Questions

Pre-Surgery

You will of course be able to discuss surgical procedures and your recovery, including useful exercises, with your surgeon.

There will probably be many questions that you will want your surgeon to answer, and prior to surgery it is a good idea to make a note of what you want to find out to make sure your decision is the right one for you. You might like to ask:-

• Why do I need to have a hysterectomy?
  
  
• What organ or organs will be removed and why?
  
  
• Will my ovaries be left in place? If not, why?
  
  
• Will my cervix be removed? If so, why?
  
  
• Are there alternatives for me besides a hysterectomy?
  
  
• What are the advantages, risks, benefits of each?
  
  
• What will be the physical effects of a hysterectomy?
  
  
• Are these permanent?
  
  
• What will happen to my figure, my weight, my breasts?
  
  
• How will it affect my sex life?
  
  
• Will I experience menopause (change of life)?
  
  
• Can the symptoms of menopause be treated?
  
  
• What are the risks and benefits of such treatment?
  
  
• Will the operation be a vaginal or abdominal hysterectomy? And why?
  
  
• What can I expect in the hospital? pre-operative procedures? length of stay? anesthesia? infection? transfusion? urinary catheter?
  
  
• What kind of care will I need after my hysterectomy?
  
  
• How should I prepare for coming home from the hospital?
  
  
• How soon can I go back to work? Try heavy housework?
  
  
• When can I resume sexual activity?

There are a number of useful publications listed on the 'Further Reading' page for more information.