Radical hysterectomy

• Radical hysterectomy is used to treat some cases of cancer   of the cervix. It involves removal of the uterus, Fallopian tubes,   cervix, upper vagina, pelvic lymph glands and, occasionally,   the ovaries. The vagina is stitched over at the top and   shortened.

• The operation is performed under a general anaesthetic and   takes 2-3 hours.

• During the operation, a catheter is passed up the urethra into   the bladder to drain off the urine. A plastic tube may be   inserted into the wound to remove any slight bleeding and   fluid from the lymph glands. These tubes will be left in place   for 24-48 hours.

• There will be some discomfort following surgery which will
  be controlled with pain killers, and hormone replacement   therapy (HRT) may be prescribed if the ovaries are removed.

• The average hospital stay is 7-10 days. The time taken to   make a full recovery varies and depends on many factors.

• Following surgery, a course of radiotherapy may be   necessary.