Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology

Gynecologic Oncology Program

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Hysterectomy

A hysterectomy is the removal of the womb by surgery. This may be done for the following reasons:

• cancers of the womb, cervix, or ovary

• heavy bleeding that has not been controlled by medicines

• pain, that cannot be controlled by treatment

• severely infected tubes and ovaries despite, treatment with medications

• a dropped womb and

• very large or growing lumps on the womb, called fibroids

There are several ways to do this surgery. How it is done will depend on the woman's needs and other factors such as:

• the expected problem and the possible need for more surgery, as with a cancer

• your body type and health

• how much the womb has dropped and the need for other support and

• the experience of the surgeon

The reason for needing the surgery often will help decide how the surgery is done. A woman will want to discuss whether the surgery is done with a cut on the belly or in the vagina only. You will also want to discuss whether the ovaries, which produce the female hormones, need to be removed at this time. This will affect women who have not entered menopause yet. If the ovaries are removed, menopause starts immediately and hormone replacement will be needed from that point on.

Before the surgery you may need to increase iron in your blood. You may also want to donate your own blood for yourself if a large amount of bleeding is expected with the surgery. Tests like a Pap smear, a sampling of the lining of the womb, and blood and kidney tests may be needed before your surgery. Your hospital recovery after the surgery may last up to 5 days, depending on the type of surgery. You can expect to be sore for 2 to 4 weeks and to have decreased activity during that time.

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