Blood loss during hysterectomy

[KatieBenz]

Ok, so I’m having a total (absolutely everything) hysterectomy next week.
I mentioned during my pre op, that I gave blood. The consultant nurse said I shouldn’t give blood beforehand (obviously) because I needed ‘all the blood I had’! I’ve also been asked to sign a form saying ok to a blood transfusion.
Is blood loss a big thing with this operation - I’m having robotic surgery.

It will just be a precaution.
There will always be some blood loss but, if the loss is slightly larger than average, you already donating some a short time before could leave you needing a boost. If you lost a lot more than average during the procedure they would look to replace it with a transfusion & it’s better to get consent before rather than wait for you to come around, discuss it with you, get you to groggily sign and then hope you didn’t complain you weren’t compos mentis.

They told me post op that I lost 400ml.
I hope all goes smoothly & you have a speedy recovery.

I'm a theatre nurse. There is usually a bit of blood loss, that's to be expected, but I've never known a patient to lose so much blood that they need a transfusion. It's just a precaution because in extreme circumstances you may lose blood and if that's the case they like to have consent for a transfusion (some religions don't like you to have a blood transfusion, so they should check first)

I hope the surgery goes well and your recovery is quick

I had a full hysterectomy two weeks ago, I also had to sign to consent to a blood transfusion, was told it was very, very rare that I’d need one! I didn’t! The whole thing has been a doddle, pain free, just exhausted! Good luck, but you will be fine!

Thank you. I definitely had a bit of a wobble yesterday. I’m feeling more positive today. X

I was asked the same for appendix so must be standard surgery question OP. Good luck with your op!