Few gynaecological procedures carry as much emotional weight as a hysterectomy, and it's natural to have a lot of questions if it's been raised as an option for you. Whether you're exploring it as one possibility among several, or have already decided it's the right path forward, Dr Mandana Master will make sure you feel fully informed about what the procedure involves and what to expect, every step of the way.
A hysterectomy is a surgical procedure to remove the uterus, the organ in which a pregnancy develops. Depending on your individual circumstances, the procedure may also involve removing the cervix, fallopian tubes, or ovaries at the same time.
There are several variations of the procedure, each named according to what’s removed:
Once the uterus is removed, pregnancy is no longer possible, and your periods will stop permanently. If the ovaries are also removed and you haven’t yet reached menopause, this will bring on menopause immediately, which Dr Mandana will discuss with you in detail beforehand.
A hysterectomy may be recommended when other treatments haven’t been effective or appropriate, or when the nature of a condition makes it the most suitable option. Common reasons include:
Benign growths in the uterus that can cause heavy bleeding, pain, or pressure symptoms.
That hasn’t responded to other more conservative treatments.
Causing significant pain that hasn’t improved with other approaches.
Where the uterus descends into the vaginal canal.
Affecting the uterus, cervix, or ovaries.
Where the uterus has been identified as the source.
A hysterectomy is generally considered once you’ve completed your family, as the procedure ends the possibility of future pregnancy. Dr Mandana will always explore whether less invasive options might achieve your goals first, and will only recommend a hysterectomy where it’s genuinely likely to be the most appropriate path forward for you.
There are three main surgical approaches to performing a hysterectomy, and the right one for you depends on factors such as the size and condition of your uterus, your medical history, and the reason for surgery.
An abdominal hysterectomy is performed through an incision in the lower abdomen, allowing the surgeon direct access to the uterus and surrounding structures. This approach is generally reserved for situations where the uterus is significantly enlarged, where there’s extensive scarring or adhesions from previous surgery or disease, or where other methods aren’t suitable. As the most invasive of the three approaches, it typically involves a longer hospital stay and recovery period, though it remains an important and sometimes necessary option for more complex cases.
A vaginal hysterectomy is performed entirely through the vagina, without any external incision. This approach is often well suited to women with uterine prolapse or where the uterus isn’t significantly enlarged. In some cases, the ovaries and fallopian tubes may also be removed at the same time, a procedure known as a bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy. Because there’s no abdominal incision, recovery is generally faster and more comfortable than with an abdominal approach, with less postoperative pain and a shorter hospital stay.
A laparoscopic hysterectomy, also known as keyhole surgery, is performed through several small incisions in the abdomen, using a camera and specialised instruments to remove the uterus with minimal disruption to surrounding tissue. Laparoscopic surgery generally offers reduced pain, a shorter hospital stay, less visible scarring, and a faster return to normal activities compared to an abdominal approach, and has become an increasingly common choice where it’s suitable.
Dr Mandana will recommend the approach most likely to suit your individual anatomy and condition, talking you through exactly why a particular technique is being suggested for you, and what your recovery is likely to look like.
You deserve a gynaecologist who listens carefully, explains things clearly, and treats your concerns with evidence-based, patient-centred management strategies. Get in touch with Dr Mandana Master at Embrace Fertility today to arrange a consultation.
