A hysterectomy is the partial or complete removal of the uterus and is usually performed as part of a treatment for cancer, fibroid tumors, endometriosis or unusually heavy vaginal bleeding. This procedure can be performed a number of ways, and the specific preparations required depend heavily on the type of hysterectomy to be performed and the reason for the surgery. These steps detail some of the preparations you may have to make and some of the topics you should discuss with your surgeon, ob-gyn and general practice physician.
Instructions
1. Ask your surgeon and physicians about autologous blood donations several weeks before your surgery. This is usually optional but recommended, and it involves donating pints of your blood every other week leading up to your surgery so that the surgeons will have a supply of your blood on hand in case of emergencies. If you opt to have this blood drawn, make sure you attend all of your appointments prepared to give blood.
2. Shave your pubic hair with the permission of your surgeon. Your surgeon may prefer that this be handled by medical staff. Typically, even with laparoscopic hysterectomies, at least one incision will have to be made in the upper groin area where public hair usually grows.
3. Pack a bag with changes of clothes, personal items and other belongings as recommended by the hospital staff. Most hysterectomies require more than one overnight stay in the hospital.
4. Manage your diet strictly per your surgeon's orders in the days leading up to the procedure. At the very least, expect to have to avoid all food and liquids for 12 hours prior to the surgery. In many cases, you will have to go on an all-liquid diet for as many as two days before the procedure. Your specific diet should be part of a customized plan of care, though, so you should always default to doctor's orders.
5. Take laxatives prior to your surgery only at the specific direction of your surgeon and physicians. This is a relatively common preparation priority that is closely related to the fasting discussed in the previous step. The reason for these steps is because the bowels and intestines should ideally be empty at the time of surgery. If they are full and either one is accidentally cut during surgery, it can result in an infection.
6. Obey all other orders from your surgeon, ob-gyn and other doctors. A hysterectomy is a major surgery and plans of care tend to be highly personalized, since there are so many different reasons why you may need this surgery.
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