This document provides information about hysterectomy procedures at Banner Health. It summarizes that Banner Health performs thousands of hysterectomies annually using minimally invasive techniques for 70% of cases. It has over 200 OB-GYNs across 28 facilities who perform over 4,400 hysterectomies per year. The document outlines the types of hysterectomy procedures, what patients can expect before, during, and after surgery, including a typical recovery time of less than 24 hours. It provides checklists for patients and their support system to prepare for the procedure and recovery.

1. Your Care Experience:
Hysterectomy

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Hysterectomy — it’s a big
word, maybe a bit scary,
and likely one you never
associated with yourself.
At Banner Health, we deeply understand women’s health and
know exactly what your concerns about this procedure may
be. But rest assured; we change lives performing thousands of
hysterectomies every year, and we’re prepared to do the same
for you. You’re in exactly the right place.

3. Why Choose Banner?

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Our Experience at Work for You
We have 237 OB-GYNs
conducting hysterectomies
throughout our 28 facilities, so
wherever you are, you’ll know
you’re in good hands.
Our surgeons utilize minimally
invasive techniques for 70%
of hysterectomies, which
is why most Banner Health
hysterectomy patients are
ready to return home in less
than 24 hours.
We perform 4,400
hysterectomies annually, which
is more than any other provider
in Arizona. In other words? We’ve
got you covered.
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70%237 4K+
There are a lot of emotions associated with hysterectomies. That’s why at Banner Health our expert care
goes beyond the physical to ensure you’re at ease and well informed at all times.

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Your Banner Health care team is more than a
group of expert health professionals. They’re
your support system, prepared to guide you
through the procedure from beginning to end.
Your OB-GYN will develop a personalized
treatment plan, answer all your questions,
perform your surgery and monitor your recovery.
Your anesthesiologist will administer your
anesthetic and, with absolute care and precision,
monitor your blood pressure, heart rhythm,
temperature, consciousness and blood oxygen
levels during the procedure.
Your team of nurses will help prep you for surgery
(everything from pre-op tests to ensuring you’re
calm and comfortable), assist during surgery and
manage your care in the recovery room.
Our Team in
Your Corner

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In most cases, the benefits of a hysterectomy
greatly outweigh the risks. It’s important to listen
to your doctor’s instructions on what you can do
to prepare for as smooth a surgery as possible.
Heather Lesmes, MD
Obstetrics & Gynecology, Arizona

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Types of Hysterectomies
PARTIAL
HYSTERECTOMY
Removal of the upper uterus
TOTAL
HYSTERECTOMY
Removal of the entire uterus
RADICAL
HYSTERECTOMY
Removal of the entire uterus,
cervix and other organs or
tissues
Because there are three types of hysterectomies, your Banner Health care team’s first priority is to
carefully perform a series of diagnostic tests to determine exactly which procedure is right for you:

8. What to Expect

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During Your
Procedure
After ensuring you’re comfortable and
completely prepped, your nurse will bring
in the anesthesiologist, who will administer
your anesthetic.
Depending on the type of hysterectomy,
your surgeon will use a scalpel to make
incisions in your vagina or abdomen,
possibly with the use of robotic arms or
laparoscopic instruments, and carefully
remove the affected organs or tissues.
The whole procedure takes
just one to two hours.

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Prepare yourself emotionally for the big changes ahead. Depending on the type of
hysterectomy, you may no longer have a period or be able to get pregnant. Talk to
your doctor about any concerns you may have.
Either wear loose, comfy clothes to the procedure or bring extra to change
into. Your middle will be sensitive afterward, and you won’t want to squeeze into
anything too tight.
Care Team Tips
Before your procedure, tell your surgeon if you’re taking any new vitamins or
medications — certain medications, such as blood thinners, aren’t surgery-
friendly. Avoid alcohol, nicotine and eating eight hours before surgery.

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This surgery is one of our most common,
and we’ll do everything we can to make you
comfortable. You won’t feel any pain during the
surgery, and it will be over before you know it.
Heather Lesmes, MD
Obstetrics & Gynecology, Arizona

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Your Recovery

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After Your
Procedure
Following surgery, you’ll be wheeled into a
recovery room, where you’ll awaken from
anesthesia and receive fluids through an
IV. Your doctor will visit to check in on your
comfort level and determine whether you
can be released that day.
Most of Banner Health’s hysterectomy
patients are resting comfortably at
home within 24 hours of surgery.

