Experiencing discomfort on the right side after a hysterectomy is common. While the removal of the uterus is a common surgical procedure, the recovery period often includes various sensations, including pain. This article explains why right-sided pain might occur, covering both typical recovery experiences and less common medical considerations.
Common Explanations for Right-Sided Discomfort
After a hysterectomy, several common factors can cause right-sided abdominal pain. These sensations are generally part of the body’s natural healing process. Understanding these typical causes can offer reassurance during recovery.
Gas pain is a frequent cause of discomfort after abdominal surgery. Bowel manipulation can lead to trapped gas, which may accumulate in parts of the colon, like the hepatic flexure on the right side, causing referred pain or a bloated sensation. Walking and warm compresses can help alleviate this by encouraging gas movement.
Muscles and ligaments in the abdominal and pelvic regions can also cause right-sided soreness. During a hysterectomy, these tissues are stretched, moved, or affected, resulting in bruising or irritation. This muscular and ligamentous discomfort is a normal part of the healing process as these structures recover from surgical manipulation.
Pain can also originate directly from the surgical incision or surrounding nerve irritation. Even if the primary incision is not on the right, internal incisions or laparoscopic port sites on that side can cause localized pain. Small nerves in the pelvic area can also be stretched or irritated during surgery, potentially leading to temporary localized or radiating pain, sometimes described as sharp or burning.
Potential Medical Considerations
While most right-sided discomfort after a hysterectomy is part of normal recovery, less common medical conditions can also cause pain in this area. These situations often require medical evaluation for proper diagnosis and management. Recognizing these possibilities is an important step in post-operative care.
Adhesions, bands of scar tissue forming between organs, can develop after any abdominal or pelvic surgery. These fibrous bands can pull on surrounding structures, including the bowel or abdominal wall, leading to discomfort or pain, sometimes months or years after surgery. While often asymptomatic, severe adhesions can cause chronic abdominal pain or even bowel obstruction.
Infections are another potential cause of pain after a hysterectomy. These may include urinary tract infections (UTIs), especially if a catheter was used, or wound infections at the incision site, presenting with increased pain, redness, or discharge. Pelvic infections, such as vaginal cuff cellulitis or an abscess, can also cause lower abdominal and pelvic pain, sometimes with fever or unusual discharge.
Collections of fluid or blood near the surgical site, known as seromas or hematomas, can also cause discomfort. A seroma is clear fluid, while a hematoma is blood. Both can create pressure on surrounding tissues, leading to pain and swelling. These fluid collections may resolve on their own, but larger ones might require medical drainage.
Ovarian remnant syndrome is a rare condition that can cause pain if small pieces of ovarian tissue are left behind after ovary removal. This residual tissue can continue to produce hormones, form cysts, or hemorrhage, leading to constant or cyclical pelvic pain. The pain can sometimes be felt on the right side if the remnant is located there.
An incisional hernia is another possibility, where abdominal tissue or organs push through a weakened area in the abdominal wall at or near a surgical incision. This can result in a visible bulge and pain, especially when straining or lifting. Right-sided pain could also stem from kidney issues, such as a ureteral injury or hydronephrosis (swelling of the kidney due to urine backup), a rare complication due to the ureters’ proximity to the surgical field.
When to Consult Your Doctor
Seek medical advice if you experience certain symptoms or changes in your pain after a hysterectomy. While some discomfort is normal, specific warning signs indicate the need for prompt evaluation. Paying attention to these signals can help ensure timely intervention and prevent complications.
Contact your doctor if you experience:
- Severe or worsening pain not relieved by medication.
- Fever above 100.4°F (38°C) or chills, which can signal an infection.
- Redness, increasing swelling, warmth, or pus draining from any incision site.
- Heavy vaginal bleeding (soaking through a pad every hour for two or more hours) or foul-smelling vaginal discharge.
- Nausea, vomiting, or inability to pass gas or have a bowel movement, which could indicate a bowel obstruction.
- Pain with frequent or painful urination, or cloudy/foul-smelling urine, suggesting a urinary tract infection.
Any new or unexpected symptoms, or a general feeling of being unwell, should also be discussed with your healthcare team.
Supporting Your Healing Journey
Supporting your body’s healing process after a hysterectomy involves several practical steps to manage discomfort and promote overall recovery. These guidelines contribute to well-being regardless of the specific cause of any right-sided pain. Adhering to these recommendations can facilitate a smoother and more comfortable recuperation.
Adequate rest is fundamental to healing, allowing your body to dedicate energy to recovery. While rest is important, gradually reintroducing gentle activity, such as short walks, improves circulation and reduces the risk of blood clots. Avoid heavy lifting and strenuous activities for several weeks, typically 6 to 8 weeks, to prevent strain on healing tissues.
Maintaining good hydration and nutrition also plays a significant role in recovery. Drinking plenty of water supports bodily functions and helps prevent constipation, a common issue after surgery. A balanced, fiber-rich diet can further aid bowel function and prevent straining. Follow your doctor’s instructions for prescribed pain medication, and use over-the-counter options as advised.
Consistent communication with your healthcare team is essential throughout your recovery. Attend all follow-up appointments and openly discuss any concerns or persistent symptoms. Your medical providers can offer personalized advice and ensure your healing progresses as expected. Following all post-operative instructions contributes significantly to your successful recovery.