Hysterectomy

A hysterectomy may be carried out to treat conditions such as:

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· Heavy menstrual bleeding
· Large fibroid
· Severe pelvic infection
· Endometriosis
· Cancer

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In some cases the hysterectomy may be performed vaginally, laparoscopically or by an open abdominal incision. 

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You may have been given advice on alternatives to a hysterectomy such as drug treatments, the ‘Mirena’ coil or more minor surgery such as Endometrial Ablation.

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The choice of treatment depends on the nature of your condition, personal factors, the discretion of the surgeon and your personal choice.

Laparoscopic hysterectomy is a keyhole operation to remove the uterus (womb) through a few small cuts on the abdomen. There are 2 to 6 cuts made. Each will measure 0.5 to 1cm.

Vaginal hysterectomy is an operation to remove the uterus (womb) through a cut in the vagina, so your scar will be out of sight.

It is an operation to remove the uterus (womb) through a cut in the lower part of your tummy. The cut is approximately 10cm long. Usually, this leaves a ‘bikiniline’ scar but in some cases, this might be a midline or ‘up and down’ scar.