Jenny Powell bravely shares scars from robotic hysterectomy surgery in video from her hospital bed
BRAVE Jenny Powell has revealed the scars from her hysterectomy just hours after having surgery.
The 56-year-old has documented her hospital experience on Instagram and intends to share her recovery with followers.
Jenny, who is best known for starring on The Wheel of Fortune in the 90s, revealed her procedure was carried out with the aid of a robot.
The operation to remove her uterus will have seen a surgeon control a robotic device from a highly sensitive console in a bid to be as minimally invasive as possible.
In total, Jenny had five insertions in her abdomen to remove her womb, which she said weighed one kilogram.
Prior to the procedure, she had been living with an enlarged uterus, fibroids (non-cancerous growths) and adenomyosis which caused heavy bleeding, constipation and a constant need to urinate.
She wrote on Instagram: “18 hours in after my hysterectomy and I’ve had so many of you sending best wishes and sharing your stories too!
“I’ll keep you posted as the days go by and please men and women alike should all be aware, we can all end up getting used to stuff going on in our bodies that maybe we shouldn’t get used to ! Tune in to you and don’t be a martyr.”
Lying in her hospital robe post-surgery, Jenny sipped on a mug of bone broth which she insisted tasted like hot chocolate.
It was only last month that Jenny first revealed she was experiencing health issues, despite looking incredibly fit and well in her yoga posts.
She wrote alongside a picture of her showcasing her moves in swimwear: “Bring it on. Things aren’t always quite how they seem, remember that
“I’ll be honest, with a few health issues that need dealing with in the next few months, the classic ‘it’s crap getting old ‘ had popped into my mind a few times but not for long !
“Looking forward to prioritising my health and healing first and foremost and smashing it for the rest of this year … Hope you are too.”
Her followers on both occasions have wished her well, including celeb pal Leigh Francis, who said: “Hope you’re ok! Big love xxx.”
What are the different types of hysterectomies?
Types of Hysterectomies
Total Hysterectomy: This involves the removal of the entire uterus, including the cervix. It is the most common type of hysterectomy.
Partial (or Subtotal) Hysterectomy: In this procedure, only the upper part of the uterus is removed, leaving the cervix intact.
Radical Hysterectomy: This is a more extensive procedure where the uterus, cervix, part of the vagina, and surrounding tissues, including the pelvic lymph nodes, are removed. This is usually performed when cancer is present.
Indications for a Hysterectomy
A hysterectomy may be recommended for a variety of conditions, including:
Fibroids: Non-cancerous growths in the uterus that can cause pain and heavy bleeding.
Endometriosis: A condition where the tissue lining the inside of the uterus grows outside of it, causing pain and possibly infertility.
Uterine Prolapse: When the uterus slips from its normal position into the vaginal canal.
Chronic Pelvic Pain: Persistent pain in the pelvic region that is not relieved by other treatments.
Cancer: Of the uterus, cervix, ovaries, or endometrium.
Abnormal Vaginal Bleeding: Uncontrolled bleeding not responsive to other treatments.
Surgical Approaches
There are several methods to perform a hysterectomy:
Abdominal Hysterectomy: An incision is made in the lower abdomen to remove the uterus. This method is often used when a larger incision is needed to see and remove the uterus.
Vaginal Hysterectomy: The uterus is removed through an incision made in the vagina. This approach is less invasive and generally has a quicker recovery time.
Laparoscopic Hysterectomy: Small incisions are made in the abdomen, and a camera and specialised instruments are used to remove the uterus. This minimally invasive technique often results in a faster recovery and less pain post-surgery.
Robotic-Assisted Surgery: Similar to laparoscopic surgery, but the surgeon controls robotic instruments, which can offer greater precision.
Recovery and Aftercare
Recovery time varies depending on the type of hysterectomy performed but generally ranges from a few weeks to a few months. During the recovery period, patients are advised to avoid heavy lifting, strenuous activities, and sexual intercourse until cleared by their doctor.
Post-surgery, some women may experience menopause symptoms if their ovaries were also removed. Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) may be recommended in such cases.