| A uterus removal procedure, called a hysterectomy, is surgery to remove the uterus. Sometimes the cervix, ovaries and fallopian tubes are removed too. It treats conditions such as fibroids, heavy bleeding, prolapse and cancer, through the vagina, with keyhole surgery or by an open abdominal cut. |
What Is a Uterus Removal Procedure?
A uterus removal procedure is an operation in which a surgeon takes out the uterus, the muscular organ in the pelvis where a baby grows during pregnancy. The medical name is hysterectomy. It is one of the most common gynaecological operations.
Once the uterus is gone, you no longer have periods and you cannot become pregnant. If your ovaries stay, they keep making hormones and you do not go into menopause because of the operation. That last point surprises many women, so it appears again later in this guide.
Why Is a Uterus Removal Procedure Done?
A hysterectomy treats a problem that has not been solved another way or that is serious enough to need it. Common reasons are:
- Fibroids. Non-cancerous growths that cause heavy bleeding, pain or pressure. Our page on uterine fibroid treatment explains the options.
- Heavy or abnormal periods. When medicines and other treatments have not worked or are not suitable.
- Adenomyosis. When the lining of the uterus grows into its muscle wall and causes painful, heavy periods.
- Endometriosis. In severe cases that have not responded to other treatment.
- Uterine prolapse. When the uterus slips down into the vagina and causes symptoms. See our page on uterine prolapse treatment.
- Chronic pelvic pain. When the uterus is found to be the cause.
- Pre-cancer and cancer. Of the uterus, cervix or ovaries. These operations are planned with a gynaecological oncology team and are not the focus of this guide.
- Severe bleeding after childbirth. Rarely, as a lifesaving emergency step.
Hysterectomy in pcmc is a major operation. In most benign conditions it is considered only after you have had a chance to try gentler options. It should also happen only when you understand what the operation will and will not change.
What Are the Types of Hysterectomy?
| Type | What is removed | Often used when |
| Total hysterectomy | The uterus and the cervix | The most common type for fibroids, heavy bleeding, adenomyosis and prolapse |
| Subtotal (supracervical) hysterectomy | The upper part of the uterus. The cervix is left in place | A woman prefers to keep her cervix and the surgery allows it |
| Hysterectomy with removal of the tubes | The uterus, cervix and fallopian tubes | Often discussed when the ovaries are kept, as removing the tubes may lower the later risk of some ovarian cancers |
| Hysterectomy with removal of the ovaries | The uterus, cervix, tubes and both ovaries | Cancer risk, severe endometriosis or ovarian disease, often near or after menopause |
| Radical hysterectomy | The uterus, cervix, upper vagina and surrounding tissue | Certain cancers, planned with a gynaecological oncology team |
The ovaries are a separate decision. Removing the uterus does not require removing the ovaries. Healthy ovaries are usually kept in women who have not reached menopause. Your surgeon should explain the reasons for either choice before you consent.
How Is the Uterus Removed? Four Surgical Approaches
The route is the second decision. The same type of hysterectomy can be done in different ways.
1. Vaginal Hysterectomy
The uterus is removed through the vagina, with no cut on the abdomen. It often works well for prolapse and for a smaller uterus. It is harder when the uterus is very large or there is a lot of scar tissue.
2. Laparoscopic (Keyhole) Hysterectomy
A few small cuts are made on the abdomen. A camera and thin instruments go in. The surgeon detaches the uterus and removes it, usually through the vagina. It generally means less pain, a shorter stay and a quicker recovery than open surgery. Our page on laparoscopic hysterectomy surgery in PCMC explains how the total laparoscopic operation is done.
3. Open (Abdominal) Hysterectomy
One larger cut is made on the lower abdomen. It is still the right choice for a very large uterus, extensive scarring or some cancers. The drawbacks are a bigger scar, more pain and a slower recovery.
4. Robotic-Assisted Hysterectomy
The surgeon controls instruments from a console. The principle is the same as keyhole surgery. It is available only in some large centres. The cost and availability vary.
| Approach | Cuts | Recovery (usual) | Often suits | Main limitation |
| Vaginal | None on the abdomen | Shorter stay, quicker recovery | Prolapse, smaller uterus | Hard to use with a large uterus or heavy scarring |
| Laparoscopic (keyhole) | A few small cuts | Shorter stay, quicker recovery | Most benign conditions | Not suitable for every very large uterus |
| Open (abdominal) | One larger cut | Longer stay, slower recovery | Very large uterus, heavy scarring, some cancers | Bigger scar, more pain, more wound problems |
| Robotic-assisted | A few small cuts | Similar to keyhole | Selected cases in centres that have it | Availability and cost vary |
Which Approach Is Right for You?
No route is best for everyone. Your surgeon weighs:
- The size and shape of your uterus
- The reason for surgery
- Earlier operations, including caesarean deliveries, that may have caused scar tissue
- Whether you have prolapse
- Your general health and weight
- The surgeon’s training and experience with each route
A good surgeon explains why one route suits you and what would make them change it during the operation. Be wary of anyone who says one method is always better.
