Hysterectomy is a major surgery that involves removal of the uterus. The uterus is the hollow organ that nourishes the baby for the period of nine months of pregnancy. Hysterectomy preparation begins as soon as you schedule your appointment with the operating doctor. Following special instructions both prior to surgery and after a hysterectomy is crucial for a successful procedure and smooth recovery.
Anatomy of a Hysterectomy and Pre-Op Instructions
During a hysterectomy, the surgeon removes the uterus, but the removal of the fallopian tubes is optional and depends on various factors. If the ovaries are removed, very often fallopian tubes are removed too.
Pre-operation instructions while preparing for hysterectomy surgery include several steps such as your doctor may advise you to stop taking medications prior to surgery especially blood thinners as that could increase the risks of health complications after hysterectomy such as bleeding.
- Fasting: Another step of hysterectomy preparation at home includes fasting for a specific period of time before your surgery is scheduled. If you feel unwell prior to surgery, inform your doctor who will then decide whether or not the surgery needs to be postponed or not.
- Recovery Space: Prepare a recovery space at home so that after your stay in the hospital concludes, you have a comfortable place to recuperate. Ideally, stop smoking well in advance of your scheduled hysterectomy as this can provide health benefits and reduce risks.
- Healthy Habits: Nicotine and other chemicals present in cigarettes can hinder the process of healing because smoking can impair lung function and reduce oxygen levels in the blood, which are crucial for healing. Preparing for hysterectomy can be a daunting experience therefore it is better to prepare beforehand.
Hysterectomy Classification | Types of Hysterectomy
There are different classifications of hysterectomies based on the method of the procedure or the organs removed. If to be divided on the basis of surgical methods, hysterectomies can be divided into three types.
Abdominal Hysterectomy
In this method, an incision is made in the abdominal wall due to several reasons including a large uterine wall or when other methods are not feasible. Preparing for hysterectomy surgery by using this method should include extensive care and recovery usually takes 2-3 days.
Vaginal Hysterectomy
In this method, the doctor removes the uterus and cervix through vagina. It is a less invasive procedure and has a quick recovery time which means a shorter stay in the hospital. In this type of surgery no visible scarring takes place. However, there can be heavy bleeding post surgery.
Laparoscopic Hysterectomy
While preparing for laparoscopic hysterectomy, keep in mind that this technique again is minimally invasive. In this method, the uterus is removed through a small incision in the abdomen using surgical instruments.
During the procedure, a laparoscope (a thin tube with a small camera attached to it) is inserted through a small incision to get a view of the pelvic region. While the other surgical instruments are inserted through other small cuts. While preparing for hysterectomy surgery, you should keep in mind not all patients are suitable for this type of procedure and are advised to consult their doctors.
Partial and Total Hysterectomy
Other types of hysterectomies include total hysterectomy and partial hysterectomy. In the former, the surgeon removes the uterus while in the latter only a part of the uterus is removed and usually the cervix is left intact.
Things to Keep in Mind Before and After Hysterectomy
After consulting with your doctor about the type of procedure best suited for you, here are some of the points to be kept in mind while hysterectomy preparation.
- Make sure to follow all the pre-surgery instructions provided by your healthcare provider to take before the day of surgery.
- Educate yourself about the procedure prior to surgery so that you know what to expect during and after the surgery.
- You might be given specific dietary instructions which need to be followed diligently.
- Light to moderate physical activity prior to surgery should aid in recovery.
- Informing your doctor about any issues or concerns you have with general anaesthesia is crucial to avoid any complications.
- Post-operative preparations including follow-up appointments should be dealt with before the surgery.
- Vaginal bleeding during or post a hysterectomy can happen due to several reasons, and managing it depends on the type of hysterectomy performed. You should make sure to avoid any strenuous activity post surgery.
Additional Points to Consider for Hysterectomy Preparation
Other pointers to be kept in mind while you are stressing about how to prepare for a hysterectomy are given below:
- Comfortable clothes: When you come to the hospital, opt for comfortable shoes and clothing that isn’t tight. Your belongings are securely stored in a plastic bag upon your arrival.
- Make sure you have everything handy: While it depends on the type of hysterectomy, on an average you might have to spend around four nights in the hospital. To fully recover, make sure you get all your medications, change of clothes and your personal belongings.
- Post operative care: Hysterectomy preparation should also include a detailed plan to deal with the post-operative care. Here is a simple and easy to use guide:
- Listen to your doctor and follow the instructions accordingly.
- Keep your surgical incision clean to avoid any infection around the wound.
- Stay in the hospital if you think you need more time to recuperate and inform your doctor if you feel uneasy about anything.
- Gradually reintroduce physical activity in your life.
- A nutritious diet will aid in your recovery time.
- Stock up on medical supplies such as painkillers and other necessary items.
Keep a close monitor on any sort of health complications during recovery time and keep emergency contact information handy just to be doubly sure. Preparing for a hysterectomy surgery involves a lot of planning and one thing that definitely helps you to pass through this difficult time is a supportive and homely environment.
Ensure an Easy Transition to Normal Life after Hysterectomy with Santokh Hospital
Having a supportive group of friends and family members can help in emotional encouragement. However, if you are struggling with questions, don’t hesitate to seek professional help. You can also join support groups later on for coping post-surgery.
During hysterectomy preparation, open communication with your loved ones pre and post surgery will make things easier to manage as you gradually resume your daily activities. You will get all the support and assistance required to ease through the discomfort of going through the hysterectomy procedure at Santokh Hospital.
Our team of specialists doctors and expert medical assistants will help you prepare for the procedure at home and in the hospital. Post-surgery, we will provide all the assistance you need to getting back to a normal life as quickly as possible.
Contact us to schedule your appointment with our doctors and start planning for the procedure.