Husbands' experiences before wives' hysterectomy

After Caesarean section, hysterectomy ranks as the surgical procedure most frequently performed on women. To most women, the partner's support is vital. Currently, there is a lack of research on the experiences of husbands facing their wife's hysterectomy. The aim of this study was to understand husbands' experiences when their wives were to undergo a hysterectomy. The study used a phenomenological approach and purposive sampling; data were collected at three teaching hospitals in northern Taiwan. Twenty participants were interviewed and data were analyzed by Colaizzi's method. The findings demonstrated that, when their wives were to undergo a hysterectomy, six major themes emerged among the husbands, as follows: (1) limited knowledge about the surgical process; (2) considerations about and adjustments to changes in one's sex life; (3) support in making necessary decisions; (4) difficulty in acquiring information on uterine disorders; (5) ensuring the wife's safety during the operation; and (6) expecting full communication with medical personnel. The findings from this study should contribute significantly to advances in practice, education and research concerning Taiwanese males' experiences as they face their wife's hysterectomy. These findings highlight the significance of the husband's involvement in meeting his wife's needs as regards providing information and communicating. Implications for nursing practice and further research are discussed.