As with all types of surgery, having a hysterectomy can lead to complications.
Risks from general anaesthetic
There are several serious complications associated with having a general anaesthetic, but they are very rare. Complications include nerve damage, allergic reaction and death. Being fit and healthy before an operation reduces the risk of any complications. For more information see the A-Z topic page on general anaesthetic.
Bleeding
With all operations, including a hysterectomy, there is a small risk of heavy bleeding (haemorrhage). A haemorrhage may mean a blood transfusion is needed.
Damage to the bladder or bowel
Very occasionally women will suffer damage to other abdominal organs, such as the bladder or bowel. This can cause problems such as infection, incontinence or a frequent need to urinate.
It may be possible to repair any damage during the operation. You may need to have a temporary catheter to drain your urine or a colostomy to collect your bowel movements.
The risk of damage to other abdominal organs is higher when you have a laparoscopic hysterectomy.
Infection
There is always a risk of infection after an operation. This can be a urinary tract infection (UTI), chest infection or vaginal infection. These are not usually serious and can be treated with antibiotics.
Thrombosis
A thrombosis is a blood clot that forms in a vein and interferes with the circulation of the blood and oxygen around the body. The risk of getting a blood clot increases after operations and periods of immobility.
You will be encouraged to start moving around as soon as possible after your operation. You may also be given a blood thinning drug to reduce the risk of clots forming.
Vaginal problems
If you have a vaginal hysterectomy there is a risk that you will have problems at the top of the vagina where the cervix was removed. This could be slow wound healing in the short term or prolapse in later years.
Ovary failure
If your ovaries are left intact there is a chance they will fail within five years of your hysterectomy. This is because your ovaries receive some of their blood supply through the uterus, which has been removed during the operation.
Early menopause
If you have had your ovaries removed, it is likely that you will start experiencing menopausal symptoms (hot flushes, sweating, vaginal dryness and disturbed sleep) soon after having your operation. This is because the menopause is triggered once a woman stops producing eggs from her ovaries (ovulating).
This is an important consideration if you are under 40, as early onset of the menopause can increase the risk of developing brittle bones (osteoporosis). This is because levels of oestrogen drop during the menopause.
Depending on your age and circumstances, it may be necessary to take additional medicines to prevent osteoporosis.
Even if a hysterectomy leaves one or both of your ovaries intact, there is still a chance you will go through the menopause within five years of your operation.
