Preoperative Education and Its Impact on Short-term Postoperative Outcomes in Hysterectomy

This chapter aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of preoperative education in improving short-term postoperative outcomes in hysterectomy women. Hysterectomy is the surgical removal of the uterus performed either through the abdomen or the vagina to treat a number of conditions, including heavy or painful periods, fibroids, and prolapse. A quasi-experimental study was conducted in the District Tertiary Care Hospital in Salem, Tamilnadu, India. Subjects were selected with convenience sampling technique for the experimental group (n1=200) and control group (n2=100) respectively. Demographic proforma and flow chart to note down physiological vital parameters and other parameters were tools used. Results showed there was no significant difference revealed in physiological vital parameters (p>0.05) except for inspiratory capacity. The experimental group ambulated earlier (30.33±8.594) as compared to the control group (41.56± 6.960) and these differences were statistically significant (p<0.001). The mean length of stay was more in the experimental group (17.65±3.587) as compared to the control group (14.31±3.349). There was a drastic improvement in inspiratory capacity in the postoperative period seen among subjects in the experimental group as compared to the control group. Women will be guided to understand postoperative care after hysterectomy, to facilitate participation in postoperative self-care activities, and to prevent potential complications by structured education about perioperative care and postoperative exercises in the preoperative period.