Cancer Treatments

The da Vinci^® hysterectomy is a minimally invasive new approach that uses leading-edge robotic technology. The state-of-the-art da Vinci® Surgical System takes gynecological surgery to new heights by allowing incredibly precise movements, dexterity and control through minimal surgical openings and powerful 3D vision/magnification.

Becoming the treatment of choice worldwide, innovative technology offers potential robotic hysterectomy benefits that include:

• Significantly less pain
• Smaller amount of blood loss
• Fewer complications, including reduced risk of infection less scarring (1” incisions vs. 4-6” with open surgery)
• Shorter hospital stay (1 day vs. an average of 3 days)
• Quicker recovery and return to normal routine

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with a uterine condition that requires surgery, you owe it to yourself to learn more about da Vinci^® robotic hysterectomy benefits. This state-of-the-art procedure positions AdventHealth as a leader in advanced gynecological treatment methods within the medical community.

In fact, AdventHealth Orlando is recognized as the #1 hospital in Greater Orlando by U.S. News & World Report. Endeavoring to maintain this prestigious designation, AdventHealth is committed to delivering high-quality patient care and state-of-the-art medical procedures, such as da Vinci® hysterectomies.

What to Expect - Hysterectomy Recovery and More

At AdventHealth Global Robotics Institute, the development of a cancer treatment plan addresses not only your physical symptoms, but your emotional and spiritual well-being as well. Knowing what to expect after a robotic hysterectomy will help prepare you for the recovery period.

Upon arriving at AdventHealth, you will be welcomed by our caring staff and undergo thorough testing to evaluate your condition. If a hysterectomy is deemed the best treatment option, our oncology team will explain the many benefits of the da Vinci^® robot and how it will positively impact your healing and hysterectomy recovery.

We will tell you what to expect before, during and after this minimally invasive procedure, and answer all questions you may have about side effects, such as vaginal bleeding after hysterectomy, alternative treatments, cost, sex after hysterectomy and more.

After a Hysterectomy - Rest Assured

We understand that facing cancer surgery is a difficult time. We are as sensitive to your emotional state as we are to your physical symptoms. By providing as much information as possible, our mission is to replace your concerns with confidence and hope.

Our best advice about what to expect after a hysterectomy is to encourage you to focus on healing, maintaining a positive attitude and regarding the recovery period as a time of renewal. Please don’t hesitate to contact us to discuss your questions and concerns.

Before Hysterectomy - Prepare Your Spirit and Your Body

What should you do before hysterectomy surgery? First of all, know that you are in good hands. Your choice of AdventHealth for cancer treatment means you have access to one of the most experienced hysterectomy teams in the world, who specialize in advanced gynecological procedures. This combination, along with your positive attitude and proper physical and mental preparation, will ensure the best possible outcome.

Prior to your surgery, your physicians will provide you with specific pre-operative instructions that will help you prepare your body for your surgery.

Hysterectomy Recovery Time - What to Expect and How to Help

Although it will vary from one woman to the next, expect to be able to return home within 24-hours of your surgery, and to be feeling back to normal after approximately two weeks. This is significantly less than typical recovery times of an open or vaginal procedure. Remember that, with any type of surgery, your body will simply need time to heal. Even if you experience little or no pain, you have just had a major surgery. Listen to your body. Rest when you’re tired. Walk – slowly at first, then build up as you feel ready.

A few other general recommendations in the weeks before hysterectomy will positively impact your recovery time:

• Eat foods high in fiber – fruits, vegetables and whole grains will help ensure optimum colon health
• Walk as much as possible – the better shape you’re in before surgery, the easier your recovery will be; use this time for positive thinking and reflection
• Make things easier for yourself when you return home – clean your house (or have it cleaned for you), buy healthy groceries that are easy to prepare, gather books from the library and other hobbies you enjoy, have prescriptions filled before hysterectomy

Vaginal Hysterectomy or Open Hysterectomy Procedure? Consider an Alternative

These recommendations of what to do before hysterectomy are directed to patients of AdventHealth. If, however, an open hysterectomy or vaginal hysterectomy procedure has been suggested elsewhere, you may want to consider the many benefits of treatment at our world-class facility. Learn more about robotic hysterectomy by visiting other pages on this website or contact our staff for candidacy requirements.

What to Expect After Hysterectomy Using da Vinci® Robotic Technology

The surgeons at the AdventHealth Global Robotics Institute are renowned for providing excellence in patient outcomes, so you can expect good results from your surgery. After surgery you should plan on:

• Spending one night in hospital. Most patients go home within 24-hours
• An early return to normal activities
• Being back to work within 1-2 weeks
• Minimal discomfort

The following post-hysterectomy information has been provided to assist our cancer patients in preparing for robotic surgery and knowing what to expect after hysterectomy. The most important piece of advice we can offer is to listen to your body and your doctor.

Follow These Guidelines After a Robotic Hysterectomy:

• No lifting for several weeks
• Return for your post-op appointment about one week after hysterectomy
• Walk slowly and often, and increase walking time as you are able
• Eat healthy foods and drink lots of water
• Avoid stress
• You can usually return to work in about 2 weeks
• Abstain from sex after hysterectomy for 6-8 weeks

Hysterectomy Recovery Time

As compared to an abdominal or vaginal hysterectomy, robotic hysterectomy recovery time is typically significantly shorter, with patients experiencing fewer side effects and returning to normal activities sooner. Please contact us if you have further questions about what to expect after hysterectomy.

Important Information About Sex After Hysterectomy

Some of the most common questions asked of our robotic surgical team at FHCI are in regards to sex after hysterectomy.

• How long should I wait before having sex after hysterectomy?

  Recovery time does vary from one woman to the next, but our surgeons recommend waiting 6 weeks before engaging in sexual intercourse.

• Will I experience a decrease in sexual desire?

  If ovaries are removed during robotic hysterectomy, sexual desire may be impacted due to decreased levels of estrogen. Hormone replacement therapy can help reverse this issue. If ovaries are left intact, sexual desire should not be affected. In fact, some women find their sex life is positively impacted during this time of renewal.

• What if vaginal dryness is a problem during sex after hysterectomy?

  Estrogen creams (by prescription) or over-the-counter lubricants can provide relief. Keep in mind that your choice of a robotic hysterectomy greatly reduces the risk of damage to the pelvic autonomic nerves of the vaginal wall, which are responsible for the control of lubrication. Read more about robotic hysterectomy benefits.

Sex After Vaginal Hysterectomy

Wondering if the answers are the same for sex after vaginal hysterectomy or abdominal surgery? In general, yes, although abdominal surgery may require even longer recovery and abstinence. The major difference is that recovery time is significantly reduced after minimally invasive robotic hysterectomy. This means that women may be quicker to resume normal activities, including enjoying pleasurable sex after hysterectomy.

While endeavoring to care for the emotional and spiritual needs, as well as physical treatment of our patients, we welcome your questions. Be sure to discuss any concerns you have about sex after hysterectomy or other issues with our caring and knowledgeable staff at AdventHealth Cancer Institute.