Hysterectomy
A hysterectomy is surgery to remove the womb (uterus), and sometimes the cervix and other reproductive organs. It treats conditions such as large or symptomatic fibroids, heavy or abnormal bleeding, prolapse, endometriosis and gynecologic cancers. Where suitable, it is performed by minimally invasive routes — vaginal, laparoscopic or robotic — which can mean a quicker recovery than open surgery.
Medically reviewed by the Florence Healthcare medical team · Last reviewed June 2026
Overview
A hysterectomy is one of the most common gynecologic operations and is often the definitive treatment when other approaches have not controlled a problem with the womb. Depending on the condition, the surgeon may remove just the uterus (and usually the cervix), or also the ovaries and fallopian tubes. The choice is individual and discussed carefully, since removing the ovaries before the natural menopause brings on menopause and is only done when there is a clear reason.
How the operation is done matters for recovery. Many hysterectomies can be performed by minimally invasive routes — through the vagina, by laparoscopic (keyhole) surgery, or with robotic assistance — which use small or no abdominal incisions and generally allow a faster, more comfortable recovery than traditional open surgery through a larger abdominal incision. Open surgery is still chosen when, for example, the uterus is very large or for certain cancers.
After a hysterectomy, periods stop and pregnancy is no longer possible, so for women who might still wish to have children, fertility-preserving alternatives are discussed where appropriate. International patients receive a coordinator who arranges surgery and a recovery window before travel home, and our specialists can review your scans and reports remotely first to advise on the best approach.
Who is a candidate?
- Women with large or symptomatic fibroids not controlled by other treatments
- Those with heavy or abnormal uterine bleeding affecting quality of life
- Women with uterine prolapse, severe endometriosis or chronic pelvic pain from the womb
- Patients with gynecologic cancer or pre-cancer of the uterus or cervix
- Women who have completed their family or do not wish to preserve fertility, after counselling
What happens
- 1
Assessment and counselling
Examination and imaging (such as ultrasound or MRI) confirm the diagnosis. Your surgeon discusses what will be removed, the best surgical route, and the effect on periods and fertility.
- 2
Preparation
You are prepared for anesthesia with instructions on fasting and medication. The surgeon explains the chosen route — vaginal, laparoscopic, robotic or open — and the expected recovery.
- 3
The operation
The uterus is removed by the planned route — through the vagina, by keyhole or robotic surgery, or open through an abdominal incision — under general (or sometimes regional) anesthesia.
- 4
Early recovery
Minimally invasive routes usually allow a shorter stay and a quicker return to activity than open surgery. You are helped to move soon afterwards, with advice on activity and lifting.
- 5
Follow-up
A follow-up confirms healing. International patients plan a recovery window before flying — longer after open surgery — with remote support available after returning home.
Benefits
- Definitive treatment for many uterine conditions, often when other options have failed
- Minimally invasive routes (vaginal, laparoscopic, robotic) can mean a quicker recovery
- Relieves heavy bleeding, fibroid symptoms, prolapse and related pelvic pain
- Can be the appropriate treatment for gynecologic cancers and pre-cancers
- Periods stop afterwards, which many women with heavy bleeding welcome
Risks & considerations
- The general risks of surgery and anesthesia — bleeding, infection and clots
- Pregnancy is no longer possible afterwards, so fertility wishes are discussed first
- If the ovaries are also removed before menopause, menopausal symptoms follow
- Uncommon injury to nearby structures such as the bladder, ureter or bowel
- A recovery of several weeks, longer after open than after minimally invasive surgery
Conditions this treats
Where it is performed
This procedure is delivered by our Robotic Surgery Center.
Learn more before you decide
Provider-reviewed guides on the related conditions, symptoms and tests in our Health Library.
Hysterectomy — frequently asked questions
It treats conditions of the womb such as large or symptomatic fibroids, heavy or abnormal bleeding, prolapse, severe endometriosis and gynecologic cancers, and is often the definitive treatment when other approaches have not helped.
Often, yes. Many hysterectomies are performed by minimally invasive routes — vaginal, laparoscopic or robotic — which use small or no abdominal incisions and generally allow a faster recovery than open surgery. The best route depends on your condition.
Removing the uterus alone stops periods but does not cause menopause. Menopause follows only if the ovaries are also removed before your natural menopause, which is done only when there is a clear reason and discussed with you beforehand.
Yes. Send your scans and reports and our specialists advise on whether a hysterectomy is appropriate, what would be removed, and the best surgical route, before you commit to travel.
Minimally invasive surgery often means one to three nights and a recovery of two to four weeks; open surgery needs longer before flying — your coordinator confirms the plan. We provide a transparent, itemized estimate after reviewing your case rather than a fixed online price.
Related treatments
Considering hysterectomy?
Share your reports for a medical second opinion and a transparent, itemized cost estimate — usually within 48 hours.