Surgical removal of the uterus is a treatment option for effectively managing several gynaecological conditions. With advanced training and certification in complex surgical techniques including robotic surgery and laparoscopy, Dr Mayooran tailors his surgical approach to your procedure to optimise outcomes.
A hysterectomy refers to the surgical removal of the uterus, the organ involved in holding a growing baby throughout pregnancy. Your uterus is also where menstrual bleeding originates from, as a menstrual period refers to the shedding of the uterine lining if a pregnancy has not taken place that cycle.
Hysterectomies are considered major surgery, taking around one to two hours to complete, and are performed under general anaesthesia. You may need to stay in the hospital overnight.
The extent of your hysterectomy will be determined by the condition being treated. You may need a:
Removing the uterus is often the definitive, most conclusive treatment for addressing a uterine condition. However, as a hysterectomy means you will no longer be able to carry a pregnancy, treating your condition must be balanced with your family plans. If you still hope to have children in the future, Dr Mayooran may be able to recommend an alternative procedure that manages the symptoms of your condition while preserving your fertility.
A hysterectomy may be used to treat:
Treating other conditions where the uterus is not primarily involved, such as an ectopic pregnancy, pelvic inflammatory disease, or ovarian cancer, may sometimes still affect the uterus and require a hysterectomy.
A hysterectomy may be performed in a number of different ways, or, occasionally, using a combination of methods. These different approaches describe the route taken to access your uterus.
An abdominal hysterectomy involves open surgery, where a large incision is made in your belly. In modern gynaecological surgery, an abdominal hysterectomy is usually reserved for complex cases where one of the other methods is not suitable. Open surgery is associated with longer recovery times and greater risk of complications, but may still be the safer and more effective option in some cases.
A vaginal hysterectomy accesses your uterus via the vaginal opening, allowing you to avoid abdominal incisions and, subsequently, visible scars on your belly. Hysterectomies performed vaginally are usually total and include removal of the cervix, and are often preferred for shorter operating times, faster recovery, and lower costs compared to laparoscopic and robotic hysterectomy. You may also be suitable for a relatively new surgical technique known as vNotes (vaginal natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery), which enables removal of the fallopian tubes and ovaries along with the uterus and cervix if needed.
Laparoscopic hysterectomy is a minimally invasive approach involving small, keyhole incisions in your abdomen. Compared to an abdominal hysterectomy, the laparoscopic technique is associated with faster recovery, less blood loss, and a lower risk of post-operative complications such as pain, bleeding, and infection.
Robotic hysterectomy uses a robotic surgical system to enhance your surgeon’s precision. The robotic arms are manipulated via an operating console, and provide more dexterity and wider range of movement compared to a human hand. Robotic hysterectomies come with shorter healing times, low post-operative pain, and reduced rates of complications, but are associated with higher costs and a longer time spent in theatre.
