Hysterectomy Tangohanga kōpū

There are several reasons you may need a hysterectomy, including:

• heavy periods
• uterine fibroids
• pelvic organ prolapse
• endometriosis
• cancer or pre-cancerous cells in your uterus, cervix or ovaries.

Other treatments such as medicines are often tried before a hysterectomy is recommended.

After a hysterectomy, you will not have periods, and you will not be able to get pregnant.

There are different types of hysterectomy depending on the reason for your surgery. You may need a total hysterectomy or a partial hysterectomy.

Total hysterectomy

This is the removal of your uterus and cervix. Your fallopian tubes and ovaries may also be removed. This is the most common type of surgery.

Partial (subtotal) hysterectomy

This is the removal of the main part of the uterus, but the lower part (the cervix) is left in place. This is sometimes done if it may be safer or if it the patient requests it.

Hysterectomy surgery

There are 3 main ways to do hysterectomy surgery.

• Abdominal hysterectomy is where a single cut is made across your lower tummy, like with a caesarean section. Sometimes the cut may be made vertically from your tummy button toward your pubic bone.
• Vaginal hysterectomy where the surgery performed internally through your vagina.
• Laparoscopic (keyhole) hysterectomy is where very small cuts are made in your tummy. The surgeon completes the procedure using a camera and instruments passed though the cuts.

Laparoscopic hysterectomyexternal link

Your surgeon will talk to you about what type of surgery would be best for you. It will depend on things like:

• the reason for your surgery
• the size of your uterus
• whether you have had children before
• whether you have had previous surgery.

All types of surgery are done under a general anaesthetic (you will be asleep during surgery).

Anaesthesia

Most people recover fully from an abdominal hysterectomy within 6 to 8 weeks. Recovery times can be shorter after a vaginal or laparoscopic hysterectomy. Your surgical team will give you information about what to expect and how to take care for yourself as you recover from your surgery.

Having a hysterectomy does not cause early menopause unless you have had your ovaries removed.

If you have your ovaries removed and have not yet gone through menopause, you will go through what is called 'surgical menopause'. Talk to your surgeon or healthcare provider about what to expect and how to manage any symptoms.

You are not likely to need to have cervical screening after a hysterectomy. But if you have had abnormal screening or cervical cancer, you may need ongoing screening.