Vaginal hysterectomy
A surgical operation to remove your uterus
A vaginal hysterectomy is performed to treat a variety of gynaecological conditions
About having a vaginal hysterectomy
A vaginal hysterectomy is an alternative to an abdominal hysterectomy, a vaginal approach is less invasive and often involves a shorter stay in hospital. The recovery time also tends to be quicker. Your gynaecologist will advise the best approach for your diagnosis.
During a hysterectomy as well as your uterus, your gynaecologist may remove your cervix (neck of the uterus) too. In some cases they might also remove your fallopian tubes and ovaries (oophorectomy).
This operation can treat non-cancerous tumours called fibroids, endometriosis, heavy bleeding, pelvic pain and cancer.
Need to know
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What happens during surgery? icon plus
Your surgeon will make a single incision in your vagina to remove your uterus (and cervix, if necessary). You can chose to have the operation under general or local anaesthetic. If you have general anaesthetic you'll be asleep, so you won't feel anything. If you have local anaesthetic, you'll be awake but the area will be completely numb, so you won't feel any pain. Your surgeon will then close the incision using dissolvable stitches. -
How to prepare icon plus
Your surgeon will explain how you can prepare for this operation. They'll also explain exactly what's going to happen during the procedure. If you're having general anaesthetic, your consultant will tell you how long you should avoid eating and drinking for.
You won't be able to do anything strenuous for up to eight weeks after the procedure so it's a good idea to ask friends or relatives to help you out at home after the operation. -
After surgery icon plus
You might be able to go home the same day as the operation. However, some women need to be cared for in hospital for up to five days afterwards. You may feel pain and discomfort in your abdomen a few days after the operation. And you'll probably experience some bleeding and discharge too.
You shouldn't lift anything heavy or do any exercise for at least six weeks after a vaginal hysterectomy. You may be able to drive after four weeks. And, depending on your job, you could go back to work between four to eight weeks after the operation. Your consultant will let you know when you can get back to your usual routine.
Our gynaecology consultants
Our locations in London
From complex gynaecological surgery to diagnostic scans, test and minor procedures, we provide exceptional gynaecology care across our network of hospitals, outpatient centres and specialist clinics.
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London Bridge Hospital
27 Tooley Street
London
SE1 2PR
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The Portland Hospital
205 - 209 Great Portland Street
London W1W 5AH
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The Princess Grace Hospital
42-52 Nottingham Place
London W1U 5NY
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The Wellington Hospital
Wellington Place
St John's Wood
London NW8 9LE
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The Lister Hospital
Chelsea Bridge Road
London
SW1W 8RH
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The Harley Street Clinic
35 Weymouth Street
London W1G 8BJ
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HCA UK at The Shard
The Shard
32 St Thomas Street
London SE1 9BS
Private vaginal hysterectomy surgery in Birmingham
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The Harborne Hospital
Mindelsohn Way
Birmingham B15 2FQ
Book an appointment with a gynaecologist
Our team can help book a consultation with a gynaecologist in one of our HCA UK facilities in London, Birmingham or Manchester by phone or by completing our appointment request form.
Call us on
020 7079 4344