by Professor Lynn Basford

The first stage of our hysterectomy resource is to provide you with information to PREPARE for your Hysterectomy. A daunting experience that must make you feel anxious. By preparing adequately research has suggested that you are better able to recover more speedily than if you had done nothing.  The following table is a brief review:

hysterectomy prepare

DID YOU KNOW?

  • The first Hysterectomy was perfumed in Manchester, England in 1843.
  • Hysterectomy- is one of the most common surgical intervention performed today.
  • Research suggests that women who prepare mentally and physically for surgery have fewer complications, less pain and recover quicker than those who don’t.*
  • Today, there is less and less invasive surgery required – check out our robotic surgery article, further, there is a growing development of newer techniques that do not require incisions, or, at the most smaller ones.
  • Newer faster acting anaesthetic techniques have been developed that have much fewer side effects.
  • Settings for surgery have changed too. Not too long ago you were admitted 1/2 days prior to surgery and discharged after 7-10days. Today, there is an increasing number of hysterectomies that are conducted on the day of admission and returned home a couple of days later. The premise being that there is less risk of acquired hospital infections and  speedy recovery in your home environment.
  • If you understand how to manage your pain you will recover more speedily than those who do not.

Reference

*1. Li Ho Cheung, Patrick Callaghan; Anne M Chang, 2002, A controlled trial of psycho-educaational interventions in preparing chinese women for elective hysterectomy. Journal of International Nursing Studies.

Hysterectomy Fast Facts

Arm 1: Attitude

Arm 2: Exercise – Pelvic Floor

Arm 3: Meditate

Walking in Sunshine – Tips to Prepare for Surgery

Pre-surgery Yoga

Laughter Yoga – What’s the joke?

Arm 4: Nutrition

Arm 5: Medicines & Supplements

Arm 6: Lifestyle

Arm 7: Personal & Family Arrangements

Arm 8: Personal Hygiene 

Surgical Innovation: Robotic Surgery

Patient Perspective: Experiencing a robotic surgery

Patient Perspective: Experiencing an abdominal hysterectomy

All about Anaesthesia

Recovering from Hysterectomy

Recovering from Hysterectomy – The Big Picture

Recovering from Hysterectomy – First 24 hours