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Care Team Tips
You’ll have some bleeding and discharge for several weeks after the procedure, so
it’s a good idea to stock up on sanitary pads beforehand.
Get up and walk at least four times per day. You may be slightly sore, but
movement helps prevent blood clots.
After surgery, your doctor may put you on a soft-foods diet. Once ready for solids,
you’ll want to eat a well-balanced mix of proteins, fruits and vegetables and drink
eight to 10 glasses of fluids every day to keep your body well hydrated.

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My doctor told me that I wouldn’t even realize
how bad I had been feeling until after I had
my hysterectomy, and that’s so true. All the
discomfort I’d been carrying — I didn’t even
realize how bad it was because the fibroids had
over a decade to grow. Once that went away, I
had the ‘Aha, this is how I’m supposed to feel’
moment, which has been fantastic.
Jhumka Narang
Fountain Hills, Arizona/ Hysterectomy Patient

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Q&A: The Basics
How much pain will I be in?
You’ll be under anesthesia throughout the procedure and should feel no pain. After you return home,
you should be able to manage just fine with pain medications, which you’ll need for two to five days.
Q:
What medications will I need to take?
To help manage your pain, you’ll be prescribed oral pain medications, and if your ovaries are removed
during surgery, you might receive hormone therapy and medications to help prevent osteoporosis.
Q:
How physically limited will I be when I return
home?
For the first one to two days after you return home, you may be sore, so we recommend you have
help with meal preparation and other household duties.
Q:

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Q&A: What You’re Really Wondering
When will I be able to drive?
Avoid driving for about two weeks. Ask a friend or family member in advance to help (or sign up for
a ride-sharing service), and check with your doctor before you get back behind the wheel.
Q:
When will I be able to have sex?
You’ll need to wait six weeks post-procedure to have sex or insert anything into your vagina (such
as tampons). Keep in mind that women who’ve endured chronic pain before a hysterectomy most
often have better sex afterward.
Q:
When will I start feeling like myself again?
Common physical side effects include bleeding and discharge for several weeks, temporary
constipation and trouble urinating. Women also experience a wide range of emotions after
hysterectomies. For example, radical hysterectomies can produce intense emotions tied to
menopause. That’s why Banner Health seeks out mental health professionals to support those
feeling self-conscious or depressed.
Q:

18. Your ‘What Do I Need?’ Checklist
Ask your doctor about any convenience items to buy
now, such as support pillows, a shower stool or a long-
handled shoehorn.
Thoroughly clean your home, stocking up on disposable
items such as plates, cups and utensils.
Purchase or prepare plenty of premade meals — or sign
up for an on-demand meal or grocery delivery service.
If your bedroom is located upstairs, consider a
temporary relocation to the first floor.
Remove tripping hazards, such as loose cords or rugs.
Share a spare set of keys with somebody you trust in
case of an emergency.
Even binge-watching has its limits. Think about alternative
forms of entertainment, such as reading or crafting.
Ask your doctor about exercises you can do before
surgery to get your pelvic muscles in shape.
Arrange for a loved one to take you home and stay by
your side for 24 hours.
Create a log to track your medication regimen. That way,
you don’t have to rely on memory alone.
Sign up for an on-demand help service for assistance
with unanticipated or minor needs, such as picking up
supplies or walking the dog.
Take care of your incision. Clean the area daily with soap
and water, check for any signs of infection and wear
loose-fitting clothing that won’t irritate the incision or
surrounding skin.
Pre-Op Recovery
Notes
If your friends and family members are far away, use this checklist to help set yourself up for a successful recovery.

19. The ‘How Can I Help?’ Checklist
Prepare for the procedure to last one to two hours,
on average.
Since your loved one won’t be able to drive home, drive
her to the hospital one hour prior to the procedure.
Pinpoint the nearest pharmacy en route from the hospital
so you can pick up pain medication on the way home.
Help your loved one review and fill out post-op paperwork.
Be prepared to provide emotional support before and
after she goes into surgery.
Surgery Day
Offer emotional support to help ease anxiety.
Stock the house with plenty of fluids and comfort aids.
Check with your loved one’s insurance provider
regarding questions about copayment or deductible.
Help her stock up on sanitary pads and a body pillow.
Handle household tasks and monitor recovery.
Ensure your loved one takes medications as scheduled.
Encourage movement around the house.
Prevent heavy lifting of anything over 10 pounds for
six weeks.
Accompany your loved one to follow-up visits.
Communicate any health issues or concerns as soon as
they arise.
Remind her to drink plenty of water to help prevent
constipation, and help her maintain a well-balanced diet
of proteins, vegetables and fruits.
Pre-Op Recovery
Sharethefollowingchecklistwithfriendsandfamilymemberssotheyknowwhattoexpectandhowtheycanbetherefor you.
Notes

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