Vaginal hysterectomy

A vaginal hysterectomy is an operation to remove your womb and cervix. Your gynaecologist will do this through a single incision made in the top of your vagina. This procedure can be used to treat a range of medical conditions, including non-cancerous tumours, endometriosis, painful periods, and cancer.

Who is suitable for a vaginal hysterectomy?

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 – when the cells that usually line your womb also grow outside it 
  • cancer of the womb, cervix or ovaries. 

You may prefer a vaginal hysterectomy to an abdominal hysterectomy as it is a less invasive procedure.  

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.  

What does a vaginal hysterectomy involve? ​

A vaginal hysterectomy usually takes an hour. You can have the operation under a general or local anaesthetic. In either case, you will not feel any pain. Your gynaecologist will make an incision in the top of your vagina to remove your cervix and womb. They will then close the incision using stitches.  

What can you do to prepare for a vaginal hysterectomy?

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. 

What is the recovery period?

A vaginal hysterectomy is less invasive than an abdominal hysterectomy. The recovery time is likely to be quicker and you will have a shorter stay in hospital, usually for up to three nights. 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. 

Self-pay package

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 hospital package which includes tests, hospital stay and procedure. Please note: it does not include consultant fees, which may vary.   

Hospital package from £10,635 (three nights) 

Indicative consultant fees from £1200-£1500 

When enquiring about this package, please quote Q0800.

  • Standard pre-admission tests, including electrocardiogram (ECG) and chest X-ray 
  • Accommodation in a private en-suite room for up to three nights  
  • All meals  
  • Nursing 
  • Ward medications and dressings 
  • Theatre procedure and anaesthetics 
  • Inpatient physiotherapy, if needed, and surgical stockings 
  • Post-op and discharge medication 
  • Consultant consultation fee  
  • Consultant procedure fee  
  • Non-standard diagnostic and histology tests 
  • Any additional costs not specified in the package inclusions  

Our consultants

See a list of all the consultants available at Cromwell Hospital.

Why choose Cromwell Hospital?

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Please note - regrettably we are unable to answer specific medical questions or offer medical advice via email or telephone.