Total Abdominal Hysterectomy (TAH)

Procedure, Benefits, and Costs

A Total Abdominal Hysterectomy (TAH) is a surgical procedure in which the entire uterus is removed through an incision in the abdomen, typically in the lower belly. This type of hysterectomy is commonly recommended to treat various medical conditions, including fibroids, endometriosis, uterine cancer, and chronic heavy bleeding that has not responded to other treatments. By choosing a Total Abdominal Hysterectomy, patients can often find relief from debilitating symptoms and improve their overall quality of life.

Who is a Candidate?

Women with benign or malignant gynaecological conditions where removal of the uterus is necessary.

Common indications:

• Symptomatic uterine fibroids (bleeding, pain, bulk symptoms)
• Endometriosis or adenomyosis unresponsive to other treatments
• Heavy menstrual bleeding not controlled with medical or conservative surgery
• Uterine, cervical, or ovarian cancer
• Large pelvic masses or uterine prolapse.

Recovery Timeline

This is likely to vary with provider.

• Hospital stay: 3–5 days (shorter with enhanced recovery protocols)
• Early recovery: Walking usually within 1 day; bowel and bladder function monitored
• Return to light activities: 4–6 weeks
• Return to normal activities/work: 6–8 weeks, longer if heavy lifting required
• Full recovery: Up to 3 months for complete healing and strength return.

Benefits

• Definitive treatment for many benign conditions (e.g., fibroids, bleeding)
• Removes the source of uterine or cervical cancer
• Relief from symptoms such as pelvic pain, pressure, and abnormal bleeding
• Improves quality of life when other treatments have failed.

Risks

• General surgical risks: bleeding, infection, injury to nearby organs (bladder, bowel)
• Anaesthetic risks (DVT, pulmonary embolism)
• Risk of early menopause if ovaries are removed.

This is just an outline. Your specialist gynaecological surgeon will be able to talk to you about these issues in more detail and make sure that there is informed consent.

Hysterectomy is a major surgery with longer recovery compared to minimally invasive hysterectomy options, but it remains an important and effective treatment for large uteri, malignancy, or complex pelvic pathology.