Preparation depends on the type of surgical access.
For hysteroscopy procedures: it is recommended that the patient is treated outside her menstrual period. In some situations this may not be possible because the patient suffers continual bleeding. The procedure can still go ahead as the uterus will be cleaned with a solution that aids visibility. This procedure is carried out on an outpatient basis.
For laparotomy or laparoscopic procedures, the surgery takes place in a hospital. Laparotomy patients generally remain in hospital for between 2 and 5 days while cœlioscopy patients remain in hospital for between 24 and 48 hours.
As with for any hospitalisation, it is useful to take with you:
- your social security health card (in France called the Carte Vitale) and any complementary health care insurance card
- all the x-rays, ultrasound scans, MRI or other recent tests (blood tests).
It is important to have consulted the anaesthesist at least 48 hours prior the date of the surgery.
In general, for the following surgeries: hysterectomy, laparotomy, coelioscopy, it is recommended that the patient gets admitted in hospital the afternoon before the operation. This is to:
- check the patient’s health file is complete (conduct supplementary tests if necessary such as x-rays)
- prepare an appropriate intestinal treatment (laxative)
- maintain an atmosphere of calm (not facilitated by an arrival on the morning of the operation)
- prepare the area to be operated upon (hair removal, shaving, internal disinfection)