How Do You Prepare for a Uterus Removal Procedure?
- Have an examination and a pelvic scan so the surgeon knows the size and position of the uterus and any fibroids or cysts
- Have blood tests, including haemoglobin. Anaemia from heavy periods is treated first where possible
- Tell the team about every medicine, supplement, allergy and blood thinner
- Decide in advance, with your surgeon, what should happen to your ovaries and tubes
- Follow the fasting instructions given for your anaesthesia
- Arrange help at home, because you will not be able to lift or drive for a while
- Ask every question you have. Consent should be given when you feel informed, not rushed
What Happens During a Uterus Removal Procedure?
The details differ with the route, but the main steps are similar. The operation usually takes from about an hour to a few hours.
- Anaesthesia. You are given general anaesthesia, or sometimes spinal anaesthesia, so that you feel no pain.
- Access. The surgeon reaches the uterus through the vagina, through small abdominal cuts or through one larger cut.
- Inspection. The pelvis is checked so the surgeon can confirm the plan.
- Detaching the uterus. The uterus is separated from its ligaments and blood supply. It is also separated from the tubes and ovaries if those are being removed.
- Removal. The uterus comes out through the vagina or, if needed, through the abdomen. The tissue is sent to a laboratory.
- Closing the top of the vagina. The surgeon stitches the vaginal top so that it heals securely and supports the pelvic organs.
- Closing the cuts. Any abdominal cuts are closed and you are watched in the recovery room.
How Long Does Recovery Take?
Recovery depends on the route, your health and how you heal. The ranges below are general guides, not promises. Your own surgeon will give you a plan.
1. The First Few Days
Expect soreness, tiredness and some bleeding or discharge from the vagina. After keyhole surgery you may feel pain in the shoulder tip from the gas used during the operation. It usually settles in a day or two. You will be encouraged to walk early. Constipation is common, so fluids, fibre and a stool softener often help. A keyhole or vaginal operation often means one to two nights in hospital, while open surgery often means several days.
2. The First Few Weeks
After a keyhole or vaginal operation many women return to light daily activity within a couple of weeks. After open surgery it usually takes longer. Avoid lifting anything heavy until your surgeon clears you. Light bleeding or discharge can continue for a few weeks.
3. Returning to Normal Life
Full recovery often takes around four to six weeks after keyhole surgery and six to eight weeks or more after open surgery. Do not have intercourse or use anything inside the vagina until your surgeon says the top of the vagina has healed, which is commonly around six weeks. Driving can resume when you can brake hard without pain and are no longer taking strong painkillers.
What Are the Risks and Side Effects?
Every operation has risks. These are the ones to know about before you decide.
- Bleeding, which may occasionally need a blood transfusion
- Infection of the wound, the pelvis or the urine
- Injury to the bladder, the ureters (the tubes from the kidneys) or the bowel
- Blood clots in the legs or lungs
- Scar tissue forming in the pelvis
- Problems with passing urine or opening the bowels afterwards
- Changing from a keyhole to an open operation if the surgery cannot be finished safely
- Risks linked to anaesthesia
- Early menopause if the ovaries are removed
Serious complications are uncommon. A careful assessment lowers the chance further. Call your surgeon or go to an emergency department if you have fever, heavy bleeding, severe or worsening pain, foul-smelling discharge, a red or leaking wound, trouble passing urine, a swollen painful leg, chest pain or breathlessness.
Will You Go Into Menopause After a Uterus Removal Procedure?
It depends on the ovaries, not the uterus.
| Situation | Periods | Menopause | What to know |
| Uterus removed, ovaries kept | Stop | Not brought on by the surgery | Hormones continue. Menopause may still come somewhat earlier than average in some women |
| Uterus and both ovaries removed | Stop | Starts straight away (surgical menopause) | Hot flushes, night sweats, dryness and mood changes can begin soon after. Hormone therapy is discussed if it is safe for you |
If both ovaries must be removed before natural menopause, talk to your surgeon beforehand about managing symptoms and protecting your bones, including whether hormone therapy is suitable for you.
Does a Uterus Removal Procedure Change Your Body, Weight or Sex Life?
These are the worries women raise most often. Here is what is known.
| Common worry | What is actually known |
| “I will gain weight” | Hysterectomy itself is not known to cause weight gain. Weight can change with age, menopause and activity levels |
| “I will lose my desire” | Many women report no change or an improvement because pain and bleeding stop. Some notice changes, particularly if the ovaries are removed. Talk to your doctor if this worries you |
| “My organs will fall out of place” | The remaining organs stay supported by the pelvic floor. In some women the top of the vagina can drop years later, which is why pelvic floor care matters |
| “I will age faster” | Only removing both ovaries before menopause brings hormone changes on early. Keeping the ovaries avoids this |
| “I will not need screening again” | It depends. If the cervix was removed for a benign reason you may not need routine cervical screening. If it was kept, or you had earlier abnormal results, screening usually continues |
What Are the Alternatives to a Uterus Removal Procedure?
Depending on your condition, gentler options may help. They are usually discussed first.
