If you have a hysterectomy:

• You won’t have any more periods
• You can’t become pregnant – so there’s no need for contraception

A hysterectomy does not mean:

• Premature ageing
• Becoming less of a woman or losing your sex drive
• A space left inside your body. This does not happen as the

bowel naturally moves to fill the space.

How will a hysterectomy help you ?

• Overall, over 90% of women who have a hysterectomy are satisfied with the operation
• Problems like very heavy periods and any related pain will be cured by total hysterectomy.
• The benefits of a laparoscopic procedure include less pain, quicker recovery, and less scarring both inside and outside on the abdomen as compared to an abdominal hysterectomy

However, there are some possible disadvantages of sub-total hysterectomy:

• You may still experience spotting every month at the time of your periods – this occurs in about 6% of women
• The cervix continues to be a potential site for cancer in the future and you will still need regular smears

Laparoscopic Hysterectomy

ADVANTAGES

Excellent cosmetic result with almost invisible scars after surgery.

• Two 5 mm incisions only, located at the belly button and just above the pubic bone.
• oIncision location is between the abdominal muscles, thereby avoiding bleeding and pain seen with conventional and robotic procedures.
• oIncision size and location avoids herniation of bowel through the incision site
• Can be used for patients with prior cesarean section and other prior pelvic surgical procedures.
• An excellent alternative for patients who are not candidates for vaginal hysterectomy.
• Full access to the pelvis to evaluate and treat endometriosis, scar tissue for pelvic pain, and ovarian cyst removal.

Minimal pain, very fast recovery with discharge from the hospital or surgical center the same day, and back to work usually at seven to 10 days.

Electronic morcellation is NEVER usedthereby eliminating any potential spread of cancer through fibroid removal.

Can be used to remove fibroids and the uterus up to 2,500 g. The average uterus weighs between 70 and 100 g so almost all patients are candidates for this approach.

Recovery

Most women will stay in hospital for about 2-3 days after a laparoscopic hysterectomy, but it could be longer. Your exact day of discharge will depend on the reasons for your operation, your general health and how moothly things go after surgery. It is important to remember that everyone’s experience is different and so it is best not to compare your own recovery with that of others on the ward.

Sex after hysterectomy

We advise you to avoid penetrative intercourse for about 6 weeks, until everything has healed up and you’ve had your check-up with your doctor. You may experience a change in sexual response after the operation. Many women say their sex life is improved because there is no longer discomfort or the risk of pregnancy. If your varies have been removed, vaginal dryness may be a problem during sex. A lubricating gel, which you can buy from the chemist, may help. Your doctor can also advise you about oestrogen cream or hormone replacement therapy.

Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)

The decision to use HRT is a personal one. If your ovaries are not removed, there is no need to use HRT. If your ovaries are removed, your medical team will discuss HRT with you.