RECUPERATION AFTER HYSTERECTOMY: SCARRING
The top of the vagina may be narrowed or shortened as a result of the hysterectomy and any scar in that area may take as long as three months to lose its tenderness and become flexible. Occasionally the hysterectomy itself leads to a prolapse of the bladder, rectum or vagina. Further surgery is then needed to reposition and anchor the organs so that they do not collapse downwards.
Various problems can occur with an abdominal scar, especially if a woman has previously had several abdominal operations (for example, Caesarean sections). The scar may be itchy or sore and the woman may think it looks unsightly. Some physiotherapists use ultrasound to soften the scar tissue and ease the soreness. The sound waves that are generated during ultrasound have a mechanical shaking effect which stimulates blood flow and cell activity in the hardened areas. Sometimes it is possible to reposition the scar or combine a number of scars during further surgery. Bruising and swelling at the site of an incision may also pose problems. The area may be drained or left to resolve itself, a process that can take several months.
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