You'd understand, right?

So I go see the ob/gyn oncologist again tomorrow, I'm wearing a wound vac because the incision from the hysterectomy didn't heal, so you'd understand if I go "postal" if the med assistant who checks me in asks yet again "When did you have your last pap smear?":D

[Emergency RN]

you have to understand that basic assessment is still required for every visit. i'm sure you'll understand when they also check your pulse and take your blood pressure, even though it has nothing to do with your poorly healing wound.

whether a patient needs to continue with pap testing post hysterectomy depends on the type of hysterectomy that was done, and whether there was cancer to begin with or not. also, some hysterectomies will leave the cervix intact, though pap testing can still be done even with a cervix no longer present. i would suggest that anyone post hysterectomy inquire of their md if this testing is going to be needed to be continued each case.

here's some good links to points worth considering regarding post hysterectomy paps:

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/pap-smear/an00013

http://cancer.about.com/od/screeninganddiagnosis/f/papafterhyster.htm

[klone, MSN, RN]

also, some hysterectomies will leave the cervix intact, though pap testing can still be done even with a cervix no longer present. i would suggest that anyone post hysterectomy inquire of their md if this testing is going to be needed to be continued each case.

yes, absolutely. i had a total hyst (uterus and cervix) two years ago due to cervical carcinoma-in-situ, and it's still recommended that i get a regular pap, because the abnormal cells can be present on the upper portion of the vaginal wall, as well.

op, good luck to you. i feel very thankful that my hyst went without a hitch, because i've been hearing lots of horror stories recently about bad hysts.

[nebrgirl]

Thanks for the input, that did clear up some questions I had, I guess some of my frustration just comes from feeling like I walk into this huge medical center and begin at the begining again.

[onetiredmomma]

I would understand! Same as when I was pregnant, going in for weekly visits towards the end and the receptionist said "are you still pregnant?!!"

[cherrybreeze, ADN, RN]

Yup, often they do still recommend Paps, even in total hysts, especially if done for cancer. My mom and sis are both post-hyst and have Paps.

However, what bugs my sister is the question, "any chance you could be pregnant?" when she had her hyst 7 years ago (at age 23). :)

[Emergency RN]

yup, often they do still recommend paps, even in total hysts, especially if done for cancer. my mom and sis are both post-hyst and have paps.

however, what bugs my sister is the question, "any chance you could be pregnant?" when she had her hyst 7 years ago (at age 23). :)

post hysterectomy ectopic pregnancies are indeed rare, but not unheard of. thus, recommendations for all women of child bearing years (who have had hysterectomies but intact ovaries), who present with abdominal pain should have have pregnancy (that is, ectopic) ruled out as a differential. one study (below) found 56 such cases:

http://www.sciencedirect.com/science?_ob=articleurl&_udi=b6t6k-4w50k4g-h&_user=10&_coverdate=04%2f25%2f2009&_rdoc=1&_fmt=high&_orig=search&_sort=d&_docanchor=&view=c&_acct=c000050221&_version=1&_urlversion=0&_userid=10&md5=218385aaaf37060959044ca0f1386e0b

since your sister was relatively young when she had her hysterectomy, i would suspect that her ovaries were likely kept intact for their natural hormonal benefits. thus, if she was still sexually active, then there would always remain a risk of ectopic pregancy.