Our Summary

This research paper looks at how women urinate after having a minimally invasive hysterectomy. The study included 450 women who underwent this type of surgery at a university hospital between 2012 and 2018. The results showed that, on average, women were able to urinate about 179 minutes after surgery. This timing was based on a medical procedure where the bladder was filled with a saline solution.

The study also found that certain factors could affect how quickly women were able to urinate after surgery. Women who were older, had a history of a specific type of surgery (myomectomy), or had a longer stay in the post-anesthesia care unit were more likely to take longer to urinate.

Additionally, the research found that the type of painkillers used after surgery could also impact this timing. Women who were given certain drugs were more likely to take longer to urinate, but the overall amount of painkillers used did not have a significant impact.

In conclusion, the study found that most women were able to urinate within four hours after a minimally invasive hysterectomy. This is in line with previous studies and suggests that women can be safely discharged on the same day as their surgery without needing to stay in the post-anesthesia care unit for a long time.

FAQs

  1. How soon were women able to urinate after having a minimally invasive hysterectomy, according to the study?
  2. What factors were found to affect the speed at which women could urinate following surgery?
  3. Does the type of painkiller used after surgery impact the time taken to urinate?

Doctor’s Tip

A helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about hysterectomy is to stay hydrated and listen to your body when it comes to urination. It is important to drink plenty of fluids after surgery to help with urination and to prevent urinary retention. If you are having difficulty urinating or experiencing pain or discomfort, be sure to contact your healthcare provider for further guidance.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended hysterectomy include those with:

  1. Uterine fibroids: These non-cancerous growths in the uterus can cause symptoms such as heavy menstrual bleeding, pelvic pain, and pressure.

  2. Endometriosis: This condition occurs when the tissue that lines the uterus grows outside of it, leading to pain, heavy periods, and infertility.

  3. Uterine prolapse: This condition involves the uterus slipping down into the vagina due to weakened pelvic floor muscles, causing symptoms like pelvic pressure and urinary incontinence.

  4. Gynecologic cancer: Hysterectomy may be recommended for patients with cervical, ovarian, or uterine cancer to remove the affected organs.

  5. Chronic pelvic pain: If other treatments have been unsuccessful in managing chronic pelvic pain, a hysterectomy may be considered as a last resort.

  6. Adenomyosis: This condition involves the tissue that lines the uterus growing into the muscular wall, leading to heavy menstrual bleeding, pelvic pain, and pressure.

It is important for patients to discuss their specific symptoms and medical history with their healthcare provider to determine if a hysterectomy is the appropriate treatment option for them.

Timeline

Before hysterectomy:

  • Patient consults with gynecologist to discuss reasons for hysterectomy
  • Patient undergoes pre-operative testing and evaluation
  • Patient may need to stop certain medications or adjust their diet before surgery
  • Patient is instructed on what to expect during and after surgery

After hysterectomy:

  • Patient undergoes surgery, typically lasting 1-2 hours
  • Patient is monitored in the post-anesthesia care unit before being transferred to a recovery room
  • Patient is encouraged to walk and move around to aid in recovery
  • Patient may experience pain, discomfort, and fatigue in the days following surgery
  • Patient may need to stay in the hospital for a day or two, depending on the type of surgery and their recovery
  • Patient will have follow-up appointments with their gynecologist to monitor healing and discuss any concerns
  • Patient may experience changes in their menstrual cycle, emotions, and sexual function after surgery.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. How soon after surgery can I expect to be able to urinate normally?

  2. Are there any factors specific to my medical history or surgical procedure that could affect my ability to urinate after a hysterectomy?

  3. Will the type of painkillers I receive after surgery impact my ability to urinate, and if so, how?

  4. Is it common for women to experience difficulty urinating after a minimally invasive hysterectomy, and if so, what can be done to address this issue?

  5. How long should I wait before seeking medical attention if I am unable to urinate after surgery?

  6. Are there any specific post-operative care instructions I should follow to help ensure I am able to urinate normally after my hysterectomy?

  7. What signs or symptoms should I watch for that may indicate a problem with my ability to urinate after surgery?

  8. Will I need a catheter after my hysterectomy to help with urination, and if so, how long will it need to remain in place?

  9. Are there any lifestyle changes or precautions I should take to help promote normal urination after my hysterectomy?

  10. How will my healthcare team monitor my ability to urinate and address any issues that may arise during my recovery period?

Reference

Authors: Klebanoff JS, Barnes WA, Kazma J, Ingraham CF, Mangini MG, Nishikawa MI, Goldstein NM, Tyan P, Moawad GN. Journal: J Gynecol Obstet Hum Reprod. 2021 Oct;50(8):102126. doi: 10.1016/j.jogoh.2021.102126. Epub 2021 Mar 26. PMID: 33775918