Vaginal Hysterectomy
This webpage will give you information about a
hysterectomy. If you have any questions, you should ask your GP or
relevant health professional.
What is a hysterectomy?
A hysterectomy is an operation to remove the uterus. It is
possible to remove the ovaries if you have a vaginal hysterectomy
but they will more than likely be left alone (see figure 1).
The common reasons for having a vaginal hysterectomy include
uterine prolapse, heavy periods and fibroids.
Figure 1 - Female reproductive organs
What are the benefits of surgery?
A hysterectomy may cure or improve your symptoms. You will no
longer have periods.
Are there any alternatives to surgery?
Symptoms of a uterine prolapse may be improved by doing pelvic
floor exercises.
Heavy periods can be treated using oral medications, a hormonal
coil in the uterus, or by removing only the lining of the womb.
Depending on the size and position of fibroids, medication can
be taken to try to control the symptoms. Surgery to remove the
fibroids and save the rest of the womb is an alternative for women
who still want children.
What does the operation involve?
A vaginal hysterectomy is usually performed under a general
anaesthetic. It usually takes about 45 minutes.
Your surgeon will make a cut around the cervix at the top of the
vagina so they can remove your womb and cervix.
Usually they will stitch the support ligaments of your womb to
the top of your vagina to reduce the risk of a future prolapse.
What complications can happen?
1 General complications of any operation
- Pain
- Sickness or feeling sick
- Bleeding
- Infection
- Blood clots
2 Specific complications of this operation
- Damage to internal organs
- Conversion to an abdominal hysterectomy
- Developing a haematoma
Long-term problems
- Prolapse
- Continued pain
- Adhesions
- Menopause, even if your ovaries are not removed
How soon will I recover?
You will be able to go home after three to four days. For the
first two weeks at home you should rest and continue to do the
exercises that you were shown in hospital. You can usually go back
to work after six to eight weeks. After three months you should be
feeling more or less back to normal.
Summary
A hysterectomy is a major operation usually recommended after
simpler treatments have failed.
Acknowledgements
Author: Mr Jeremy Hawe MBChB MRCOG
Illustrations: LifeART image copyright 2006 Lippincott Williams
& Wilkins. All rights reserved.
This document is intended for information purposes only and
should not replace advice that your relevant health professional
would give you.
Copyright © 2008 EIDO Healthcare Limited
The operation and treatment information on
this website is produced by EIDO Healthcare Ltd and is licensed
by Ramsay Health Care UK.
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information belong exclusively to EIDO Healthcare Limited.
You may not copy, print out, download or
otherwise reproduce any of the information other than for your
personal, non-commercial use.
The information should not replace advice that
your relevant health professional would give you.
Hospitals offering this treatment
- Ashtead, Surrey, Ashtead Hospital
- Bingley, Yorkshire Clinic
- Caterham, North Downs Hospital
- Chelmsford, Springfield Hospital
- Chorley, Euxton Hall Hospital
- Colchester, Oaks Hospital
- Doncaster, Park Hill Hospital
- Gloucester, Winfield Hospital
- Halesowen, West Midlands Hospital
- Hitchin, Pinehill Hospital
- Kettering, Woodand Hospital
- Nottinghamshire, Nottingham Hospital
- Ormskirk, Renacres Hospital
- Peterborough, Fitzwilliam Hospital
- Preston, Fulwood hospital
- Reading, Berkshire Independent Hospital
- Salford, Oaklands Hospital
- Salisbury, New Hall Hospital
- Sawbridgeworth, Rivers Hospital
- Stafford, Rowley Hospital
- Torquay, Mount Stuart Hospital
- Truro, Duchy Hospital