Why you have to sign a Consent Form to have your uterus removed before any Fibroid Surgery

If you have had a fibroid surgery at least in Kenya I am sure you panicked at the very instance when you were asked to sign a consent form just before being wheeled into theatre!

This was me at the very last successful fibroid surgery I had, my open myomectomy!

Hello, I am Tabby a fibroid warrior who is also a fibroid advocate. On a weekly basis I help you unpack the mystery behind everything you do not understand about fibroids.

This article has not only been inspired by my previous fibroid surgery experience but also by a lady who recently reached out to me in panic and shock at being asked to sign a consent form that would allow the removal of her uterus during her fibroid surgery.

Her reasons for panic were clear:

1. “I consented to surgery because I thought I would be relived of my fibroid symptoms and agreed on a surgery method that would preserve my fertility. Why was I being asked then to sign a consent form permitting the removal of my uterus?” (hysterectomy) she said.

2. She was also angry at the fact that the doctor didn’t talk to her about consent during the planning of her surgery, she felt sidelined and immediately her patient-doctor trust was broken.

The above were my sentiments as well, when I had to put pen to paper 5 minutes before being wheeled into surgery when my doctor asked me to sign the consent form.

The words that followed from me, were… ‘what does this mean?’

‘I thought we were going in to remove the fibroids?’ I asked.

He quickly tried to re- affirm that there was nothing to worry about, the chances of a hysterectomy being performed on me were less but he also mention that if the bleeding was uncontrollable during the operation saving my life was more important than salvaging my womb.

If you are planning to go for a fibroid surgery anytime soon then let’s just say this article is very important for you! If you know anyone planning to go for a fibroid surgery, would you be your sister’s keeper and share the link to this article with them?

Let’s unpack this topic by first understanding what a Fibroid Consent Form is:

A Fibroid Consent Form is an agreement or signed document that outlines the informed consent of a woman/patient to a specific fibroid surgery treatment.

So, what would you expect in a consent form and why is it important?

1. It helps you understand in detail what the procedure you are about to sign up for is about.

2. It helps you understand the effects of the surgery both during and post-surgery.

3. Helps to fully be aware of the risk factors of the surgery.

4. Outlines how you will feel after the surgery.

5. Highlights the complications associated with the surgery.

6. Interventions that may be required incase of a complication.

So here are the main reasons why although you may not be going for a hysterectomy (getting your womb removed) your doctor will have you signing a consent form allowing him to do so during your fibroid surgery:

1. If the fibroids are very large.

In this case if they have severely damaged the uterus and removing your entire uterus would be a safer bet since fibroids cannot ever grow again posing worse symptoms and the chances of carrying a pregnancy are next to impossible.

1. The uterus is very damaged.

In the event the fibroids have severely damaged your uterus and removing it would pause a less risk of the fibroids growing again and the chances of carrying a pregnancy are next to impossible.

1. Uncontrollable bleeding during surgery.

Your life in this instance would be of more value when saved than your uterus.

On the brighter side, a very small percentage of women go in for a fibroid surgery and come out without a womb unless you are going in for a hysterectomy.

So, rest safe in Gods hands knowing that his got you and you will be just fine!

Are you going for surgery anytime soon?

Let me know, I would love to be here for you.

Been through it all, let me know below and you could be that encouragement a woman who is prepping for a fibroid surgery needs to go in confidently!

All the very best soon to be fibroid warriors!

Xoxo,

Tabby