The Lister Hospital
Chelsea Bridge Road, SW1W 8RH London
Abdominal hysterectomy
AN OPERATION TO REMOVE YOUR UTERUS
An abdominal hysterectomy is also known as a total abdominal hysterectomy (TAH) or a sub-total hysterectomy.
What is an abdominal hysterectomy?
An abdominal hysterectomy is a surgical procedure to remove your uterus through an incision in your lower abdomen. An abdominal hysterectomy can treat non-cancerous tumours called fibroids, endometriosis, heavy bleeding, pelvic pain and cancer.
The surgery is usually done laparoscopically (keyhole surgery) and is also undertaken using the daVinci Xi system, the latest robotic surgical technology.
During this operation your gynaecological surgeon may remove your cervix (neck of the womb) too. In some cases they might also need to remove your fallopian tubes (salpingectomy) and ovaries (oophorectomy).
Need to know
Your surgeon will explain how to prepare for this operation. They'll also explain exactly what's going to happen during the procedure.
You may have to have an enema the day before the operation, and you might be asked not to eat or drink anything for a set time before your procedure.
Like all procedures, there may be some risks and side effects. Your consultant will explain these to you.
Your surgeon will explain how to prepare for this operation. They'll also explain exactly what's going to happen during the procedure.
You may have to have an enema the day before the operation, and you might be asked not to eat or drink anything for a set time before your procedure.
Like all procedures, there may be some risks and side effects. Your consultant will explain these to you.
You will need to be cared for in hospital for up to five days after your operation. You may feel pain and discomfort in your abdomen a few days after the operation, and you'll probably experience some bleeding and discharge for a few weeks.
You won't be able to carry out strenuous activities or lift anything heavy for up to eight weeks after the operation, so you may want to arrange for a friend or relative to help you out at home after your hysterectomy.
You won't be able to drive immediately and it take four to six weeks until you can.
Depending on your job, you could go back to work up to eight weeks after. Your consultant will talk you through these details and let you know when you can get back to your usual routine.
Robotic technology in Gynaecology
A hysterectomy using a robot allows your gynaecologist to perform the procedure via a computer using laparoscopic tools to remove the uterus. At HCA UK we have invested in the latest robotic technology, the da Vinci Xi, to ensure your surgeon has access to offer the latest and most up-to-date gynaecology care available.
Some advantages of a abdominal hysterectomy being performed by robotic methods include shorter and less painful recovery and minimal scarring.
Our Abdominal hysterectomy locations
The Portland Hospital
205-209 Great Portland Street W1W 5AH London
The Wellington Hospital
8A Wellington Place NW8 9LE London
London Bridge Hospital
27 Tooley Street SE1 2PR London
The Harley Street Clinic
35 Weymouth Street W1G 8BJ London
The Princess Grace Hospital
42-52 Nottingham Place W1U 5NY London
The Shard Outpatients
The Shard, 32 St Thomas Street SE1 9BS London
Self-funding
Paying for medical treatment
You don't need medical insurance to have fast access to our top consultants, extensive range of treatments, diagnostic tests and surgical procedures at our leading facilities.
This content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional.