Hysterectomy

Hysterectomy is one of the most commonly performed major surgical procedures; approximately 100 000 are performed in the UK each year. Hysterectomy can be total or subtotal. The postulated benefits of subtotal hysterectomy—better pelvic floor and sexual function—have not been confirmed in randomised trials. Traditionally, hysterectomy was performed using either an abdominal or vaginal approach. More recently, laparoscopic techniques have been used. The decision about the technique used is often related to the surgeon's training and expertise, as the indications for each technique overlap. Vaginal hysterectomy is probably the preferred route because it is quicker and cheaper than laparoscopic hysterectomy, with no other clear differences in outcome measures. Laparoscopic hysterectomy has a number of advantages over abdominal hysterectomy: specifically, shorter hospital stay and quicker return to normal activities; complication rates, however, appear to be greater. This also seems to be the case with radical hysterectomy performed for cervical cancer.