Total abdominal hysterectomy
A total abdominal hysterectomy is an operation to remove your womb and cervix through a surgical incision in your tummy (or lower abdomen).
What is a total abdominal hysterectomy?
A total abdominal hysterectomy is an operation to remove your womb and cervix through a surgical incision in your tummy (or lower abdomen).
Your gynaecologist may recommend a hysterectomy as a treatment for various conditions affecting the reproductive system, usually where other treatments have not worked. These conditions include:
- fibroids – non-cancerous growths of muscle and fibrous tissue in your womb
- endometriosis
- painful or heavy periods that have not been controlled by other treatments
- cancer – such as womb cancer, cervical cancer, or ovarian cancer
One advantage of a total hysterectomy over a subtotal hysterectomy (which only removes the womb) is that by also removing the cervix, you take away any risk of developing cervical cancer at a later date.
After a hysterectomy, you’ll no longer have periods. As the procedure is irreversible, your consultant will discuss your treatment options with you, giving you plenty of time to think about what is best for you.
A total abdominal hysterectomy usually takes an hour. During the operation, you will be under general anaesthetic.
Your gynaecologist will make a precise incision across your lower abdomen, either horizontally or vertically. They will then remove your womb and cervix. Your fallopian tubes will often also be removed with your womb. This is because it reduces your risk of ovarian cancer by 1% and, without the womb, there is no use for the fallopian tubes.
Before your surgery, your gynaecologist will discuss with you the conservation or removal of your ovaries depending on your personal choice, age, and other circumstances.
A total abdominal hysterectomy is a major operation. You may need to stay in hospital for up to four nights, although most patients can go home on the second or third day. When you are ready to go home, your consultant or specialist nurse will let you know how to manage your recovery.
You may feel pain and discomfort in your abdomen for a few days after the operation, and will probably experience some bleeding and discharge for a few weeks.
Typically, it can take between six to eight weeks to recover fully and to return to your normal activities, including work.
Ahead of your operation, it helps to be as fit and healthy as possible. This will help you cope with the operation and recover strength afterwards.
Paying for your treatment
We welcome both self-paying and insured patients.
Self-pay patients
We offer several ways for patients to self-pay, including pay-as-you-go, flexible payment options, and self-pay packages.
Insured patients
At Cromwell Hospital, we accept private health insurance from most major providers, including AXA, Aviva, Bupa, and Vitality.
Clear self-pay options
As well as working with all major insurance companies, we also welcome patients who wish to pay for themselves.
Below is an outline of our self-pay fixed price package for this procedure.
Fixed price package
- Pre-admission tests
- Private ensuite room
- Theatre procedure including prothesis
- Professional fees (surgical and anaesthetics)
- Meals, nursing care and discharge medication
- No extra cost for additional unplanned stay
- Return to theatres if complications arise
(Please see package terms and conditions for further details).
When enquiring, please quote Q0740.
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