A hysterectomy is the surgical removal of the uterus. It may also include removal of the cervix (total hysterectomy), ovaries, and fallopian tubes depending on the indication. It is recommended when other treatments have failed or are not appropriate — most commonly for large fibroids causing heavy bleeding or pressure, adenomyosis, endometrial (uterine) cancer, cervical cancer, severe endometriosis, or uterine prolapse. At Charak Hospital, our surgeons perform total laparoscopic hysterectomy (TLH), vaginal hysterectomy, and open (abdominal) hysterectomy, choosing the safest approach for each patient. We always discuss uterus-preserving alternatives before recommending hysterectomy.
When Is Hysterectomy Recommended?
- Uterine fibroids — large, multiple, or causing severe bleeding or pressure
- Adenomyosis (endometriosis inside the uterine wall) with heavy painful periods
- Uterine (endometrial) cancer or pre-cancer
- Cervical cancer (radical hysterectomy)
- Severe uterine prolapse — when the uterus drops into the vagina
- Abnormal uterine bleeding unresponsive to medical treatment
- Uncontrollable postpartum haemorrhage
Types of Hysterectomy
Total Laparoscopic Hysterectomy (TLH)
Entire procedure performed through 3–4 small (5–12 mm) keyhole incisions. Shorter hospital stay (1–2 days), less pain, faster return to activities. Preferred approach at Charak when suitable.
Vaginal Hysterectomy
Uterus removed through the vagina — no abdominal incision. Ideal for uterine prolapse with good uterine mobility. Short stay, rapid recovery.
Open (Abdominal) Hysterectomy
Performed through a bikini-line incision when the uterus is very large or when cancer staging requires maximum visibility. Stay 3–4 days.
What Happens During Hysterectomy?
- Anaesthetic assessment and pre-operative blood tests
- General anaesthesia administered
- Laparoscopic: ports inserted, uterus detached from ligaments and blood vessels under camera guidance
- Uterus removed through the vagina or morcellator (for laparoscopic route)
- Vault sutured vaginally or laparoscopically
- Total operative time: 60–120 minutes depending on approach and complexity
- Post-operative recovery in ward with pain management and early mobilisation
Recovery & Aftercare
Laparoscopic hysterectomy: hospital discharge in 1–2 days, return to desk work in 2 weeks, full activity in 4–6 weeks. Open hysterectomy: 3–4 days in hospital, full recovery 6–8 weeks. Periods stop permanently after hysterectomy. If ovaries are preserved, menopause does not occur. Sexual activity can typically resume after 6–8 weeks.
Why Choose Charak Hospital?
- NABH-accredited facility
- Senior gynaecology team
- Laparoscopic & advanced surgical options
- 24×7 emergency care
- Full NICU & PICU backup
- Transparent treatment planning
- Compassionate multilingual staff
- Affordable, transparent pricing
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes—once the uterus is removed, menstruation stops permanently. This is often a welcome relief for women who had heavy, painful periods. If the ovaries are also removed (oophorectomy), menopause begins immediately; if the ovaries are kept, they continue to function and natural menopause occurs at the expected age.
For the majority of women, hysterectomy has no negative effect on sexual desire, sensation, or satisfaction—in fact, many report an improved sex life because they no longer have pain, heavy bleeding, or fear of pregnancy. If ovaries are removed as well, oestrogen levels drop and some women experience vaginal dryness, which is treatable with local oestrogen creams. Physical recovery is usually 6–8 weeks before resuming sexual activity.
Hysterectomy itself does not directly cause weight gain—the surgery does not change your metabolism. If both ovaries are also removed, the resulting hormonal change can make weight management slightly more challenging, but it is entirely manageable with diet and exercise. Women who remain active and maintain healthy eating habits after hysterectomy typically do not experience significant weight change.
The main types are: Total hysterectomy (uterus and cervix removed), Subtotal/Partial hysterectomy (only uterus removed, cervix kept), and Radical hysterectomy (uterus, cervix, upper vagina and surrounding tissue—used for cancer). The procedure can be done through open surgery, laparoscopy (keyhole), or vaginally. Your surgeon will recommend the most appropriate type based on your condition.
Yes—in many cases, hysterectomy is not the only option. Alternatives include hormonal treatments (IUS/Mirena, progesterone tablets), endometrial ablation for heavy bleeding, myomectomy for fibroids, uterine artery embolization, and laparoscopic treatment of endometriosis. Your gynaecologist should discuss all options with you, especially if you still wish to preserve your uterus or are not yet in menopause.
Recovery depends on the type of surgery. Laparoscopic (keyhole) hysterectomy: most women go home within 1–2 days and resume normal activities in 3–4 weeks. Open (abdominal) hysterectomy: hospital stay of 3–5 days, and full recovery takes 6–8 weeks. You should avoid heavy lifting, strenuous exercise, and driving until your surgeon clears you.
Laparoscopic (keyhole) hysterectomy offers significant advantages over open surgery: smaller incisions, less pain, shorter hospital stay, faster return to daily activities, and lower risk of infection and blood loss. However, not every case is suitable for laparoscopy—very large uteruses or cancers may require open surgery. An experienced laparoscopic gynaecological surgeon can advise the best approach for your specific case.
If only your uterus is removed and your ovaries are left in place, you will not experience surgical menopause—your ovaries continue producing hormones and natural menopause occurs when you would normally expect it. If both ovaries are removed (bilateral oophorectomy) along with the uterus, menopause begins immediately after surgery, and your doctor may discuss hormone replacement therapy (HRT) to manage symptoms.
Hysterectomy is a well-established, safe surgery, but like any procedure carries small risks including bleeding, infection, injury to nearby structures (bladder, ureter), anaesthesia reactions, and blood clots. Serious complications are uncommon—less than 1–2%—especially in experienced hands. Your surgeon will discuss your specific risk profile and how these risks are minimised.
In India, hysterectomy typically costs between ₹25,000 and ₹1,50,000 depending on the type (laparoscopic vs. open), hospital tier, and city. Laparoscopic procedures are often slightly more expensive than open surgery upfront but result in shorter hospital stays and quicker recovery. At Charak Hospital, Lucknow, we offer quality surgical care at accessible costs—our team can provide a clear cost estimate during your consultation.
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