What to expect from hysterectomy for womb cancer

The operation is often used to remove the main tumour and obtain tissue for detailed examination. The surgeon may use an abdominal, laparoscopic, or robotic approach. Lymph nodes may be sampled or removed to check whether cancer cells have travelled beyond the womb. The final pathology report helps determine whether further treatment is recommended.

Expect a period of abdominal or pelvic soreness, reduced energy, and changes in bowel or bladder routine while healing. If the ovaries are removed, menopause symptoms can begin or intensify. Pregnancy is not possible after the womb is removed, so discuss fertility preservation before surgery if that matters to you.

Bring a complete medicine list to the pre-operative appointment and mention blood-thinning medicines, diabetes, sleep problems, and previous reactions to anaesthesia. Plan support at home and keep essential items within easy reach. Walk little and often when permitted, protect the incision, and follow instructions about bathing, driving, lifting, and sex.

Keep the pathology and follow-up appointments. Ask for help with constipation, hot flushes, pelvic discomfort, or emotional strain rather than waiting for these problems to settle on their own.

Call the care team if pain is worsening, the wound becomes red or drains, you develop feverishness, bleeding becomes heavy, urine is difficult to pass, or one leg becomes swollen and painful. Emergency symptoms include chest pain, severe difficulty breathing, collapse, or sudden weakness.

Ask which surgical approach is suitable, whether lymph nodes or ovaries may be removed, when pathology results will be available, and how the findings affect further treatment. Ask for a personalised plan for pain, bowel care, activity, menopause symptoms, and follow-up.