What should you know about Wertheim radical hysterectomy?

The surgeon removes the womb and cervix, tissues beside the cervix, and the upper part of the vagina. Lymph nodes in the pelvis may be examined to help guide staging and further treatment. The ovaries may or may not be removed, depending on the cancer, age, ovarian function, and surgical plan. This procedure is different from a simpler hysterectomy because nearby tissues are also removed.

It is most closely associated with cervical cancer, although the exact role depends on tumour location and extent. A specialist may discuss other approaches, including a standard radical hysterectomy pathway, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, or a combination. Fertility is lost after the womb and cervix are removed, so fertility-preservation discussions need to happen before treatment.

Before surgery, ask about scans, blood tests, medicines, bowel preparation, and whether a urinary catheter will be needed. Afterward, recovery may include wound care, pain relief, walking, breathing exercises, and temporary bladder changes. Follow instructions about lifting, driving, bathing, sex, and returning to work. Emotional support can help with changes to fertility, body image, and sexual wellbeing.

After surgery, contact the clinical team for fever, worsening pain, increasing redness or discharge from the wound, heavy vaginal bleeding, difficulty passing urine, calf swelling, chest pain, or breathlessness. Before treatment, seek review for bleeding between periods, bleeding after sex, unusual discharge, or pelvic pain, particularly when symptoms persist.

Ask which organs and lymph nodes are planned for removal, whether the ovaries can be preserved, how the operation may affect bladder and bowel function, and what support is available for fertility and sexual health. Ask how pathology results will guide the next treatment decision.