A hysterectomy is an operation to remove the uterus (womb). The operation may also involve removing one or both of the fallopian tubes and one or both of the ovaries, depending on the reason why the operation is being carried out.
There are a number of reasons for having a hysterectomy. Sometimes women who have very painful or heavy periods decide to have their uterus removed because this will stop the bleeding for good. Women who have cancer of the uterus or cervix often need to have a hysterectomy.
There are two types of hysterectomy:
- A vaginal hysterectomy involves removing the uterus through the vagina. It is performed under general anaesthesia, which means you will be asleep during the procedure. The operation usually requires a hospital stay of two to four days.
- An abdominal hysterectomy involves removing the uterus through a cut on the abdomen. It is also usually done under general anaesthesia and usually requires a hospital stay of up to five days.
The operation routinely lasts about an hour.
Your surgeon will put in a catheter (a tube) to drain urine from your bladder into a bag beside your bed. This is because most women have difficulty passing urine for a few days after a hysterectomy. The catheter is usually taken out in the first day or two.
Your surgeon will explain the benefits and risks of having a hysterectomy, and will also discuss which procedure is most suitable for you.
