Waiting for Your Hysterectomy - What Happens Now? - West ...

Help and advice are available on Diet and Smoking either
through your GP, hospital or Health Promotion Websites
such as: -
• www.nhs.uk/LiveWell/loseweight
• www.smokefree.nhs.uk
Useful Contact Numbers
Watford General Hospital
01923 244366
Matron for Gynaecology
07795 398761
Pre-Admission Clinic
Watford General Hospital 01923
St Albans City Hospital 01727 897140
Hemel Hempstead Hospital 01442
Admissions Office (Watford General Hospital)
Only for enquiries regarding your operation date
01923
Enhanced Recovery Programme
Waiting for Your Hysterectomy
What Happens Now?
Patient Information
DIVISION OF WOMEN’S SERVICES
GYNAECOLOGY
Elizabeth Ward
01923 217902
All patients leaflets are regularly reviewed and any suggestions
You may have as to how they may be improved would be
valuable. Please contact Janette Buckley, Matron for Gynaecology.
A Patient’s Guide
Implementation July 2010 – Review June 2011

You are now on the Gynaecology waiting list for a Hysterectomy
The aim of this booklet is to help you understand what the
enhanced recovery programme means for you, and how you
play an active role in your recovery.
What is the Enhanced Recovery Programme?
The aim of the Enhanced Recovery Programme is to get you
back to full health as soon as possible after your operation.
Research indicates that after surgery, the earlier we get you
eating and drinking and out of bed, the quicker the recovery.
This will speed up your recovery, making it less likely that
complications will develop.
In order to achieve this we need you to play an active part in
your recovery and work together with us.
Before Your Admission to Hospital
You will be sent an appointment to attend the Pre Operative
Assessment Clinic. You will also receive an invitation to attend the
Hysterectomy Talk on Elizabeth Ward.
Hysterectomy Talk
The aim of the Talk is to inform you of what will happen when you
come into hospital for your procedure. Explaining what happens
after your operation. This will be an opportunity for you to discuss
any concerns either you or your relative/friend may have.
Hospital Stay
We aim for your stay in hospital to be 3 days. So as not to delay
your discharge, preparation prior to admission is very important.
The enhanced recovery programme has been set up to help with
this preparation.
What You Can Do To Help Yourself
Whilst waiting for surgery there are changes you may be able to
make to improve your general health.
• Diet- you will recover more quickly if you are healthy
beforehand. Try to eat a healthy diet in the time leading up to
your operation. If you have any concerns about your diet,
discuss them with your GP; you can be referred to a dietician
if necessary. If you are overweight, it is very important to
reduce your weight in preparation for your surgery. This will
help to reduce any risks associated with anaesthetic and
your new joint will last longer.
• Smoking- smoking cigarettes will compromise healing after
any surgery and make you more prone to infection. This is
because smoking reduces the amount of oxygen being
delivered to the tissues, which is vital for the healing
process. It is best to try and stop smoking, at least 2 weeks
before surgery and 6 weeks after, to give time for the wound
and tissues around the joint to heal.
• Exercises- stay active. Regular exercise will improve muscle
tone, which can help to protect arthritic joints.
Pre- Admission Clinic
In this clinic an assessment will be made of your general fitness
and investigations carried out, e.g. blood tests, blood pressure,
ECG (heart tracing) and MRSA screening. You will receive further
information about this nearer the time.