Hysterectomy

A hysterectomy removes the uterus. Depending on the reason, the cervix, fallopian tubes and ovaries may be removed as well. It is done for fibroids, heavy bleeding, adenomyosis, prolapse, endometriosis and gynaecological cancers or pre-cancers.

It ends periods and pregnancy permanently and cures problems that arise from the uterus itself. It is not the first option for most benign conditions, and it does not always cure pelvic pain, especially from endometriosis outside the uterus.

What Hysterectomy involves

After examination, ultrasound or MRI, a cervical screening result and often an endometrial biopsy, the route is chosen. In laparoscopic hysterectomy, a camera through the navel and three small ports allow the surgeon to seal and divide the ligaments and blood vessels on each side, free the bladder from the front of the uterus, identify the ureters, and cut around the top of the vagina. The uterus is delivered through the vagina and the vaginal vault is stitched closed. Robotic surgery follows the same steps with wristed instruments. In vaginal hysterectomy the whole operation is done from below with no abdominal scars, which suits prolapse. Open abdominal hysterectomy through a bikini line or vertical incision is kept for very large uteri or some cancers. Fallopian tubes are usually removed to lower later ovarian cancer risk; ovaries are kept before menopause unless there is a reason to remove them.

Who is a good candidate for Hysterectomy?

It is appropriate when less invasive treatments have failed, are unsuitable, or when cancer is present or suspected.

• Symptomatic fibroids or adenomyosis when childbearing is complete
• Heavy bleeding not controlled by hormonal coil, medication or ablation
• Uterine prolapse
• Endometrial hyperplasia with atypia, or early uterine, cervical or ovarian cancer
• Severe endometriosis with adenomyosis after other treatments

It is usually not the right choice if:

• Anyone who may still want pregnancy
• Bleeding problems not yet tried on simpler treatments
• Pelvic pain without a uterine cause
• Women unfit for anaesthesia, where a hormonal coil or embolisation may be safer

Technique options

• Total laparoscopic hysterectomy: Most benign cases; quick recovery.
• Vaginal hysterectomy: Prolapse or a small mobile uterus; no abdominal incisions.
• Robotic hysterectomy: Obesity, dense adhesions or cancer staging; outcomes similar to laparoscopy.
• Abdominal hysterectomy: Very large fibroid uterus or advanced cancer.
• Subtotal (cervix left): An option in some benign cases; cervical screening must continue.
• Radical hysterectomy: Cervical cancer; removes surrounding tissue and lymph nodes, usually by open surgery.

What happens during your treatment

Surgery takes 1 to 3 hours under general anaesthesia. A urinary catheter stays until the next morning. Laparoscopic and vaginal patients usually stay 1 to 2 nights, open surgery 3 to 5. Expect wound and shoulder tip pain, bloating and light vaginal bleeding.

Preparing for your trip

Plan for 10 to 14 days in Istanbul. Your surgeon reviews photographs and your medical history before you book, and you meet in person the day before surgery for examination, marking and consent with a professional interpreter.

• Stop smoking and nicotine at least four weeks before and after surgery; it is the single biggest avoidable cause of wound problems
• Tell the team about every medicine and supplement you take; blood thinners, some herbal products and hormone treatment may need to be paused on your doctor's advice
• Arrange for someone to travel with you or to be reachable, and keep the first days at home free of work and lifting
• Book a changeable return flight; your surgeon confirms when you are fit to fly

Recovery and results

After keyhole or vaginal surgery most women manage light activity in 2 weeks and desk work in 3 to 4; open surgery needs 6 to 8 weeks. Nothing in the vagina, no intercourse, tampons or swimming for 6 to 8 weeks while the vault heals, and no heavy lifting for 6 weeks. Brownish discharge for a few weeks is normal. If ovaries were removed before menopause, menopausal symptoms start within days and hormone therapy should be discussed.

• Back to everyday activity: 3 to 4 weeks keyhole; 6 to 8 open
• When results show: Bleeding symptoms end at once
• How long they last: Permanent

Safety, risks and revision policy

Serious complications occur in around 3 to 5 percent, more with large fibroids, endometriosis or previous surgery.

• Injury to the bladder or ureter, sometimes recognised only days later
• Bleeding needing transfusion or return to theatre
• Infection or haematoma at the vaginal vault
• Vault dehiscence, where the top of the vagina opens, rare and linked to early intercourse
• Deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism
• Earlier menopause by a year or two even when ovaries are kept
• Later vaginal prolapse
• Conversion from keyhole to open surgery

Every written proposal arranged through Clinic-Y states what the clinic covers if a correction is needed. Ask for it before you book, not after.

Cost of Hysterectomy in Türkiye

Clinic-Y does not publish a single price for Hysterectomy, because the honest figure depends on your case. What moves it:

• Route: vaginal, laparoscopic, robotic or open
• Size of the uterus and complexity from adhesions or endometriosis
• Whether lymph nodes or ovaries are removed and frozen section pathology is needed
• Nights in hospital
• Pre-operative MRI and biopsy

Send your photographs or reports and you receive written, all-inclusive proposals from suitable teams, side by side. Reviewing your case is free.

Frequently Asked Questions