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How Long Does A Laparoscopic Hysterectomy Take?

Discover how long a laparoscopic hysterectomy takes, including average surgery duration, recovery time, and what to expect before and after the procedure for a smoother healing journey.

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Written by Dr.Sonia Bhatt

Last updated on 3rd Jul, 2025

Introduction

If you or a loved one is considering a laparoscopic hysterectomy, you may have questions about the procedure, especially how long it takes. Understanding the timeline can help ease anxiety and allow you to plan for recovery. Let’s break it down in simple terms.

What Is a Laparoscopic Hysterectomy?

A laparoscopic hysterectomy is a minimally invasive surgical procedure to remove the uterus (and sometimes the ovaries and fallopian tubes) using small incisions and a tiny camera called a laparoscope. Compared to traditional open surgery, this method offers:

  • Faster recovery

  • Less pain

  • Smaller scars

  • Lower risk of complications

How Long Does the Surgery Take?

The duration of a laparoscopic hysterectomy varies depending on several factors, but on average, the procedure takes 1 to 3 hours. Here’s what influences the time:

1. Type of Hysterectomy

  • Total Hysterectomy (removal of the uterus and cervix): 1.5 to 2.5 hours

  • Supracervical Hysterectomy (removal of the uterus, keeping the cervix): 1 to 2 hours

  • Radical Hysterectomy (removal of the uterus, cervix, and surrounding tissues, often for cancer): 2 to 4 hours

2. Additional Procedures

If the surgeon also removes the ovaries and fallopian tubes (called a bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy), the surgery may take 30 minutes to an hour longer.

3. Patient Factors

  • Uterus size (larger fibroids or uterus may take longer)

  • Scar tissue from previous surgeries

  • Overall health (complications like bleeding can extend time)

4. Surgeon’s Experience

An experienced surgeon may complete the procedure more efficiently.

Consult Top Specialists for Personalised Tips

Dr. Shailaja L, Obstetrician and Gynaecologist

Dr. Shailaja L

Obstetrician and Gynaecologist

16 Years • MBBS, MS

Bangalore

Apollo 24|7 Clinic - Karnataka, Bangalore

599

54 Cashback

Dr. Alapati Jyotsna, Obstetrician and Gynaecologist

Dr. Alapati Jyotsna

Obstetrician and Gynaecologist

4 Years • MBBS MS Obstetrics and Gynaecology

Visakhapatnam

Apollo 24|7 Clinic - Andhra Pradesh, Visakhapatnam

499

44 Cashback

Dr Swatika Kumari, Obstetrician and Gynaecologist

Dr Swatika Kumari

Obstetrician and Gynaecologist

19 Years • MBBS, DGO, DNB Obstetrics & Gynaecology

Nashik

Apollo 24|7 Clinic - Maharashtra, Nashik

599

54 Cashback

Dr. Ritika Khurana, Obstetrician and Gynaecologist

Dr. Ritika Khurana

Obstetrician and Gynaecologist

16 Years • MBBS, DGO(GYNAECOLOGY AND OBSTETRICS)

Pune

Dr Rupali and Dr Ritika, Pune

875

700

Dr. Debashree Saha, Obstetrician and Gynaecologist

Dr. Debashree Saha

Obstetrician and Gynaecologist

4 Years • MBBS, MS (Obstetrics & Gynaecology)

Kolkata

DR. DEBASHREE SAHA Clinic, Kolkata

625

500

What Happens Before, During, and After Surgery?

Preparing for a hysterectomy can feel overwhelming, but understanding what to expect before, during, and after the surgery can help ease anxiety and ensure a smoother experience.

1. Before Surgery (Preparation)

  • Pre-op tests (blood work, imaging)

  • Fasting (usually 8-12 hours before)

  • Medication adjustments (if you take blood thinners)

  • Anaesthesia consultation

2. During Surgery

1. Anaesthesia: You’ll be given general anaesthesia (asleep).

2. Small incisions: The surgeon makes 3-4 tiny cuts in the abdomen.

3. Gas inflation: The abdomen is filled with CO₂ to create space.

4. Camera and tools: A laparoscope guides the surgeon while small instruments remove the uterus.

5. Closure: The incisions are stitched or glued.

3. After Surgery (Recovery)

  • Hospital stay: Usually 1-2 days, sometimes same-day discharge.

  • Pain management: Mild discomfort, manageable with prescribed painkillers.

  • Recovery time: Most women return to light activities in 1-2 weeks, full recovery in 4-6 weeks.

Tips for a Smooth Recovery

Some of the tips for smooth recovery are:

1. Rest but stay mobile: Gentle walking helps prevent blood clots.

2. Avoid heavy lifting: No lifting over 10 lbs for 4-6 weeks.

3. Stay hydrated & eat fibre-rich foods: Prevents constipation from pain meds.

4. Follow wound care: Keep incisions clean and dry.

5. Listen to your body: If pain worsens or you have fever, contact your doctor.

When to Seek Help?