- Medicines. To reduce heavy bleeding or pain.
- A hormonal coil. Placed in the uterus to reduce bleeding.
- Endometrial ablation. Treating the lining of the uterus to reduce bleeding. It is not suitable if you want a pregnancy.
- Myomectomy. Removing fibroids and keeping the uterus. See our page on fibroid removal surgery in pcmc pune
- Treatment for adenomyosis or endometriosis. Including surgery that keeps the uterus in selected cases.
- A vaginal pessary and pelvic floor care. For prolapse.
Alternatives are not always possible. Some do not last. A hysterectomy is sometimes the better answer. The point is that you should be offered a real choice.
How Much Does a Uterus Removal Procedure Cost?
There is no single price. The cost depends on:
- The type of hysterectomy and the route used
- The hospital and the type of room
- The length of stay
- The anaesthesia and any extra procedures done at the same time, such as removing fibroids or cysts
- Tests before the operation and follow-up afterwards
Ask for an itemised estimate in writing before you decide. Ask what is and is not included.
Questions to Ask Your Surgeon Before a Uterus Removal Procedure
Take this list to your appointment.
- Why do I need this operation? What happens if I wait?
- What other treatments could I try first? Why are they not enough?
- Which type of hysterectomy do you recommend? Why?
- Which route will you use? What could make you change it during surgery?
- What will happen to my ovaries and tubes? Why?
- How many of these operations do you perform? With which route?
- What are the risks in my particular case?
- What will recovery look like for me? When can I return to work?
- Will I still need cervical screening?
- What will the total cost be? What does it include?
When Should You See a Gynecologist About a Uterus Removal Procedure?
See a gynecologist if you have very heavy periods, pelvic pain that stops you doing what you normally do, a bulge in the vagina, bleeding after menopause, or if you have been told that you may need a hysterectomy and want a second opinion. A clear diagnosis comes first. The operation, if you need one, comes second.
Uterus Removal Procedure in PCMC, Pune
Dr. Nikhil A. Mahadar, gynecologist in PCMC, holds an MS in obstetrics and gynaecology and MRCOG from London, United Kingdom, with 17 years of clinical experience including two years of practice in the UK. He holds fellowship training in laparoscopic surgery, infertility and high-risk pregnancy and labour. His approach rests on an honest opinion, an exact diagnosis, compassionate care and evidence-based treatment. He examines you and performs sonography himself during the consultation, so a diagnosis and a plan can often be reached in a single visit.
If surgery is advised, Dr. Mahadar explains which type and route suit you, where the operation would be done and what it would cost, before you decide. If you are looking for a laparoscopic surgeon in PCMC, our page on laparoscopic hysterectomy surgery in PCMC explains the keyhole approach in detail.
Srushti Hospital and IVF Center is best recognised the maternity and ivf clinic in pcmc is on Dange Chowk Road in Thergaon, within easy reach for women across Wakad, Dange Chowk and Pimpri-Chinchwad. The consultation fee is ₹500. Call 070283 40149 to book.
| Book an Appointment | Consult a Gynecologist |
Frequently Asked Questions About the Uterus Removal Procedure
Q1. Is a uterus removal procedure major surgery?
Yes. A hysterectomy is a major operation, even when it is done through keyhole cuts or the vagina. Recovery takes weeks. The operation is permanent.
Q2. Can you live a normal life without a uterus?
Yes. The uterus is not needed for daily life. Most women return to their usual activities after recovery. Periods stop and pregnancy is no longer possible.
Q3. How long do you stay in hospital after a hysterectomy?
After a keyhole or vaginal hysterectomy the stay is often one to two nights. After open surgery it is often several days. Your surgeon will tell you what to expect.
Q4. Which type of hysterectomy is safest?
There is no single safest type. The safest route is the one that suits your uterus, your condition and your health, performed by a surgeon who is experienced in it. Keyhole and vaginal routes usually carry less wound trouble and a quicker recovery, but not every woman is suitable.
Q5. Can the uterus be removed without removing the ovaries?
Yes. Healthy ovaries are usually kept in women who have not reached menopause, so that hormone production continues.
Q6. Does hysterectomy cause weight gain?
Hysterectomy itself is not known to cause weight gain. Weight can change with age, menopause and activity, which can coincide with the time of surgery.
Q7. Can I get pregnant after a uterus removal procedure?
No. Without a uterus a pregnancy cannot develop. If you may want a baby, ask about alternatives before you decide.
Q8. Will I need hormone replacement after a hysterectomy?
Only if both ovaries are removed before natural menopause, or if menopause symptoms appear. Whether hormone therapy is suitable depends on your health and history.
Q9. How do I choose a surgeon for a uterus removal procedure?
Look for a surgeon who examines you properly, explains the alternatives and the drawbacks, does not call any one route best for everyone, tells you about the ovary decision, gives a written estimate and plans your follow-up. Dr. Nikhil A. Mahadar at Srushti Hospital and IVF Center in Thergaon works this way. He also has fellowship training in laparoscopic surgery.