Surgery Guide

Clear, detailed information about gynaecological operations and caesarean birth — what each operation involves, why it may be recommended, the benefits and risks, and what to expect before, during and after surgery. Written to support your discussion with your healthcare team.

How to use this guide · Editorial policy · Glossary of terms

Hysterectomy & womb surgery

Laparoscopic hysterectomy

Also called: removal of the womb (keyhole), total laparoscopic hysterectomy (TLH)

An operation to remove the womb through a few small cuts in the abdomen, using a camera and fine instruments.
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Laparoscopic myomectomy

Also called: keyhole fibroid removal

A keyhole operation to remove fibroids while keeping your womb — so pregnancy remains possible.
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Open myomectomy

Also called: abdominal myomectomy

Removal of fibroids through one abdominal cut, keeping your womb — for very numerous or very large fibroids where the keyhole route is not the safer option.
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Vaginal hysterectomy

Also called: removal of the womb through the vagina

Removal of the womb through the vagina with no abdominal cuts — most often for prolapse, usually with repair of the pelvic floor supports.
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Total abdominal hysterectomy

Also called: TAH, open hysterectomy

Removal of the womb through an abdominal cut — the open route, chosen when a very large womb or previous surgery makes keyhole or vaginal surgery unsafe.
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Hysteroscopy, EUA and D&C

Also called: dilatation and curettage, D&C

A short day procedure to examine the inside of the womb with a thin telescope and sample its lining — the commonest investigation for abnormal bleeding.
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ERPC — surgical management of miscarriage

Also called: evacuation of retained products, suction evacuation

A short, gentle operation to empty the womb after a miscarriage or when pregnancy tissue remains — with alternatives, recovery and support.
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Cervical polypectomy

Also called: removal of a cervical polyp

Removal of a small, almost always benign growth from the neck of the womb — often done in clinic in minutes, with every polyp checked by the laboratory.
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Ovarian, tubal & fertility surgery

Laparoscopy and dye test

Also called: lap and dye, chromopertubation

A keyhole look inside the pelvis with coloured dye passed through the cervix, to check whether the fallopian tubes are open — usually part of fertility investigation.
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Laparoscopic ovarian cystectomy

Also called: keyhole ovarian cyst removal

Keyhole removal of an ovarian cyst while preserving the healthy ovary — so hormones and fertility are unaffected.
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Laparoscopic oophorectomy and salpingectomy

Also called: salpingo-oophorectomy, removal of ovary or tube

Keyhole removal of an ovary, a fallopian tube, or both — for cysts and masses, ectopic pregnancy, damaged tubes or risk-reducing surgery.
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Laparoscopic sterilisation

Also called: female sterilisation, tubal ligation

Permanent contraception by keyhole surgery — clipping or removing the fallopian tubes. Effectiveness, permanence and the alternatives to weigh first.
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Laparoscopic adhesiolysis

Also called: division of adhesions

Keyhole division of internal scar tissue that binds pelvic organs — for pain, bowel symptoms or fertility problems, with honest expectations.
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Laparoscopic surgery for ectopic pregnancy

Also called: salpingectomy, salpingotomy

Keyhole removal of a pregnancy that has implanted in the tube — the operation, the alternatives, and what it means for future pregnancies.
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Endometriosis surgery

Laparoscopic surgery for endometriosis

Also called: keyhole excision of endometriosis

The only way to see endometriosis directly and remove it in the same operation — for pain that medicines have not controlled, and for fertility.
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Bladder & pelvic floor surgery

Laparoscopic Burch colposuspension

Also called: keyhole bladder neck suspension

A keyhole operation for leaking urine on coughing, lifting or exercise — permanent stitches lift and support the bladder neck, with no mesh or tape.
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Anterior and posterior vaginal repair

Also called: colporrhaphy, pelvic floor repair

Surgery through the vagina — no abdominal cut — to correct a bulge caused by the bladder or bowel pressing into the vaginal wall.
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Laparoscopic sacrocolpopexy

Also called: keyhole vault suspension, sacrohysteropexy

A keyhole operation for prolapse of the top of the vagina — a mesh support lifts it back to its natural position and holds it there.
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Fenton's repair

Also called: Fenton's procedure, perineal scar revision

A short operation to widen the entrance of the vagina by releasing tight scar tissue after childbirth tears or surgery — for painful sex from a physical narrowing.
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Marsupialisation of Bartholin's cyst or abscess

Also called: Bartholin's cyst / abscess drainage

A 15–20 minute operation that drains a blocked Bartholin’s gland and keeps it draining — immediate relief from an abscess, with low recurrence.
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Childbirth (obstetric) surgery

Cervical cerclage

Also called: cervical stitch, McDonald suture

A stitch placed around the cervix in pregnancy to keep it closed — reducing the risk of late miscarriage and very early birth; removed at around 36–37 weeks.
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Laparoscopic cervical cerclage

Also called: laparoscopic transabdominal cerclage, keyhole abdominal stitch

A permanent keyhole stitch at the very top of the cervix — for women in whom a vaginal stitch has failed or cannot be placed. Birth is by planned caesarean.
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Caesarean section

Also called: C-section, caesarean birth, LSCS

An operation to deliver your baby through a bikini-line cut in the abdomen and womb, usually with you awake under spinal anaesthesia.
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This guide is general information, not personal advice. Your own operation, risks and recovery depend on your individual circumstances. If you are unwell now, or have severe pain or heavy bleeding, seek urgent care from the nearest hospital emergency department — do not rely on this guide.