Hysterectomy - removal of the uterus

Written by Dr Philip Owen, consultant obstetrician and gynaecologist

Will I need to have cervical smears performed (Pap smears) after a hysterectomy?

If there was no cancer present before the hysterectomy and the cervix has been removed, then there is no need for further smears to be performed. If a sub-total hysterectomy has been performed then it is necessary to continue in the cervical smear screening programme.

Are there alternatives to hysterectomy?

In the presence of certain cancers, there is seldom a realistic alternative to hysterectomy. For non-cancerous conditions a hysterectomy is usually offered when tablet treatment or other surgical procedures have been tried and have not been successful.

For women with heavy periods with no explanation, surgical techniques that aim to remove or destroy the lining of the womb (endometrial ablation) can provide relief of symptoms without resorting to major surgery.

It must be remembered that a hysterectomy or endometrial ablation procedure is only suitable for a woman who does not wish to become pregnant in the future.

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