What should you know about endoscopic hysterectomy?

The surgeon usually works through small abdominal openings, with instruments guided by a camera. In some approaches, the womb is removed through the vagina as well. Whether the cervix, fallopian tubes, or ovaries are removed depends on the reason for surgery, your age and health, and the agreed plan. An endoscopic approach may be considered for conditions such as fibroids, adenomyosis, endometriosis, abnormal womb lining, or selected cancers. It is not suitable for everyone; womb size, previous operations, anatomy, and cancer concerns can change the recommendation.

Before surgery, review medicines, allergies, anaesthesia history, fertility wishes, and whether the ovaries will remain. Arrange help with transport and early activities. Afterward, tiredness, mild abdominal soreness, shoulder-tip gas pain, and light vaginal bleeding can occur. Walk gently as advised, keep incisions clean, and follow instructions about lifting, driving, baths, and sex. Recovery is individual, so return to work and exercise should follow your surgical team’s guidance. Menstrual bleeding stops when the womb is removed, but ovarian hormones may continue if the ovaries are left in place.

Contact your surgical team urgently for fever, worsening pain, redness or discharge from an incision, heavy vaginal bleeding, painful urination, calf swelling, or shortness of breath. Sudden chest pain, severe breathlessness, or fainting needs emergency help. New or persistent heavy periods or pelvic pain before surgery also deserve assessment; symptoms do not by themselves identify the underlying condition.

Why is hysterectomy recommended for me? Which organs will be removed? Could the operation need to change to an open approach? How might it affect fertility, hormones, or sex? What pain relief and activity plan will I have at home?