Hysterectomy - total and subtotal

• Hysterectomy is used to treat menstrual problems and
   chronic pelvic pain caused by endometriosis and pelvic
   inflammatory disease (PID).

• A total hysterectomy involves removal of the uterus and
   the cervix. The vagina is closed over at The top and
   remains the normal length.

• A subtotal hysterectomy involves removal of the uterus
   only. The cervix is left intact and the vagina remains the
   normal length. This operation is performed only if a
   woman wishes to keep her cervix or if there are.technical
   difficulties with the operation.

• The operation is performed under a general anaesthetic
   and takes about 1 hour.
• During the operation, a catheter will be passed up the
   urethra into the bladder to drain off the urine. A plastic
   tube may also be inserted into the wound to remove any
   slight bleeding. These tubes will be left in place for 24-
   48 hours.

• Although there will be some discomfort following surgery,
   this will be controlled with pain killers.

• The average length of stay in hospital is 5-7 days and
   normal activities can be resumed within 6-8 weeks.

• There should be no problems with sexual intercourse
   following the operation.