Hysterectomy
Surgery to remove the womb (uterus) is a hysterectomy. After the operation, you won’t be able to become pregnant. You won’t get periods, regardless of age, if you haven’t already gone through menopause. More women in their 40s to 50s experience it.
Usage
Hysterectomies treat health problems that affect the female reproductive system.
The health issues include:
- Heavy periods
- Long-term pelvic pain
- Non-cancerous tumors (fibroids)
- Womb cancer, cervical cancer, ovarian cancer, or cancer of the fallopian tubes
A hysterectomy is a major procedure with a protracted recovery period, considered after less invasive options have been exhausted.
Types
Hysterectomies come in a variety of forms. Your type depends on why you need the procedure and how much of your womb and surrounding reproductive system is left safely in place.
The main types of Hysterectomy are:
- Total Hysterectomy – the most frequent procedure involves removing both the womb and the cervix (neck of the womb).
- Subtotal Hysterectomy – removing the main body of the womb, leaving the cervix in place
- Total hysterectomy with bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy – removal of the cervix, womb, fallopian tubes (salpingectomy), and ovaries (oophorectomy)
- Radical Hysterectomy – removing the womb and surrounding tissues, including the fallopian lines, part of the vagina, ovaries, lymph glands, and fatty tissues.
Methods
There are three methods to carry a Hysterectomy:
- Laparoscopic Hysterectomy (keyhole surgery) – removing the womb through minor cuts in the tummy
- Vaginal Hysterectomy – removing the womb through a cut from the vagina’s top
- Abdominal Hysterectomy – removing the womb through a cut in the lower tummy
Complications
Undergoing Hysterectomy can cause a small risk of complications, including:
- Infection
- Heavy bleeding
- Damage to your bladder or bowel
- A severe reaction to the general anesthetic
Reviewed by – Dr. Priyanka, MBBS MD
Page last reviewed: 04 October 2022