Hysterectomy for Endometrial Cancer

Right after surgery, you will be taken to a recovery area where nurses will care for and observe you. Usually the stay in the recovery area is for 1 to 4 hours. You will then be moved to a hospital room. In addition to any special instructions from your doctor, your nurse will explain information to help you during your recovery.

You will likely stay in the hospital 1 to 4 days after a hysterectomy. About 4 to 6 weeks after the hysterectomy, your doctor will examine you in his or her office. You should be able to return to all of your normal activities, including having sexual intercourse, in about 6 to 8 weeks. Some light bleeding or spotting is expected for up to 6 weeks following a hysterectomy. If your vaginal bleeding is heavier or different than what you were told to expect, call your doctor.

After you have a hysterectomy, you will not be able to become pregnant.

After a hysterectomy, call your doctor if you have:

• Chest pain, a cough, or trouble breathing.
• Bright red vaginal bleeding that soaks two or more pads in an hour or forms large or painful clots.
• Pain or tenderness, swelling, or redness in your legs.
• A fever of 100°F (37.8°C) or higher.
• Pain that is not relieved by your pain medicine or pain that is getting worse.
• Pus coming from your incision.
• Trouble passing a stool, especially if you have not had a normal bowel movement for 3 to 5 days, or if you have mild pain or swelling in your lower abdomen.
• Trouble passing urine, pain or burning when you urinate, blood in your urine, or cloudy urine.
• Pain, discomfort, or bleeding during intercourse.
• Hot flashes, sweating, flushing, or a fast or pounding heartbeat.

© 1995-2011, Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated.

This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Reference Terms of Use. Reference How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.