This qualitative study was accomplished using the Life Story method. The objective was to identify and to analyze the repercussion of a hysterectomy in woman's life when submitted to the surgery while in reproductive age. Twelve women were interviewed in postoperative of hysterectomy. The scenery was the unit of gynecology of a specialized hospital in the attendance to woman and child, in Rio de Janeiro, between July and October of 2006. Thematic analysis was accomplished, emerging two categories: "Living before: linked to the disease" and "Living after: adaptation". Some women referred a beneficial influence of the hysterectomy, bringing the resolution of problems, with a cure connotation. However, for others it meant a difficult loss. Factors as sexuality, sensation of emptiness and reproductive aspects, generated doubts in women's imaginary. To take these factors under consideration represents a fundamental step regarding the implementation of a specific attendance for this group, answering their needs.

This qualitative study was accomplished using the Life Story method. The objective was to identify and to analyze the repercussion of a hysterectomy in woman's life when submitted to the surgery while in reproductive age. Twelve women were interviewed in postoperative of hysterectomy. The scenery was the unit of gynecology of a specialized hospital in the attendance to woman and child, in Rio de Janeiro, between July and October of 2006. Thematic analysis was accomplished, emerging two categories: "Living before: linked to the disease" and "Living after: adaptation". Some women referred a beneficial influence of the hysterectomy, bringing the resolution of problems, with a cure connotation. However, for others it meant a difficult loss. Factors as sexuality, sensation of emptiness and reproductive aspects, generated doubts in women's imaginary. To take these factors under consideration represents a fundamental step regarding the implementation of a specific attendance for this group, answering their needs.
 

Estudo qualitativo, do tipo descritivo-exploratório, cujo método foi a História de Vida. O objetivo foi identificar e analisar a repercussão da histerectomia na vida da mulher em idade reprodutiva. Foram entrevistadas doze mulheres em pós-operatório de histerectomia. O cenário foi o ambulatório de ginecologia de um hospital especializado na assistência à mulher e à criança, no Rio de Janeiro, entre julho e outubro de 2006. Foi realizada análise temática, emergindo duas categorias: "Vida pré: ligada à doença" e "Vida pós: adaptação". Algumas mulheres referiram uma influência benéfica da histerectomia, trazendo a resolução de problemas, com uma conotação de cura. Porém, para outras significou uma difícil perda. Fatores como sexualidade, sensação de vazio e questões ligadas à reprodução geraram dúvidas no imaginário das mulheres. Considerar estes fatores é fundamental para a implementação de uma assistência específica e que atenda as necessidades desta clientela.