What is a hysterectomy?

A hysterectomy is a procedure to remove your womb (uterus). The neck of your uterus (your cervix) is usually also removed. Your ovaries may need to be removed at the same time.

What are the benefits?

There are common reasons for having a hysterectomy:

• Heavy or painful periods not controlled by other treatments.
• Fibroids, where the muscle of your uterus becomes overgrown.

A hysterectomy may cure or improve your symptoms. You will no longer have periods.

Are there any alternatives?

• Heavy periods can be treated using a variety of non-hormonal and hormonal oral (by mouth) medications. Other alternatives include an IUS or ‘conservative surgery’ where only the lining of your womb is removed (endometrial resection).
• Depending on the size and position of fibroids, you can take medication to try to control the symptoms. Other treatments include surgery to remove the fibroids only (myomectomy) or uterine artery embolisation to reduce the blood flow to the fibroids.

What will happen if I decide not to have the procedure or the procedure is delayed?

Your doctor will monitor your condition and try to control your symptoms.

You may feel that you would prefer to put up with your symptoms rather than have a procedure. Your gynaecologist will tell you the risks of not having a procedure.

If you experience any of the following symptoms, contact your healthcare team:

• Changes to your monthly bleeding pattern if you have periods.
• Increased abdominal (tummy) swelling.
• Worsening pain that needs more medication than you are currently taking.

What does the procedure involve?

The procedure is usually performed under a general anaesthetic but various anaesthetic techniques are possible. The procedure usually takes about 90 minutes.

Your gynaecologist will make a small cut, usually on or near your belly button, so they can insert an instrument in your abdominal cavity to inflate it with gas (carbon dioxide). They will make several small cuts on your abdomen so they can insert tubes (ports) into your abdomen. Your gynaecologist will insert surgical instruments through the ports along with a telescope so they can see inside your abdomen and perform the procedure.

Your gynaecologist may need to place instruments through your vagina to help them remove your uterus.

They will make a cut around your cervix at the top of your vagina so they can remove your uterus and cervix.

If the video doesn't load, try this Laparoscopic Hysterectomy.

How can I prepare myself for the procedure?

If you smoke, stopping smoking now may reduce your risk of developing complications and will improve your long-term health.

Try to maintain a healthy weight. You have a higher risk of developing complications if you are overweight. Regular exercise should help you prepare for the procedure, help you recover and improve your long-term health. Before you start exercising, ask the healthcare team or your GP for advice.

Speak to the healthcare team about any vaccinations you may need to reduce your risk of serious illness while you recover. When you come into hospital, practise hand washing and wear a face covering when asked.

What complications can happen?

Possible complications of this procedure are shown below. Some may be serious and can even be life threatening.

General complications of any procedure

• feeling or being sick
• bleeding
• infection of the surgical site (wound)
• allergic reaction to the equipment, materials or medication
• developing a hernia in the scar
• venous thromboembolism
• chest infection

Specific complications of this procedure

Keyhole surgery complications

• surgical emphysema
• damage to structures such as your bowel, bladder or blood vessels
• developing a hernia near one of the cuts used to insert the ports
• conversion to an abdominal hysterectomy
• making a hole in your uterus or cervix with possible damage to a nearby structure
• gas embolism

Hysterectomy complications

• pelvic infection or abscess
• damage to structures close to your uterus
• developing an abnormal connection (fistula)
• developing a collection of blood (haematoma) inside your abdomen
• vaginal cuff dehiscence

Long-term problems

• developing a prolapse
• continued bleeding from your cervix
• your pain may continue
• difficulty or pain having sex
• tissues can join together in an abnormal way
• passing urine more often, having uncontrolled urges to pass urine or urine leaking from your bladder when you exercise, laugh, cough or sneeze
• feelings of loss as a hysterectomy will make you infertile
• going through menopause

Consequences of this procedure

• pain
• scarring of your skin, which can be unsightly
• you will no longer have periods or be able to get pregnant

What happens after the procedure?

You will be able to go home when the healthcare team decides you are medically fit enough, which is usually the same day or after 1 to 2 days.

Rest for 2 weeks and continue to do the exercises that you were shown in hospital.

You can return to work once your doctor has said you are well enough to do so (usually after 4 to 6 weeks, depending on your type of work). You should be feeling more or less back to normal after 2 to 3 months.

Regular exercise should help you to return to normal activities as soon as possible. Before you start exercising, ask the healthcare team or your GP for advice.

Most women make a good recovery and return to normal activities.

Summary

A hysterectomy is a major procedure usually recommended after simpler treatments have failed. Your symptoms should improve.

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