4 Indications and alternatives to hysterectomy

A Davies, Anthony Davies, Davies A, Adam Magos, A L Magos, Magos AL
Bailliere's clinical obstetrics and gynaecology · 1997 · vol. 11(1) , pp. 61–75 · doi:10.1016/s0950-3552(97)80050-8 · PMID:9155936 · W2023245322
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⚙ AI-generated summary by claude@2026-06, 2026-06-08 ⓘ

This paper reviews four common indications for hysterectomy and discusses alternative treatment options available for each condition.

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Abstract

Hysterectomy is the commonest major operation performed by gynaecologists and is the definitive cure for many of it's indications which include dysfunctional uterine bleeding, fibroids, utero-vaginal prolapse, endometriosis and adenomyosis, pelvic inflammatory disease, pelvic pain, gynaecological cancers and obstetric complications. It is a successful operation in terms of relieving women of their presenting symptoms and high levels of satisfaction are reported by patients. However, it has a high risk of complications, involves a prolonged convalescence, is expensive and to some women represents a loss of femininity. It should only be employed after trying conservative treatments first if appropriate. If this fails, currently only endometrial ablation and myomectomy are valid alternatives to hysterectomy. If ultimately hysterectomy is required, there is considerable evidence that patient care can be improved by increasing the proportion of operations that are done vaginally and laparoscopically and decreasing the number of laparotomies.

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Condition tags

endometriosischronic_pelvic_pain

MeSH descriptors

Hysterectomy Hysterectomy Hysterectomy Uterine Diseases Endometriosis Endometriosis Female Humans Leiomyoma Leiomyoma Pelvic Pain Pelvic Pain Uterine Diseases Uterine Hemorrhage Uterine Hemorrhage Uterine Neoplasms Uterine Neoplasms Uterine Prolapse Uterine Prolapse

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References (100)

Cited by (5)

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License: CC0 · commercial use OK