The real experience with women's hysterectomy: A meta‐synthesis of qualitative research evidence

Abstract

Hysterectomy is the most common gynaecological surgery in the world (Barker, 2016;Hammer et al., 2015), which is an important treatment for benign gynaecological diseases such as fibroids, endometriosis and uterine prolapse (Lundholm et al., 2009;Whiteman et al., 2008). When non-operative treatment cannot solve the pain of common gynaecological benign diseases, hysterectomy to relieve symptoms and improve women's quality of life has become a possible choice (Rannestad, 2005). However, several studies have reported that patients experience varying degrees of anxiety and depression before and after hysterectomy due to multiple factors such as individual personality traits, fear of surgery, concerns about altered self-image and the strength of family support (Donoghue et al., 2003;Thornton et al., 1997;Wilson et al., 2018). Studies have also reported potentially important associations between age and disease progression and the mental health status of women undergoing hysterectomy, particularly before the age of 40 and in the case of more severe disease, which can increase the psychological burden of women (Cooper et al., 2009). Therefore, fully understanding and exploring the real experience of hysterectomy patients can promptly identify the possible psychological and spiritual needs of patients

The Lived Experience of Hospitalized Women Undergoing Hysterectomy: A Phenomenological Study

“…The current results are consistent with the study of Janda et al, who found that the majority of women (>96%) did not regret having had the hysterectomy and more than two third of the participants agreed or strongly agreed that they made the right decision to have a hysterectomy [10] . Also consistent with Li, et al [11]. who clarified the main consideration before hysterectomy that affects the decision for undergoing hysterectomy as the following disease factors to treat gynecological diseases, fertility factor which affects negatively the decision for undergoing hysterectomy, it can limit young women, especially those who want children, the opportunity to become mothers., and the women may be left out or even abandoned by their husbands because they cannot have children.…”

Investigating ethical considerations in the communication network of married women undergone hysterectomy: Instrumentation of a questionnaire

“…It is noteworthy that complying ethical considerations by a woman's social network about this common surgery has in uences on the attitude of women towards hysterectomy and its consequences. These issues point to the ethical issues that may happen around this surgery that affect on the individual thoughts and actions, marital and sexual adjustment and relationships as well as is affected by familial, social and cultural attitude towards hysterectomy (9,(22)(23)(24).…”

“…postoperative physical condition; b. psychological resilience to the loss of the uterus; c. changes in the couple's relationship); coping strategies (a. self-denial and avoidance; b. change of perception and selfadjustment; c. seek help from others) (9).…”

“…The majority of women experienced a positive attitude towards their decision to elect a hysterectomy based on their perceived sexual functioning and satisfaction; ideas of womanhood to include motherhood and femininity, and their trust in presurgical information from healthcare professionals, or other women (2). A meta-synthesis to identify and synthesize qualitative research evaluating the real feelings, inner needs and emotional experience of women undergoing hysterectomy found comprehensive consideration before hysterectomy, emotions and experience after hysterectomy, coping strategies such as seeking help from others (9).…”

Unnecessary Hysterectomies Among Premenopausal Women in Developed and Developing Countries: A Critical Review of Steps Taken to Improve Women's Health

“…should be made more effectively at district and state levels to protect women from adopting such course of treatment and putting them under distressful medical health issues such as depression and social disgrace. The Supreme Court also suggested the creation of national-, state-, and district-level hysterectomy monitoring committees, as well as the establishment of a grievance site, to address the issue [ 31 , 32 ].…”