Hysterectomy

A hysterectomy is an operation to remove the womb. The womb (uterus) is a pear-shaped organ where a baby is carried during pregnancy. It is low in the pelvis (the area between the hips).

There are two types of hysterectomy:

• a simple or total hysterectomy – the surgeon removes the womb and cervix
• a radical hysterectomy – the surgeon removes the upper part of the vagina, the cervix, the womb, the pelvic lymph nodes and the tissue surrounding the womb and cervix (parametrium).

Sometimes the surgeon removes other areas at the same time as a hysterectomy. This means the hysterectomy may be one part of a larger operation. For example, you may have an operation to remove the womb, ovaries and fallopian tubes. This is called a hysterectomy and bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy.

A hysterectomy can be done in different ways. Your surgeon will talk to you about the most suitable type of surgery for you. You may have:

The surgeon operates through small cuts in the tummy (abdomen). They use small surgical instruments and a thin telescope with a video camera on the end (laparoscope). The laparoscope lets the surgeon see inside the body.

The surgeon makes one cut (incision) in the tummy. Afterwards, you have a wound that goes across your tummy just above the hips, or that goes down from the belly button to just above the hips.

This is like laparoscopic surgery, but the laparoscope and instruments are attached to robotic arms. The surgeon controls the robotic arms.

This is like laparoscopic surgery, but the laparoscope and instruments are attached to robotic arms. The surgeon controls the robotic arms.

Recovery from a hysterectomy depends on the type of operation you have. Your nurse will give you advice on looking after yourself so that your wound heals and you recover well. 

You will also have daily injections of a blood thinning drug to reduce the risk of blood clots. If you have had lymph nodes removed, you will be encouraged to put your feet up when you are sitting. This helps to reduce leg swelling.

Your doctor or nurse can also give you advice about the following:

• Physical activity and exercise – try to balance some gentle activity with rest after your operation. Your team will advise you to avoid strenuous physical activity for several weeks to let the wounds heal.
• Driving – ask your nurse or doctor for advice about when it will be safe for you to drive. Some insurance companies have guidelines about this. It is best to contact your insurer to check you are covered to drive.
• Sexual well-being – your wounds may take several weeks to heal. Your surgeon or nurse can give advice about how long to wait if you want to have penetrative sex, or use fingers or sex toys inside the vagina.

If you are having any problems after your operation, it is important to contact your doctor or specialist nurse. We have more information about recovering after surgery for:

• cervical cancer 
• ovarian, fallopian tube or primary peritoneal cancer
• womb cancer.

You can use our cancer A-Z to find information about other cancer types.