By Patricia Uyeh
Anyone, who has been sick but got healed would indeed be thankful for their good health. This is the case for Nollywood actress, Halima Abubakar, who successfully underwent a fibroid operation in India.

On Instagram, she took time to enlighten her fans about the condition. She even shared a photo of how the fibroid was removed and her fans filled her comment sections with gratitude to God and goodwill messages.

Here’s what Halima Abubakar wrote;

”Removal of Fibroids
”Myomectomy is an operation to remove fibroid tumours (myomas) from the uterus. This retains the uterus, and is an alternative treatment to hysterectomy. It is sometimes a more difficult operation than hysterectomy but preserves reproductive choice for the patient.

”Advantages of laparoscopic myomectomy
Small incisions and less scarring
Gentler handling of the body tissues and organs during the operation
Less postoperative pain
Less postoperative narcotic use for pain relief
Shorter hospitalisation
Faster overall recovery with an earlier return to normal activity
How does laparoscopic myomectomy work?
Preoperative preparation involves a shave and a small enema, and you will need to fast for six hours before the operation.

”A general anaesthetic is administered.
The laparoscope and other instruments are introduced – see laparoscopic surgery for more details.
The fibroid is visualised. A cut is made in the uterus and the fibroid is freed from the uterine muscle.
The incision in the uterus is repaired with sutures.
The fibroid is removed, usually by cutting it up into small pieces to get it out of the small incisions.
The wounds are closed.
Recovery after fibroid removal
Immediate post-operative recovery involves an average of two days in hospital. A fifth of patients can go home late the next day after surgery, and about 80% patients are home in two days. Patients are welcome to rest in hospital for as long as they need to.

”One in five patients will only need tablets and not injections for postoperative pain relief. If injections are required about two are needed on average. Patients will be given as much pain relief as they request to make sure they are comfortable.

”A low-grade temperature is common in the first few days after surgery. The first few days at home should be taken very easily. The patient should have someone to help. Plenty of rest and fluids are advisable. Exercise your calf muscles to prevent clots. Oral pain relief such as Panadeine or Panadol may be needed, especially at night.

”Graded recovery over the next few weeks will occur. Gentle increasing exercise is helpful. Driving is permissible. Expect to tire easily.”

Photo credit: Instagram @halimaabubakar