Laparoscopic Hysterectomy

Hysterectomy is the surgical removal of the uterus. It is the only way to guarantee a woman will never have a period again. In addition to period control, there are many other reasons someone may choose to have a hysterectomy, like endometriosis, adenomyosis, prolapse, or early uterine cancer.

Conventionally, Hysterectomy is done via a cut across the abdomen (abdominal) or by pulling and cutting from the vagina (vaginal). However, it is now clear that women receive more benefits by having it done using a keyhole (laparoscopic) approach. In addition to the fact that there are much smaller scars than abdominal hysterectomy so less pain, I can see so much better between the bladder and the bowel as the surgeon and I can be so much more precise in the surgery. There is now a drive globally to change the way hysterectomy is offered by default because this is the better way to have it. However, it is important to recognise that there are still some occasions that an abdominal or vaginal approach alone is still more appropriate.

Having a hysterectomy just means having the womb out. I will always discuss with you on what we should do with the Fallopian Tubes, the Ovaries, and the Cervix. The decision is individualised. In particular, there is an opportunity to remove or leave one or both ovaries behind. If the ovaries are not removed, the woman will not go through the menopause at the end of the operation. The menopause will come when it is due. There just wouldn’t be any periods.