pain medication to use as well.

Note: If the pain is not relieved by pain medication, becomes worse, or you have difficulty breathing, call our office.

Laparoscopic incisions are closed with skin adhesive, which may have a bluish/shiny appearance on the skin and/or with subcutaneous (under the skin) suture.

• Inspect your incisions daily.
• A small amount of blood or clear drainage from the incisions is normal and not a cause for concern.
• Bruising around your incision sites is common and not a cause for concern.
• Your incisions may be itchy for a few days. This is part of the normal healing process.
• As your incisions heal, they will change in color and may become numb for several weeks.
• If you have small dressings or Band-Aids, they may be removed in 24 hours.
• If you have steri-strips (small adhesive strips) in place, they will peel and fall off. If they do not fall off in 10 days, carefully peel them off.
• If you have stitches, they will dissolve on their own.

Note: If you notice any redness, heavy drainage, or bleeding from your incisions, call our office.

• You may resume the diet you had prior to surgery.
• Drink 6 to 8 glasses of water daily.

• For the first several days after surgery, the bowel is usually less active. You may not have a regular bowel movement right away depending on your pre-op bowel prep or pain medication use.

• Narcotic pain medication (Percocet, Vicodin, hydrocodone or oxycodone) will increase constipation. Regular bowel movements may be less frequent.

• If constipation should occur:

  • Drink more fluids
  • Continue to take a stool softener such as Colace® until constipation resolves
  • Take a mild laxative such as Milk of Magnesia®

• Mild abdominal swelling can occur following surgery due to slowing of the bowels and gas used to distend the abdomen during surgery.
• Swelling of the hands and lower extremities is common due to fluids given during surgery.
• Swelling of the face can occur due to positioning during surgery.
• If you have swelling of the calves that is persistent or associated with redness, call our office.

• It is normal to feel tired for a few days after surgery. Listen to your body and do not overdo it.
• We encourage walking immediately after surgery, as tolerated. You should NOT be bedridden after surgery as continued movement will prevent prolonged recovery times due to “deconditioning.”
• If you could climb stairs un-aided prior to surgery, you may resume climbing stairs upon discharge home.
• If your incisions are 5 millimeters (the width of a pencil), you may resume your normal activities and exercise regimen after two weeks.
• If your incisions are 10 millimeters (finger width) or larger, you should avoid strenuous activities such as heavy lifting (greater than 10 pounds or a gallon of milk), pushing or pulling for 1 week.
• Do not drive while taking prescription pain medication or if your level of discomfort could inhibit your ability to operate a motor vehicle safely.
• Most patients are able to return to work after two weeks. Recovery times vary from patient to patient. Your doctor will make recommendations based on your specific case.
• You may shower the day after surgery. Pat incisions dry. Do not rub incisions with a washcloth or towel. Keep your incisions as dry as possible.
• You may take a bath after six weeks. You must also wait six weeks to go into a swimming pool, hot tub, or the ocean.

• Vaginal bleeding like a period, spotting, brown discharge, or watery discharge are expected for up to two weeks after surgery.

Note: If you have heavy, bright red vaginal bleeding soaking one pad or more per hour, call our office

Call your WCJC Officer if you are experiencing…

• A fever higher than 100.4º F
• Increasing pain not controlled by pain medication
• Inability to eat or drink without vomiting
• Shortness of breath
• Inability to empty your bladder
• Redness and tenderness at the incision site, or a large amount of drainage
• Heavy, bright red vaginal bleeding, or foul smelling discharge. You can expect to have a small amount of reddish-brown colored discharge for up to six weeks. Do not be alarmed by this.

If you feel you need to be seen urgently, please go to the Emergency Department where your surgery was performed so that our physicians may care for you.

Any questions regarding your surgery or post-operative recovery should be directed to the staff at the Women’s Clinic of Johnson County rather than your Primary Care Physician.