11 Aug Dos and Don’ts After Robotic Hysterectomy
Robotic-assisted hysterectomy offers a less invasive option for women needing surgical removal of the uterus, with faster recovery and smaller incisions compared to traditional open surgery. But even with keyhole techniques and the da Vinci Surgical System, post-operative recovery still requires caution, patience and care.
Below, we explore practical dos and don’ts to help guide your healing journey — from managing daily tasks to recognising red flags. These tips are especially important during the first few weeks after surgery, when your body is doing most of its repair work.
Key Takeaways
- Robotic hysterectomy offers quicker recovery than traditional surgery, but healing still requires time.
- Avoid heavy lifting, sex, and driving too soon — wait for your specialist’s advice.
- Look out for signs of infection, heavy bleeding, or unexpected pain.
- Follow practical hysterectomy recovery tips to ease your day-to-day adjustment.
- Emotional recovery matters too — give yourself grace during this period.
What Should You Expect During the First Week After Surgery?
Your first week will likely involve fatigue, abdominal bloating, and some vaginal discharge. It’s normal to feel more tired than you expected, especially after anaesthesia. Many patients also experience shoulder tip pain or bloating due to the gas used during laparoscopic surgery — this typically eases after a few days.
Make sure you:
- Rest frequently
- Walk gently around your home to promote circulation
- Stay hydrated
- Take medications as prescribed
Pain at your incision sites is normal, but worsening or sharp pelvic pain may require review. If you’re unsure whether what you’re feeling is normal, reach out to your specialist. At Dr Kent Kuswanto’s practice, early follow-up can be arranged when needed.
What Are the Top Hysterectomy Recovery Tips to Follow?
Most women return to light activities within 2 weeks, but some parts of your routine will need to change temporarily. These hysterectomy recovery tips are drawn from clinical experience and patient outcomes.
Do:
- Rest as much as your body tells you to
- Use a pillow when coughing or sneezing to protect your abdominal muscles
- Wear loose clothing that doesn’t irritate incision sites
- Eat fibre-rich foods and consider stool softeners to avoid straining
- Keep your follow-up appointment even if you feel fine
Don’t:
- Lift anything heavier than 7kg for at least 6 weeks
- Resume exercise or driving until cleared by your doctor
- Insert anything vaginally (e.g. tampons) before approval
- Return to sexual activity too early — pelvic rest is typically advised for at least 6 weeks
The most important advice? Be kind to yourself. It’s okay to feel like you’re not bouncing back instantly.
When Can You Return to Work or Exercise?
It depends on the type of hysterectomy performed, your individual healing, and your job demands. Office workers may return in 2–3 weeks, while more physically demanding roles might require 4–6 weeks or more.
Exercise also needs to be phased in. Walking is generally safe after the first few days, but abdominal exercises, running, and weightlifting should be avoided until you’ve been cleared.
Dr Kuswanto often tailors a return-to-work plan with patients based on their recovery rate. If you’re unsure, book a follow-up consultation to discuss timing in detail.
What Signs Mean You Should Call Your Doctor?
While most recoveries are smooth, it’s essential to know the signs of potential problems. . Contact your doctor immediately if you notice:
- Increasing or foul-smelling vaginal discharge
- Heavy vaginal bleeding or clots
- Fever or chills
- Redness or pus at incision sites
- Trouble urinating or painful urination
- Shortness of breath
- Persistent nausea or vomiting
These symptoms may indicate infection, urinary tract complications, bleeding or clotting issues.
Remember, early intervention makes a difference — especially after pelvic surgery. Dr Kent Kuswanto provides post-operative care plans tailored to each patient to reduce these risks.
How Can You Best Support Your Emotional Recovery?
Physical healing gets most of the attention, but many women experience unexpected emotional changes after hysterectomy — even when they were certain about the decision.
It’s completely normal to feel a mix of relief, fatigue, sadness, or even grief in the days and weeks post-surgery. Hormone levels may also fluctuate temporarily. Supportive measures you can do:
- Talk openly with a trusted partner or friend
- Join an online or local hysterectomy support group
- Give yourself permission to rest — mentally as well as physically
Your experience is valid, and recovery isn’t just physical. Compassionate care is part of why so many women trust Dr Kuswanto’s East Melbourne clinic for their gynaecological needs.
To learn more about what happens immediately after surgery, you might also like our blog: Your First 24 Hours After Robotic Hysterectomy
If you have any concerns or would like tailored guidance for your recovery, book a consultation with Dr Kent Kuswanto.