Download Vaginal Hysterectomy, Ant/Post Repair

Patient Care Path
Vaginal Hysterectomy, Ant/Post Repair
Thank you for choosing Greenslopes Private Hospital for your upcoming surgery.
We appreciate that surgery can be a stressful experience. The staff caring for you have developed this information so
that you will know what you can expect during your stay.
This is however, only a guide and your progress may vary from this outline.
Please read this information and if you have any questions or concerns at any time, please discuss these with your
Nurse or Doctor.
Expected Length of Hospital Stay: Up to 4 nights
Our Expectations
1. If you have any concerns about your ability to cope after your surgery, please discuss this with Nursing
staff over the phone on 1800 777 101, or on admission to hospital
•Please note, community services are not always readily available and not all patients are eligible for
funded services
2. Please bring your medications and any x-rays relevant to your surgery into hospital
3. Prior to discharge:
•you will have resumed your normal diet
•your pain will be controlled effectively with medication
Your Expectations
On Arrival to the Hospital
• You will be taken to the Day Of Surgery Lounge where a Nurse will complete a medical history if this was not
completed over the telephone prior to your admission
• Your temperature, pulse, blood pressure and weight will be checked
• If you take regular medication, you will continue to do so throughout your stay unless otherwise instructed by
your Doctor
• If you have any concerns about how you will manage at home please discuss this with your Nurse. You may
be referred to the Care Coordinator who will assess your situation for any eligibility and availability of postdischarge services
If you have any questions about your hospitalisation, please ask your Nurse or Doctor
Before Surgery
• You should not eat or drink for six(6) hours prior to surgery
• You should have showered prior to coming to hospital. Please advise Nursing staff if you have not done so
• If you have been taking blood-thinning or anti-inflammatory medication (such as warfarin, aspirin, or
alternative medicine), please advise your Nurse
•You will be dressed in a theatre gown and disposable underwear. Compression stockings will be
applied to your legs
• You may have a blood test, heart tracing or x-ray taken before your surgery, if requested by your Doctor
• The Anaesthetist will visit you before you go into surgery
• You will be given medication to help you relax just prior to your surgery
After Surgery
• You will be taken to the ward on your bed
• Your blood pressure, pulse, temperature, vaginal blood loss and pain level will be checked regularly
• You will have an intravenous drip in your arm to keep you hydrated
• Your pain will be controlled with regular medication that your Nurse will monitor closely. Nursing
staff will educate you on how to best manage your pain. It is important that you tell the nursing staff if
you have pain
• A urinary catheter will be inserted into your bladder to help you pass urine
• A sanitary pad will be in place to monitor any vaginal blood loss. This pad can be changed as necessary. A vaginal
pack may be inserted during surgery
• You will not be able to eat for at least four(4) hours after your surgery. Please check with the Nursing staff
before you have anything to eat or drink
• Nursing staff will help you with all of your hygiene needs as you will be required to rest in bed
Day 1 Following Surgery
• Your Doctor will visit you today
• Your blood pressure, temperature, pulse, vaginal blood loss and pain levels will be checked regularly
• You will be able to eat and drink as ordered by your Doctor
• Your pain medication will continue, monitored by nursing staff. It is important to advise nursing
staff if you have pain
• Your urinary catheter will remain in place to help you pass urine easily
• The Physiotherapist will visit you to assist your mobility and show you exercises to help your recovery. You will
be shown the safest way to get in and out of bed and you will be required to sit out of bed as much as
possible each day
• Early progression of your walking and regaining your independence in daily activities is essential to a good
recovery. To do this, it is important to advise your Nurse when you have pain and to take regular pain relief
as required
• Nursing staff will help you with your hygiene needs as required
Days 2 and 3 following Surgery
• Your blood pressure, temperature, pulse, vaginal blood loss and pain levels will be checked often
• The pain medication and intravenous drip will be removed as ordered by your Doctor
• You can have regular tablets for pain. It is important that you tell Nursing staff when you have pain
• You will be able to have a normal diet as tolerated
• A vaginal pack, inserted during surgery will be removed on Day two(2) after surgery
• Your urinary catheter will be removed when your Doctor requests it.
• Once your catheter is removed, it is important to tell your Nurse when you want to pass urine. After you have
been to the toilet your Nurse may use a scanner over your stomach to check that your bladder is emptying
properly. This procedure may be repeated 2-3 times and could take 4-6 hours to complete
• The Physiotherapist will visit you to ensure your mobility continues to improve
• Nursing staff will help you with your hygiene needs as required
• Normal bowel habits are sometimes disrupted after surgery. If you are concerned, your Nurse can offer advice
on ways to resolve this common problem
Discharge Day
• Your Doctor may visit you today
• Medications will be dispensed by the Pharmacist, if required
• Arrangements for a follow-up appointment and care instructions will be explained to you before you
go home
• If you have a drip in your arm it will be removed before you go home
• Discharge time is 10am. Please arrange for someone to collect you by this time
Discharge Advice Following Abdominal Hysterectomy
You Should
Take medication to control any discomfort, as prescribed
Contact your Doctor if you begin to feel unwell or start to experience increasing pain, vaginal blood
loss, or fevers
Remember that you may feel tired easily for the first few days after you go home, so get plenty of rest and
eat a well balanced diet
You Should Avoid
For a period of time as advised by your Doctor:
•Driving
• Heavy lifting, straining and strenuous activity
• Sexual intercourse
We thank-you for the opportunity to care for you
PI7025D (09/15)
Greenslopes Private Hospital
Newdegate Street
Greenslopes QLD 4120
ph: 07 3394 7111 – fax: 07 3394 7322
www.greenslopesprivate.com.au