What is Abdominal / Vaginal Hysterectomy

You are having trouble with your periods. They may be heavy, painful, or not regular, or all three. The doctor has not been able to find any serious cause. At the same time, he or she has not been able to find anything to help. If your womb is taken out - hysterectomy , the problem is solved. This is done through a cut in the tummy or the Vagina - an abdominal/ Vaginal hysterectomy. At the same time, if the ovaries (the two small glands that produce the eggs) are diseased, they can be taken out as well, with the Fallopian tubes (which connect the ovaries with the womb). This is called a salpingo-oophorectomy.

The Operation

You will have a general anaesthetic and will be completely asleep. A cut is made in the lower part of the tummy/ upper part of Vagina. This will usually be a "bikini" incision across the tummy, just above the hairline. The uterus is taken out. If the ovaries are diseased, they are best removed as well. The space fills in naturally. The wound, and the skin, and the top of the vagina are closed up with stitches. There may be a fine plastic drainage tube running from the wound. All tissue will be sent to the laboratory to be examined under the microscope. You will be in hospital for about five days. If both ovaries are removed, you may have menopausal problems such as hot flushes and dizzy spells. You can stop them by taking Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT).