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.
Read the full guide
Laparoscopic myomectomy

Also called: keyhole fibroid removal

A keyhole operation to remove fibroids while keeping your womb — so pregnancy remains possible.
Read the full guide
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.
Read the full guide

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.
Read the full guide
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.
Read the full guide

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.
Read the full guide

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.
Read the full guide
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.
Read the full guide
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.
Read the full guide

Childbirth (obstetric) surgery

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.
Read the full guide

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.