Hysterectomy surgery at The Vale Hospital

Why choose Nuffield Health, The Vale Hospital for your hysterectomy surgery?

If you have been suffering from heavy periods for a number of years and are no longer intending to have children, you may find hysterectomy surgery extremely beneficial to your health and future wellbeing.

At Nuffield Health, The Vale Hospital our expert gynaecology consultants can provide you with expert advice and rapid access to hysterectomy surgery to help overturn the negative symptoms of your condition.

Our hospital, located in the beautiful Vale of Glamorgan has been leading the way for private gynaecology treatment in South Wales for a number of years. Our experienced gynaecologists have established themselves in the local community with excellent surgical results, helping to transform women's health and wellbeing in Cardiff and surrounding areas.

How to book a private consultation at Nuffield Health Cardiff & Vale Hospitals

If you are suffering from heavy periods and want to discuss your treatment options with one of our gynaecology consultants in either Cardiff or Vale, you will need to book a private consultation via our dedicated enquiry team on 02920 003278.

Our 2 hospital locations in South Wales allow you to shape your own hysterectomy treatment

Hysterectomy surgery is performed at our Vale Hospital, however patients have the flexibility to decide where their initial consultation takes place.

As well as the Vale Hospital, our gynaecology consultants operate out of Nuffield Health Cardiff Bay Hospital for initial consultations and all diagnostic imaging and pre-op tests.

Subsequently, you can choose which of our two locations you want to undertake your post surgery aftercare with.

What happens during hysterectomy surgery?

A hysterectomy involves the surgical removal of a woman's uterus. There are several procedures available. Your consultant at The Vale will advise you on the right procedure for you.

Vaginal hysterectomy at Nuffield Health, The Vale Hospital

• Your surgeon in South Wales may recommend a vaginal hysterectomy if your uterus and cervix are being removed
• A vaginal hysterectomy is usually performed using general anaesthetic (you'll be asleep) and takes about one hour
• Your surgeon will access your uterus through a hole in the wall of your vagina
• Your uterus and cervix will be pulled forward and using special instruments they will remove your uterus and the ligaments that hold it in place along with your cervix
• The wound will be closed using dissolvable stitches
• You may have a gauze dressing in your vagina to help control any bleeding
• You may have a catheter (tube to help you pass urine from your bladder) in place
• This is usually removed the day after your surgery.

Abdominal hysterectomy at The Vale

• An abdominal hysterectomy is usually performed using general anaesthetic (you'll be asleep)
• The length of your surgery will depend on why you are having your hysterectomy
• Your surgeon will make an incision (cut) in your abdomen (stomach)
• The incision may be horizontal along your bikini line or vertical from your navel (belly button) to your bikini line
• They will remove your uterus and any other reproductive organs that may be causing symptoms
• Your wound will be closed using stitches or staples
• There may be a drainage tube in your wound that will be removed before you leave hospital
• Dressings may be used to cover and protect your wound
• You may also have a catheter (tube that drains your urine from your bladder) in place that will also be removed the day after surgery.

Laparoscopic (keyhole) hysterectomy in South Wales

• A laparoscopic hysterectomy is usually performed under general anaesthetic and takes from 60 - 90 minutes
• Your surgeon will make several small incisions (cuts) in your abdomen (stomach)
• So your surgeon has room to work your abdomen will be inflated with carbon dioxide gas
• Surgical instruments and a long, thin tube connected to a light and camera will be inserted in the incisions in your abdomen
• Your surgeon will also make a small incision around your cervix and use instruments to remove your womb and cervix through your vagina
• Your wounds will be closed with stitches or staples.

Will it take long to recover?

• Most women make a good recovery from a hysterectomy in 6 - 8 weeks
• Your length of stay in hospital and recovery time will depend on your own situation and the type of hysterectomy you have
• You may need to stay in hospital for a few nights
• We will encourage you to get out of bed and take short walks as soon as possible following your surgery
• You will be given pain relief medication but be sure to let us know if you are still experiencing any discomfort
• Once we discharge you, somebody will need to take you home
• Your may be sore and suffer some bruising, which is perfectly normal
• You should rest and limit your activity. Avoid strenuous activity and any heavy lifting
• Take any pain relief medications as prescribed
• Move around at home several times per day to avoid the formation of blood clots
• Be sure and discuss any return to work with your consultant.

Are there any risks?

As with any surgical procedure, there could be complications. Your consultant in Cardiff or the Vale will talk you through any possible risks or complications before your surgery.