I'm having a hysterectomy this week, but will I be expected to shave "everywhere" and why?
2006-12-03 07:12:57 · 15 answers · asked by Anonymous in Health ➔ Women's Health
I don't think YOU will have to shave, I believe the hospital staff will do it for you. I had a neighbor boy that had to go through learning how to do that in medical school, and he, too, was embarrassed. When I did geriatric nursing, I had to take care of the elderly, bathe them, dress them, and it taught me that these people have dignity, and you will be taken care of with dignity and respect. You are NOT the first person to have gone through this and won't be the last. I had so many angiograms (up the leg artery to the brain, and they shaved down there, I didn't even care), but, they cover you up, do it discreetly. Don't pay attention, carry on a conversation, or watch t.v. in the hospital room, read, whatever. Why do they have to do it? To keep the area sterile. They will wash it with betidine, before they do the surgery, and as hair follicles can carry bacteria as small as the size of the head of a pin, it is best not to have any chance of infection. That would make your recovery time increase, as well as your pain and chance of a less than optimal outcome. Please don't worry; I willl pray for you. Good luck and God Bless. :)
2006-12-03 07:20:41 · answer #1 · answered by I care about my answers 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
When getting an operation, the doc needs to have a sterile field to work in, so that there won't be any cross contamination. You will also have a disinfectant on the part of your body where the incision is. Shaving is usually done by hospital staff.
There is also a laparoscopic hysterectomy available where the uterus is removed vaginally. I'm not sure if, this could be an alternative for you?
2006-12-03 07:45:38 · answer #2 · answered by Fraulein 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No, you don't do it me as a scrub nurse does it right before the procedure. I've worked in surgury for three years and that is part of my job as glorious as it sounds HA! HA! But we have to do it right before so it lowers your chance of bacteria plus if you do it at home and you have cuts or razor burn than that is just breeding ground for bacteria and just asking for a surgical sight infection. They shave you only on your pubic mound if your having an abdominal operation and if your having a vaginal hysterectomy then they will only shave you around your labia mainly so they can see better. Good Luck and don't be embarassed this is an everyday operation and I've assisted in hundreds once you see one you've seen them all.
2006-12-03 08:14:37 · answer #3 · answered by LKJ 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You won't be expected to do this at all. The hospital staff prefers to do its own shave so it meets their standards. Depending on what method your doctor is using, you may not be shaved at all. If you want to know, the shave is to help prevent infection. It keeps the hair out of the incision site and reduces the direct contact with bacteria.
2006-12-03 07:20:59 · answer #4 · answered by Nancy C 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
If they have not told you to do so, then you probably don't have to do it. I suggest your call your surgeon's office and ask the receptionist if there are any preparations you need to take, such as shaving (and where), fasting, taking painkillers at home, avoiding alcohol, and so on. You can also ask where the incision (cut) will occur. Most likely any shaving that needs to be done will be done by an orderly before the surgery anyway.
2006-12-03 07:16:40 · answer #5 · answered by zandyandi 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Shaving pr-operative sites is done to reduce the risk of infection. It depends on your doctor though if he will want you to shave everywhere. Have you had your pre-op appointment yet? Most likely you won't even have to worry about that. Trust me, if they want it shaved, they will shave it for you. Good Luck!
2006-12-03 07:18:06 · answer #6 · answered by Yomi 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I do not know the answer to this but there is a chance you may be shaved below the pantie line as what happened to me for my c-section . I think hair may be a harbour for germs and it is a way to protect the operation wound from germs .
Good Luck .
2006-12-03 07:16:08 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
My wife has had 2 caesarians and had to shave around the area. Its to stop any stray hairs contaminating the wound.
2006-12-03 07:17:36 · answer #8 · answered by Silk 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
To make sure the site/area is as clean as possible. This will help lower the risk of infections on and around the wound.
2006-12-03 07:18:58 · answer #9 · answered by S H 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
If anything needs shaving, they will do it.
With today's very strong antibacterial agents, they usually "disinfect" the hair instead of removing it--but it depends on the surgeon.
God bless, and hope it all goes well.
2006-12-03 07:17:14 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