RCOG Release: Information For Women On Post-Operative Recovery Launched

Main Category: Women's Health / Gynecology
Also Included In: Sports Medicine / Fitness
Article Date: 13 Jul 2010 - 13:00 PDT

email to a friend   printer friendly   opinions  

The Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG) launches its series of patient information leaflets aimed specifically at women recovering from gynaecological surgery, to help them plan for a return to fitness, including work.

These leaflets, produced in partnership with the Department of Work and Pensions (DWP), cover a range of post-operative care options and advice for women including: how to look after yourself when you have had a hysterectomy and recovering from a pelvic floor operation.

Titled Return to Fitness: Recovering Well, the guidance was developed by a multi-disciplinary steering group comprising GPs, nurses, gynaecologists, physiotherapists, consumers and others, and looked at the common themes in recovery to develop easy reference guides for women.

The main purpose of the web-based leaflets is to provide accurate advice on what a woman needs to know about her recovery after surgery but more importantly, how she should care for herself at home so that her recovery is quick and uncomplicated. Areas discussed in the leaflets include the possible side effects from anaesthesia or medication women should be aware of, diet and nutrition, engaging in routine activities such as travelling or driving, preparing to return to work, and where to go for further advice.

Dr Tahir Mahmood, RCOG Vice President (Standards), said "When a patient is in an NHS setting, she has the attention and support of the medical staff. However, when she leaves the security net which a hospital environment provides to return home, she may feel vulnerable and uncertain. This situation, like the operation itself, can be very distressing to her. These leaflets will hopefully address any questions or doubts women may have about the recovery period but the main message is that a woman should be able to resume her normal life provided it is safe for her to do so."

Dr Alison Kirkpatrick, Chair of Return to Fitness Project, said "Before gynaecological surgery women need information about their recovery so they can feel prepared, organise their families and households, and let their employers know how long they might need away from work. They get lots of advice from different health professionals as well as from friends and family which can sometimes be contradictory. Some women may not remember or feel able to ask questions which are important to them.

"These information leaflets give accurate information that women can take in at their own pace. They can plan for their own recovery and then come back to the leaflet after their operation to track their progress."

Dame Carol Black, National Director for Health and Work said, "Women who've undergone surgery may worry about returning to work, but it can be an important step in their recovery. Many find the routine of work and support from their colleagues helpful, for example.

"These informational leaflets offer practical help and guidance for women about recovering from surgery and resuming activities and should be read in conjunction with advice from their GP and in consultation with their employer."

Ms Gillian Baker, Chair of the RCOG Consumers' Forum said, "The days and weeks after an operation can be an uncertain period for many women. Some, missing the familiarity of their workplace, may feel unusually isolated. Others, particularly those with young children, may experience anxiety about how much rest to take and the pace of resuming their normal levels of activity. Others may be unclear about how and when they can physically start to resume their sport and exercise regimes.

"These leaflets have been drawn up to deal with these uncertainties. They offer practical advice on what a woman can or cannot do during this period and what she needs to do to ensure a speedy recovery."

To listen to the podcast featuring an interview with Ms Kirkpatrick about the Return to Fitness: Recovering Well leaflets, please click here.

Notes

The formal launch of these leaflets takes place at the RCOG on 13 July 2010. The list of leaflets can be found below. To view, please click here.

- Recovering well: information for you after an abdominal hysterectomy
- Recovering well: information for you after a vaginal hysterectomy
- Recovering well: information for you after a laparoscopic hysterectomy
- Recovering well: information for you after a pelvic floor repair operation
- Recovering well: information for you after a mid-urethral sling operation for stress urinary incontinence
- Recovering well: information about recovering from surgical management of a miscarriage
- Recovering well: information for you after a laparoscopy
- Recovering well: information for you after an endometrial ablation

Source:
Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists

• Additional
• References
• Citations