What should you know about hysterectomy by keyhole surgery?

Keyhole hysterectomy removes the womb through small abdominal incisions, but suitability depends on anatomy, diagnosis, and the surgeon's assessment. A camera guides instruments through the abdomen, and the womb is removed through an appropriate route chosen during planning. Keyhole surgery may involve less abdominal wound disruption than open surgery, but it still has important risks and recovery requirements.

The surgeon makes small openings to place a camera and instruments, usually using gas to create working space. The womb may be removed through the vagina or in another planned way. The cervix, tubes, and ovaries are separate decisions. Keyhole surgery may be considered for conditions such as fibroids, adenomyosis, endometriosis, heavy periods, pelvic pain, abnormal womb lining, or selected cancer care. A large womb, extensive scar tissue, severe adhesions, or complex disease may make another route more suitable.

Your consultation should cover anaesthesia, possible bladder or bowel injury, bleeding, infection, blood clots, conversion to open surgery, and how the procedure could affect fertility or menopause.

Bring a complete list of medicines, allergies, previous operations, and medical conditions. Ask what will be removed and what would make the surgeon change route. Afterward, gentle walking helps recovery, while lifting and strenuous activity wait until the team allows them. Keep the incisions clean and dry as instructed, take prescribed pain relief correctly, and arrange practical help at home. Follow guidance about driving, work, bathing, and sex.

Call the surgical team for increasing abdominal pain, fever, repeated vomiting, worsening redness or discharge from an incision, difficulty passing urine, or bleeding that is heavier than expected. Seek emergency care for sudden chest pain, severe breathlessness, fainting, a painful swollen leg, or severe abdominal swelling. These symptoms can signal complications that need urgent assessment.

Why is keyhole surgery suitable for me? Which organs will be removed? Could scar tissue or the womb's size require open surgery? How will my fertility and menopause be affected? What restrictions and warning signs apply after discharge?