Hysterectomy Perth
A hysterectomy is a surgery to remove your womb. The main reasons to have this operation are vaginal bleeding, fibroids, prolapse, adenomyosis and uterine cancer.
- A hysterectomy is an operation to remove your uterus and may be recommended for several gynaecological conditions.
- A hysterectomy can be performed using open, vaginal, laparoscopic or robotic-assisted surgery.
- Robotic hysterectomy is a minimally invasive option that can give your surgeon greater precision and control, particularly during more complex procedures.
- The best approach depends on your condition and individual circumstances.
Hysterectomies explained
What is a hysterectomy?
A hysterectomy is a major gynaecological operation to remove your uterus, and usually the cervix as well. Without a womb, you no longer have menstrual cycles and you cannot become pregnant anymore.
Usually, we remove the fallopian tubes as well. This can lead to a significant decrease in a woman’s lifetime risk of ovarian cancer. The removal of the cervix also reduces the risk of cervical cancer.
Perth gynaecologist
Before the age of 65, the ovaries are not routinely removed at the time of a hysterectomy.
Making the decision to go ahead with this surgery can be difficult. At Joondalup Obstetrics and Gynaecology Group, we will discuss your reasons to have a hysterectomy extensively. We will also talk about alternatives so that you can make an informed decision about your health and care.
Reasons for hysterectomy
There are several conditions that lead to a hysterectomy:
- Vaginal bleeding that is not responsive to medical or other conservative therapies
- Fibroids
- Prolapse
- Adenomyosis
- Uterine cancer
Hysterectomy surgery Perth
Types of hysterectomy
There are different types of hysterectomy depending on what needs to be removed.
- Total hysterectomy: The uterus and cervix are removed. Your fallopian tubes may also be removed.
- Partial hysterectomy: The uterus is removed while the cervix is left in place.
- Radical hysterectomy: A more extensive operation usually performed for certain gynaecological cancers.
The type of hysterectomy we recommend will depend on the condition we are treating and your individual circumstances.
How is a hysterectomy performed?
There are several ways we can perform a hysterectomy:
- Open hysterectomy: Surgery through a larger incision in your abdomen.
- Laparoscopic hysterectomy: Minimally invasive, or keyhole, surgery using small incisions in your abdomen.
- Robotic hysterectomy: Minimally invasive surgery where your gynaecologist controls robotic instruments through small incisions.
- Vaginal hysterectomy: The uterus is removed through the vagina.
Which approach we recommend depends on factors such as the reason for your hysterectomy, the size of your uterus, previous surgery and your general health.
Preparing for surgery
Generally, we prefer that you fast for at least 6 hours before you have your operation. Usually, bowel preparation is not necessary.
Perth gynaecologist
Prior to surgery, we will discuss your medical and surgical history. If you are taking medications that may impact your care, we will discuss this as well.
Hysterectomy recovery
What you need to know about hysterectomy recovery
Your recovery will depend partly on how your hysterectomy is performed. Recovery after an open abdominal hysterectomy is generally longer than after minimally invasive surgery, such as a laparoscopic, vaginal or robotic hysterectomy.
You can expect some discomfort after surgery, and we’ll make sure you have appropriate pain relief. We’ll also get you moving as soon as it is safe to help with your recovery.
Day 1:
We will remove your indwelling catheter and we will encourage you to move independently. It will be difficult at first, but the more you move, the quicker you will get back to your normal activities.
Day 1-4:
Once you are able to pass urine, mobilise safely and pass wind you will be ready to go home.
Working, bathing, exercising and driving?
- Working: Your timeframe to return to work will depend on the type of work you do. In general, your recovery can take up to 6 weeks.
- Bathing: We recommend bathing after your 6-week postoperative check.
Showering is fine. - Exercise: Non-strenuous exercise is recommended, but no exercising within the first two weeks after surgery.
- Driving: When you can drive will depend on your surgery and recovery. You need to be comfortable sitting in the car, able to make an emergency stop and no longer taking medication that affects your ability to drive. We’ll give you individual advice before you leave hospital.
1-2 hours depending on complexity.
2-3 nights.
No, it is important that you keep up your activity and improve on this when at home.
Yes, it is likely that you will need some sort of support if your ovaries are removed. This is to prevent other medical issues such as bone loss and cardiac disease. However, the ovaries are not removed routinely before the age of 65.
No, it should not.
No, it should not. But we do understand that hysterectomy is major surgery and that you may feel emotional, definitely when the reason for having surgery is cancer.
Most private health insurers will cover a hysterectomy.
No, you won’t unless your ovaries need to be removed.
If your cervical screening prior to the hysterectomy was up to date and normal and if your cervix is removed as well then you usually will not need ongoing screening.
Yes.
A robotic hysterectomy is performed through small incisions rather than a large abdominal incision. The robotic system also gives your gynaecologist a magnified 3D view and greater precision, control and range of movement during surgery.
This can be particularly useful for more complex hysterectomies and may allow some women to have minimally invasive surgery rather than open abdominal surgery.
We’ll discuss whether robotic hysterectomy is a suitable option for you during your consultation.
Risks and complications
Hysterectomies are safe but complications do occur either from the surgery or from the anaesthetic. They include:
- Blood clots
- Injury to internal organs (bladder, ureters, bowel, blood vessels)
- Bleeding
- Breathing problems
- Drug reactions etc.
12 excellent reasons to choose Joondalup Obstetrics and Gynaecology Group
Care for the whole family, organising work certificates for partners.
Providing safe care and birth options (experience as a rural GP obstetrician).
A limited number of private patients to allow us the ability to provide patients with the service they deserve.
Make the time for patients, understand what they want/expect from their journey, available 24/7 (when on leave you will be covered during those times).
Blood pressure management.
Foetal growth assessment.
Maintaining a close relationship with your GP.
In-house access to allied health services such as physiotherapy and lactation consultants.
Free online antenatal classes.
About
JOGG
We are Joondalup Obstetrics and Gynaecology Group, in short JOGG. We are a Joondalup-based private obstetrics and gynaecology practice, and cater for mums, women and families across the Perth metro area.
