A post-operative educational pamphlet for hysterectomy patients

Hysterectomy, the removal of the uterus, is one of the most common surgical procedures performed; after cesarean delivery, it is the second most frequently performed major surgical procedure in the U.S. Approximately 75% of all hysterectomies are performed in women between the ages of 20 and 49 years. The highest overall rate is in the southern states with the lowest rates consistently in the northeastern portion of the U.S. Hysterectomy is more often performed in African-Americans than in Caucasians and is more frequently performed by male gynecologists' than female gynecologists. One in five women in the United Kingdom will have a hysterectomy by the time they reach the age of sixty-five (Chapple, 1995). Hysterectomy is often the last resort for women suffering from problems affecting the uterus. The most common problems include: uterine fibroids, cancer, abnormal uterine bleeding, pain and endometriosis. A lot of effort is made by the patient and her health care provider to avoid unnecessary surgery. Once the decision for hysterectomy is made it is important for the woman to understand the surgery and its risks as well as what is to be expected after surgery (Berek, Adashi, & Hillard, 1996).

The purpose of this study was to design a pamphlet to educate women undergoing hysterectomy about their post-operative course; in order to improve recovery and facilitate satisfaction of stay.