Hysterectomy, which means the surgical removal
of the uterus, is one of the most common operations performed in Western
countries: by the age of 55, around one woman in five in Britain may expect
to have lost her uterus.
Hysterectomy is different from other major operations because it often involves
the removal of healthy organs. In general, hysterectomy is a very effective
form of treatment and most women who have the operation are satisfied with
the results. Problems and regrets are most likely to arise if the
operation has been done for the wrong reason or if the woman has uncertainties
about it beforehand.
Dr Christine West is a Consultant Obstetrician
and Gynaecologist at the Edinburgh Royal Infirmary NHS Trust. She is a part-time
Senior Lecturer in Obstetrics & Gynaecology at the University of Edinburgh
and has published many articles on problems relating to the menstrual cycle.
