Hysterectomy
Patient Education

CBC (complete blood count)

Tests for Anemia

After a tourniquet is applied to the upper arm, the skin is swabbed with alcohol and a needle punctures the skin. Blood is then drawn into a syringe for analysis

- White Blood Cells = 4.5-11

- Red Blood Cells (female) = 4.1-5.1

- Hemoglobin (female) = 12-16

- Hematocrit (female) = 36-46%

Clotting Studies

To ensure that no excess bleeding will occur

The needle is removed and a pressure bandage is applied to the puncture site.

- Prothrombin Time: 10-12 seconds

- Partial Thromboplastin Time (PTT): 30-45 seconds

- International Normalized Ratio (INR):1-2

Ultrasound

Visualizes structural abnormalities in uterus, cervix, ovaries, and surrounding structures

After lying down on the table, the technician/doctor places clear water-based gel on your stomach and pelvic area. A hand-held probe is then moved back and forth over the area, transmitting sound waves. The echoes of these waves create an image on a computer monitor.

When a transvaginal ultrasound is performed, you lie on the exam table with knees bent and feet in stirrups. A covered probe is lubricated and placed in the vagina. The probe emits sound waves and the echoes create an image on a computer monitor.

No masses, strictures, obstructions, or compromise to blood flow of pelvic organs

Colonoscopy

Looks for growths, tumors, ulcers, and strictures of the large intestine

After lying on an exam table, sedation is given by IV in your arm.

The doctor then passes a long, flexible scope with light attached to a video monitor up through your rectum to view the entire large intestine. When done, the instrument is removed and you are awakened.

No growths, ulcers, tumors, or strictures seen

Intravenous Pyelogram (IVP)

Images the urinary tract system

After lying on an exam table, a dye is injected into an arm vein. A series of x-ray images are then taken over specific intervals of time.

No masses, strictures, or obstructions of the urinary bladder, ureters, or urethra. Bladder empties at the appropriate time.

Papanicolaou test (Pap smear)

Screens for changes in cervical and vaginal cells (cancer and types of infection)

You will lie down on the exam table with bent knees and heels in stirrups. A speculum (clamp) is inserted into the vaginal vault and opened to reveal cervical visibility. This may cause some pressure. A soft brush or spatula is used to scrape some cells from the cervix at the exterior and just inside the opening of the cervix. This specimen is then sent to the laboratory for analysis.

No cancer cells, abnormal bacteria, fungus, or other organisms atypical of environment.