Hysterectomy is the surgical removal of womb. This is done for a variety of conditions like heavy bleeding that has not responded to other treatments, fibroids, pelvic pain, prolapse and cancers.
Types of hysterectomy
Total hysterectomy- this involves removal of the uterus and cervix
Subtotal hysterectomy- this involves removal of the uterus only. Cervix is left behind, therefore you will need to continue with routine smears.
Removal of tubes and ovaries- Your doctor will discuss this with you before your operation. We tend to remove the tubes routinely to decrease the incidence of ovarian cancer.
Vaginal NOTES hysterectomy
A new scarless hysterectomy!
We are pleased to introduce a new type of hysterectomy to women in Kent. This is a combination of vaginal and “key hole” approach. We have introduced this in Darent Valley hospital and in some private hospitals in Kent. NOTES stands for Natural Orifice Trans-luminal Endoscopic Surgery. In this type of hysterectomy a vaginal hysterectomy is performed using keyhole instruments as they improve access and visibility.
So far our results have been very encouraging. Patients report much better satisfaction in terms of pain and recovery when compared with laparoscopic (key hole) hysterectomy. There is no scar on the abdomen as the procedure is performed vaginally by using key hole instruments.
For more information please read the pdf attached below.
Routes of hysterectomy
Abdominal hysterectomy- This is usually done by making a bikini line cut on your abdomen
Vaginal hysterectomy- This is done entirely through the vagina
Laparoscopic hysterectomy- This is done using minimally invasive techniques. You will only have 3 to 4 small incisions ( 0.5 to 1cm) on your tummy.
Laparoscopic assisted vaginal hysterectomy- This is done using a combination of laparoscopic and vaginal techniques. The aim being to avoid an abdominal incision.
Your doctor will discuss the best option and route of hysterectomy depending on various factors like your condition and size of the uterus
Download vaginal-hysterectomy pdf