A supracervical or subtotal hysterectomy involves the removal of the upper part of the uterus only, while the cervix stays in place. A total hysterectomy involves the removal of the whole uterus and cervix. A radical hysterectomy involves the removal of the whole uterus, tissue on the sides of the uterus, the cervix, and the top part of the vagina. This is typically only done when cancer is present. Your hysterectomy may or may not involve removal of the ovaries (a procedure called “oophorectomy”).
An open surgery hysterectomy usually results in a three-day hospital stay. MIP hysterectomies generally involve reduced hospital stays, quicker recovery times, less scarring, and a lowered risk of infection. An MIP hysterectomy results in a three to four week recovery period to resume full activity, compared to a five to six week recovery with an abdominal procedure. Not all women will be suited for an MIP hysterectomy. Factors such as scar tissue, obesity, and health status can all affect whether or not an MIP is good choice for you.
Urinary incontinence Vaginal prolapse Fistula formation Chronic pain Blood clots Infection Frequent urination Heavy bleeding (hemorrhage) Early menopause Complications due to general anesthesia
Choose a “quit date” and mark it on your calendar. Let you friends and family know about your “quit date. " Discuss your decision to quit with your physician for support and possible prescription therapies. Discard any cigarettes, ashtrays, etc. from your home, office, and car. Purchase some “oral replacements,” such as gum, candy, and/or toothpicks. Decide if you will use some form of nicotine replacement (gum, patch, etc. ). Seek out a support system, such as class to quit smoking, Nicotine Anonymous, or a family member who has successfully quit smoking.
Start focusing on eating healthy foods, above restricting unhealthy foods. Try to make sure you are getting 5 serving of vegetables each day. Work on burning more calories — try to get active! This may simply be taking a walk around the block, riding a bike in your neighborhood, or putting on some music and dancing up a sweat. Follow these methods for one week and see if you have experienced any weight loss. If you have not, begin reducing your caloric intake by 100–200 calories per day, by cutting out food with processed sugar or white flour. Dropping just 5 to 10 lbs. prior to your surgery can have very positive effects on your recovery.
Try to consume five servings of vegetables per day (like bell peppers, cauliflower, or green beans). If you are having trouble fitting all those servings in, try making a smoothie with frozen fruit and spinach or broccoli. You’ll be surprised how good it will taste! Focus on eating whole grains (like brown rice, quinoa, oats, or millet) instead of processed flour foods (like pasta, white bread, or tortillas). Simply boil your grains in water, broth, milk, tomato sauce, or almost any other liquid. Avoid foods with processed sugar, like soft drinks and dessert items.
Bring sanitary supplies. Pack a robe and some slip-on slippers. Bring some entertainment, like books, a tablet, or a laptop. Also remember to bring your charger for your electronic items. Bring eyeglasses, hearing aids and dentures if needed.
