Hysterectomy

• Partial (or supracervical) hysterectomy: The upper part of the uterus is removed. The cervix is left in place.
• Total hysterectomy: The entire uterus and cervix are removed.
• Radical hysterectomy: The uterus, upper part of the vagina, and tissue on both sides of the cervix are removed. This is most often done if you have cancer.

There are many reasons a woman may need a hysterectomy. The procedure may be recommended if you have:

• Cancer of the uterus, most often endometrial cancer
• Cancer of the cervix or a precancerous condition of the cervix called cervical dysplasia
• Cancer of the ovary
• Childbirth complications, such as uncontrolled bleeding
• Long-term (chronic) pelvic pain
• Severe endometriosis that does not get better with other treatments
• Severe, long-term vaginal bleeding that cannot be controlled by medicines or other surgeries
• Slipping of the uterus into the vagina (uterine prolapse)
• Tumours in the uterus, such as uterine fibroids
• Adenomyosis, which causes heavy, painful periods

There are many different ways to perform a hysterectomy. It may be done through a surgical cut in either the belly (abdomen) or vagina.

Abdominal hysterectomy: The surgeon makes a 5- to 7-inch surgical cut in the lower part of your belly. The cut may go either up and down, or it may go across your belly, just above your pubic hair.

• Total Laparoscopic Hysterectomy: A laparoscope is a narrow tube with a tiny camera on the end. The surgeon makes 3 to 4 small cuts in your belly. The laparoscope and other surgical instruments is inserted through the openings. The surgeon cuts the uterus into small pieces that can be removed through these openings.
• Laparoscopy-assisted vaginal hysterectomy (LAVH): The surgeon removes the uterus through a cut that is made inside your vagina. A laparoscope is used to guide the procedure.

Total Laparoscopic Hysterectomy is performed by expert surgeons at the following Alhilal Hospitals Centres. Click on the location to make an appointment.