Procedures
Vaginal hysterectomy

Overview

A vaginal hysterectomy is a surgical procedure done to remove your uterus (womb) and the cervix (neck of your womb) through the vagina. In some cases, your ovaries and fallopian tubes may also be removed during the procedure.

When is a vaginal hysterectomy needed?

A hysterectomy may be recommended to treat several conditions such as:

• Abnormal bleeding – This occurs when you are bleeding between periods or when you bleed for more than 7 days which may be extremely heavy.
• Fibroids – These are benign tumours which occur in the uterus, which may cause persistent bleeding, anaemia, pelvic pain, pain during intercourse and bladder pressure.
• Endometriosis – This occurs when the tissues lining the uterus (endometrium) grow outside the uterus, involving the ovaries, fallopian tubes and other organs.
• Gynaecological cancer – These are cancers that occur in the uterus, cervix, endometrium and ovaries.
• Uterine prolapse – This occurs when pelvic supporting tissue and ligaments become weak and stretch out, which causes the uterus to sag into the vagina. This may lead to urine leakage, pelvic pressure or difficulties with bowel movements.
• Chronic pelvic pain – This is pain that may be caused by a uterine condition.
• Adenomyosis – This occurs when tissues that normally lines the uterus, grows into the uterine wall. This then results in an enlarged uterus that may be painful and result in heavy periods.

What does a hysterectomy entail?

During the procedure, Dr Hlabisa may insert a urinary catheter to empty your bladder. The surgical area will be cleaned with a sterile solution. An incision will be made inside your vagina to allow Dr Hlabisa to access the uterus. Using long surgical instruments, he will clamp the uterine blood vessels to separate the uterus from the connective tissue, ovaries and fallopian tubes. Your uterus will then be removed through the vaginal opening. After the procedure, the incision will be stitched close. Vaginal hysterectomy side effects include the inability to fall pregnant and no longer menstruating.