Nearly half of women who undergo hysterectomies leave the hospital without knowing what organs were removed during the procedure. This disturbing fact raises important questions about informed consent and communication between healthcare providers and patients.
Why this matters
According to a report from The New York Times, nearly 50% of women who have a hysterectomy do not know which organs were removed after their surgery. This lack of awareness is concerning, especially when it comes to something as personal and significant as a hysterectomy which can have far-reaching impacts on your overall health.
There are four different types of hysterectomies, differentiated by which organs and tissues are removed:
- Total hysterectomy: the most common form. The uterus and cervix are removed, but your ovaries are left intact.
- Hysterectomy with oophorectomy: the uterus, fallopian tubes, and one or both ovaries are removed.
- Supracervical hysterectomy: the uterus is removed, but the cervix is left intact.
- Radical hysterectomy: typically used to treat uterine cancer. The uterus, cervix, fallopian tubes, and ovaries.
The results of miscommunication about hysterectomy
The consequences of not being fully informed can be serious. If, for example, ovaries are removed during the procedure, the patient will enter menopause earlier than expected. Without being told what was removed, the patient may not understand why certain symptoms are occurring and could be left struggling with a lack of support.
In addition, not knowing what has been taken out can prevent patients from seeking the right kind of follow-up care. Hormonal changes, for instance, might require medical management or lifestyle adjustments, but this can’t happen if the patient isn’t aware that those changes are related to what happened during the surgery.
So why does this happen?
Many patients are under the impression that everything they need to know about their surgery will be explained by their physician. However, the majority of people who have been to a surgeon in America recognize that these specialists are often pressed for time, leading them to omit important content or undercommunicate complex medical terms.
Further, emotional distress before or after the procedure can make it difficult for patients to absorb all the information shared by their doctors. This is why it’s invaluable to bring a loved one along your care journey, especially on the day of your procedure. Should you undergo an inpatient treatment, you will likely be exhausted and under the influence of several medications. In this state, it’s no wonder that you may miss some of the guidance your medical team shares.
Informed consent: what it should be
Informed consent is a basic principle of medical ethics. It ensures that patients have a clear understanding of the procedures they are undergoing, including the risks, benefits, and potential outcomes. Before any surgery, patients should have the opportunity to ask questions, discuss options, and make decisions based on a full understanding of what’s involved.
Improving communication
Clear and open communication between doctors and patients is key to preventing these misunderstandings. Doctors should ensure that patients understand exactly what will be removed and why. It’s not just about getting a signature on a consent form; it’s about empowering patients to take charge of their health by being fully informed.
Patients should feel comfortable asking questions about what organs will be removed, what the potential side effects are, and how the surgery will affect their future health. Requesting written information can also help women retain important details after their consultations.
In addition to discussing what will happen during the procedure, it’s equally important to have a follow-up discussion after the surgery. This can help clarify any confusion and provide women with the information they need to make decisions about their recovery and long-term health.
What needs to change
Healthcare providers should make it a priority to ensure that informed consent is not just a formality, but an active process. This includes providing clear, accessible information before surgery, allowing patients to ask questions, and checking in with them post-surgery to confirm understanding. Hospitals and medical centers could implement standardized checklists to ensure that all relevant details are discussed with patients before and after the procedure.
On a broader level, this issue highlights the need for systemic changes in how medical information is communicated. Better training for healthcare providers in how to engage with patients about these topics could go a long way in addressing this problem.
Conclusion
The fact that so many women are unaware of what organs were removed during their hysterectomy underscores a larger issue with the informed consent process in healthcare. While hysterectomies are common procedures, patients still deserve to know exactly what happens to their bodies. For patients to make informed decisions about their health, clear, thorough communication is essential. Both healthcare providers and patients have a role in ensuring that everyone has the necessary information to move forward with confidence and understanding.