Abdominal Hysterectomy/ Vaginal Hysterectomy

You may be offered a hysterectomy because you suffer from heavy and painful, or frequent periods, which did not improve with standard medical treatment or hysteroscopic ablation.
Some women have large symptomatic fibroids, which are non – cancerous tumours in the uterus. Most Gynaecologists will then offer an abdominal Hysterectomy to treat these large fibroid uteruses, and if smaller laparoscopic hysterectomy.
I also perform vaginal hysterectomy to treat uterovaginal prolapse, where as a result of weakened ligaments and muscles, the uterus prolapses into the vagina, causing pain and discomfort.
Some women will need a total abdominal hysterectomy for: Cancer of the vagina, cervix, uterus, fallopian tubes or ovaries.

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Rapid Access Gynaecology

In the last 30 years, we have seen a revolution in surgical methods which have improved patient outcome.

Abdominal hysterectomy – the uterus is removed through an incision in the abdomen.
Laparoscopic hysterectomy (keyhole surgery) – small cuts are made in the abdomen (tummy) and the uterus is then removed through the vagina.
Vaginal hysterectomy – the uterus is removed through your vagina and there is no external scar.
Depending on the type of Gynaecological condition which led to the need for a hysterectomy, you may need to have other parts of your reproductive system (such as ovaries, cervix or fallopian tubes) removed as well as the uterus.
A total abdominal hysterectomy is when the uterus and cervix is removed.

All hysterectomies are major operations.
It is important to remember that everyone will recover at a different rate.
You will experience some pain and discomfort for at least the first few days after your operation and possibly longer.
The Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists has 3 leaflets available on its website:

Information about having and recovering from an abdominal hysterectomy.

Information about having and recovering from a laparoscopic hysterectomy.

Information about having and recovering from this procedure.

You will be at risk of a surgical menopause, if you are under 50.
You may start having menopausal symptoms immediately after the operation.
If you have a hysterectomy and your ovaries are left behind, you may still experience menopausal symptoms earlier than expected.
These symptoms include: Hot flushes, Dry skin, Dryness of the vagina, Feeling low and anxious, Being less interested in sex.
Many of these menopause symptoms will be eased by hormone replacement therapy (HRT)

What happens during a hysterectomy procedure?