Call your doctor if you experience:

  • Heavy bleeding

  • Severe pain

  • Fever or chills

  • Redness/swelling at incision sites

Conclusion

A laparoscopic hysterectomy is a safe and effective procedure with a shorter recovery time than traditional surgery. While the operation itself takes 1-3 hours, proper post-op care ensures a smooth healing process. If you’re considering this surgery, consult a specialist to discuss your options. Apollo 24|7 offers expert gynaecological care. Book a consultation today for personalised advice.

Consult Top Obstetrics and Gynaecology Surgeon

Dr. Shailaja L, Obstetrician and Gynaecologist

Dr. Shailaja L

Obstetrician and Gynaecologist

16 Years • MBBS, MS

Bangalore

Apollo 24|7 Clinic - Karnataka, Bangalore

599

54 Cashback

Dr. Alapati Jyotsna, Obstetrician and Gynaecologist

Dr. Alapati Jyotsna

Obstetrician and Gynaecologist

4 Years • MBBS MS Obstetrics and Gynaecology

Visakhapatnam

Apollo 24|7 Clinic - Andhra Pradesh, Visakhapatnam

499

44 Cashback

Dr Swatika Kumari, Obstetrician and Gynaecologist

Dr Swatika Kumari

Obstetrician and Gynaecologist

19 Years • MBBS, DGO, DNB Obstetrics & Gynaecology

Nashik

Apollo 24|7 Clinic - Maharashtra, Nashik

599

54 Cashback

Dr. Ritika Khurana, Obstetrician and Gynaecologist

Dr. Ritika Khurana

Obstetrician and Gynaecologist

16 Years • MBBS, DGO(GYNAECOLOGY AND OBSTETRICS)

Pune

Dr Rupali and Dr Ritika, Pune

875

700

Dr. Debashree Saha, Obstetrician and Gynaecologist

Dr. Debashree Saha

Obstetrician and Gynaecologist

4 Years • MBBS, MS (Obstetrics & Gynaecology)

Kolkata

DR. DEBASHREE SAHA Clinic, Kolkata

625

500

Consult Top Specialists for Personalised Tips

Dr. Shailaja L, Obstetrician and Gynaecologist

Dr. Shailaja L

Obstetrician and Gynaecologist

16 Years • MBBS, MS

Bangalore

Apollo 24|7 Clinic - Karnataka, Bangalore

599

54 Cashback

Dr. Alapati Jyotsna, Obstetrician and Gynaecologist

Dr. Alapati Jyotsna

Obstetrician and Gynaecologist

4 Years • MBBS MS Obstetrics and Gynaecology

Visakhapatnam

Apollo 24|7 Clinic - Andhra Pradesh, Visakhapatnam

499

44 Cashback

Dr Swatika Kumari, Obstetrician and Gynaecologist

Dr Swatika Kumari

Obstetrician and Gynaecologist

19 Years • MBBS, DGO, DNB Obstetrics & Gynaecology

Nashik

Apollo 24|7 Clinic - Maharashtra, Nashik

599

54 Cashback

Dr. Ritika Khurana, Obstetrician and Gynaecologist

Dr. Ritika Khurana

Obstetrician and Gynaecologist

16 Years • MBBS, DGO(GYNAECOLOGY AND OBSTETRICS)

Pune

Dr Rupali and Dr Ritika, Pune

875

700

Dr. Debashree Saha, Obstetrician and Gynaecologist

Dr. Debashree Saha

Obstetrician and Gynaecologist

4 Years • MBBS, MS (Obstetrics & Gynaecology)

Kolkata

DR. DEBASHREE SAHA Clinic, Kolkata

625

500

Consult Top Obstetrics and Gynaecology Surgeon

Dr. Shailaja L, Obstetrician and Gynaecologist

Dr. Shailaja L

Obstetrician and Gynaecologist

16 Years • MBBS, MS

Bangalore

Apollo 24|7 Clinic - Karnataka, Bangalore

599

54 Cashback

Dr. Alapati Jyotsna, Obstetrician and Gynaecologist

Dr. Alapati Jyotsna

Obstetrician and Gynaecologist

4 Years • MBBS MS Obstetrics and Gynaecology

Visakhapatnam

Apollo 24|7 Clinic - Andhra Pradesh, Visakhapatnam

499

44 Cashback

Dr Swatika Kumari, Obstetrician and Gynaecologist

Dr Swatika Kumari

Obstetrician and Gynaecologist

19 Years • MBBS, DGO, DNB Obstetrics & Gynaecology

Nashik

Apollo 24|7 Clinic - Maharashtra, Nashik

599

54 Cashback

Dr. Ritika Khurana, Obstetrician and Gynaecologist

Dr. Ritika Khurana

Obstetrician and Gynaecologist

16 Years • MBBS, DGO(GYNAECOLOGY AND OBSTETRICS)

Pune

Dr Rupali and Dr Ritika, Pune

875

700

Dr. Debashree Saha, Obstetrician and Gynaecologist

Dr. Debashree Saha

Obstetrician and Gynaecologist

4 Years • MBBS, MS (Obstetrics & Gynaecology)

Kolkata

DR. DEBASHREE SAHA Clinic, Kolkata

625

500

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