Endometrial Cancer: Discharge Instructions for Hysterectomy

Hysterectomy is surgery to have the uterus removed. If the fallopian tubes and ovaries are also removed, it is called bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy with total hysterectomy. Lymph nodes in the pelvic and abdominal areas may also be removed. This may be performed through a robotic surgery approach by creating five small incisions. Instruments are then inserted into these incisions to perform the procedure.

This sheet will help you take care of yourself at home after one of these procedures. Make sure you:

• Understand what you can and cannot do.
• Keep your follow-up appointments.
• Call your healthcare provider if you have any question or are concerned about any symptoms.

Activity

You may have to limit some activities for a period of time after surgery. You may need extra rest throughout the day. Try to get up and move around as you are able. Ask family members or friends to help with shopping, meals, housework and other tasks. Talk with your healthcare team about having someone from a home healthcare agency at your house, if needed.

Make sure you know: 

• When you can use stairs. Go slowly and pause after every few steps. Have someone with you at first and try to plan your day so you do not need to go up and down repeatedly.
• When you can do house or yard work or return to your job
• Whether or not you can lift heavy objects
• When you can begin driving. Do not drive if you are taking pain or other medicine that causes drowsiness

Other care

To help with your recovery and avoid complications you should:

• Take only the medicines that are prescribed by your healthcare provider. These include herbs, vitamins and other supplements.
• Take pain medicine as directed.
• Do the coughing and breathing exercises that you learned in the hospital.
• Try to avoid constipation:
• • Eat fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
  • Drink plenty of water and other healthy drinks.
  • Call your healthcare provider if you are having trouble with bowel movements. You may be prescribed a medicine.
• Some procedures require you to have cuts in the skin (incisions) and some do not. Talk with your healthcare provider or nurse about taking care of any incisions.
• Talk with your healthcare provider or nurse about managing any bandages you may have.
• Know when you can shower or take a bath.
• Avoid putting anything in your vagina. Do not use tampons or douches or have sex until your healthcare provider says it is okay.
• Tell your healthcare provider if you have hot flashes or mood swings. There are medicines that can help you if needed. 

Follow-up care

 Make a follow-up appointment as directed by your healthcare provider. If you are going to get more cancer treatment after surgery, be sure you understand the plan and what you can do to be ready for treatment.