Hysterectomy
A hysterectomy may improve your quality of life if you are living with a condition that affects the reproductive systemYou might choose to have a hysterectomy as a result of abnormally heavy periods or long-term pelvic pain affecting your everyday life, or it may have been recommended to remove non-cancerous tumours or treat various forms of cancer including ovarian, uterine, cervical or cancer of the fallopian tubes.
Following a hysterectomy, you will no longer be able to get pregnant or have periods. The decision to have a hysterectomy is a big one and should not be taken lightly. We work with specialists who are here to support you and can provide the advice you need to make the right choice.
Supporting your journey to make it as comfortable as possible
There are several types of hysterectomy depending on the reason for your needing one. The operation can be performed through an abdominal incision, laparoscopically (keyhole) or through the vagina:
- Total hysterectomy – Removal of the womb and cervix
- Subtotal hysterectomy – Removal of the main body of the womb
- Total hysterectomy with bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy – Removal of the womb, cervix, fallopian tubes and ovaries
- Radical hysterectomy – Removal of the womb and surrounding tissues, including fallopian tubes, part of the vagina, ovaries, lymph glands and fatty tissue
We understand that preparing for hysterectomy surgery can be a difficult time for all involved. Your Consultant will be able to advise on the treatment required for your condition and will discuss your needs in a confidential and sensitive way to ensure your journey is as seamless and comfortable as possible.
Locations
You can book an appointment with a consultant at either one of our facilities below. There are some scans and tests that aren’t available at our Sevenoaks Medical Centre gynaecology facility, however you can choose to have these at KIMS Hospital in Maidstone. If you need surgery, this will also be carried out at KIMS Hospital.
KIMS Hospital, Maidstone
Sevenoaks Medical Centre
Prices & payment
The above are guide prices only.
Consultants
FAQs
Where will my surgery take place?
All surgery for a hysterectomy will take place at KIMS Hospital in Maidstone. Most outpatient appointments, including initial consultations or follow up appointments with your Consultant, can take place at either KIMS Hospital or Sevenoaks Medical Centre.
What does a hysterectomy involve?
All hysterectomies take around an hour to perform and are carried out under a general or sometimes a regional (spinal/epidural) anaesthetic. During the procedure, your Consultant will make either an incision in your abdomen, or several small incisions if laparoscopic. The whole procedure may also be carried out through the vagina. Sometimes a larger incision will be needed if there are large fibroids (non-cancerous growths) in your womb or for some types of cancer.
An abdominal hysterectomy may be recommended if your womb is enlarged by fibroids or pelvic tumours and it is not possible to remove it through your vagina. It may also be recommended if your ovaries need to be removed.
After your womb has been removed, the incision is stitched up and you will spend time recovering in the hospital.
Will I be in pain?
After having a hysterectomy, you may wake up feeling tired and in some pain. This experience is normal after this type of surgery. You will be given painkillers to help reduce any pain and discomfort and, if you feel sick after the anaesthetic, your Nurse will be able to give you medication to help relieve this. You may have a drip in your arm and a catheter (a small tube that drains urine from your bladder into a collection bag) and dressings will be placed over your wounds.
If you have had a vaginal hysterectomy, you may have a gauze pack inserted into your vagina. This is to minimise the risk of any bleeding after the operation and will usually stay in place for 24 hours. You may find it slightly uncomfortable and feel like you need to empty your bowels.
What is the recovery period?
There is a considerable recovery period involved with hysterectomies, although this will vary from patient to patient depending on your age and general level of health. Your Consultant will discuss the recovery period with you to ensure you receive the best support possible. If the ovaries are removed your Consultant may discuss HRT (hormone replacement therapy) with you.
- Make a general enquiry
- Appointment enquiry
Our team are on hand to help answer any queries you might have about coming to KIMS Hospital or Sevenoaks Medical Centre. You can use the form below and one of our team will be in touch. Alternatively to speak to a member of our team, please call 01622 237 727.
Enquiry hours are Mon-Thurs 8am-8pm, Fri 8am-6pm and Saturday 8am-4pm.
If you would like to book an appointment, you can use the form below and one of our team will be in touch.
Alternatively to speak to a member of our friendly team, please call 01622 237 500 between Mon-Thurs 8am-8pm, Fri 8am-6pm and Saturday 8am-4pm.
Please be aware, if you are requesting a diagnostic scan such as an MRI, or CT, you must have a referral from a relevant clinician or Allied Health professional such as a physiotherapist.