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Hysterectomy for Endometrial Cancer

Surgery Overview

A hysterectomy is the surgical removal of a woman's uterus. A hysterectomy to remove endometrial cancer usually includes the removal of the ovaries and fallopian tubes (bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy). Your doctor will also do a pelvic and para-aortic lymph node biopsy to find out the stage and grade of the cancer. Most cases of endometrial cancer are diagnosed during the earliest stage, while cancer is still contained in the uterus and can be cured.

Your surgery will depend on how much of your reproductive system may be affected by endometrial cancer.

  • A total hysterectomy is the removal of the uterus and cervix.
  • A total hysterectomy with bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy is the removal of the uterus, cervix, fallopian tubes, and ovaries. This is the most common surgery done for endometrial cancer.
  • A radical hysterectomy is the removal of the uterus, cervix, surrounding tissue, upper vagina, and usually the pelvic lymph nodes. The number of lymph nodes removed depends on how far the cancer has spread.

A hysterectomy for endometrial cancer may be done with an incision (cut) in the abdomen. Sometimes a laparoscopic hysterectomy is possible. In both procedures, general anesthesia usually is used. The type of hysterectomy you have depends on your medical history and general state of health and on the extent of the cancer growth. Medical centers and surgeons may prefer to do the type of surgery that they have more experience with. Pelvic and para-aortic lymph nodes will be biopsied during surgery to help find out the stage of cancer.

  • Abdominal hysterectomy: The uterus, ovaries, and fallopian tubes are removed through an incision (laparotomy) in the lower abdomen.
    • An abdominal incision provides a large opening into the abdomen for the surgeon to easily see the organs and to find out the extent of the cancer.
    • An abdominal hysterectomy will leave a scar (usually 5 inches) on the abdomen.
    • The usual stay in the hospital after an abdominal hysterectomy is 3 days.
  • Laparoscopic hysterectomy: Laparoscopic surgery is done with a tiny camera and special instruments. The surgeon puts these tools through several small incisions (cuts) in the belly.
    • In a laparoscopic hysterectomy, the surgeon usually is able to see the organs well enough to find out the extent of the cancer.
    • A laparoscopic hysterectomy leaves several very small scars on the abdomen.
    • You usually stay in the hospital for 1 or 2 days after a laparoscopic hysterectomy.
    • In a laparoscopic hysterectomy, the uterus is detached and may be removed in pieces through the small incisions in the abdomen. Or it may be removed through the vagina.

When done by an experienced surgeon, laparoscopic hysterectomy may have a quicker recovery and fewer complications than abdominal hysterectomy.

Some surgeons do this surgery by guiding robotic arms that hold the surgery tools. This is called robot-assisted laparoscopy.

What To Expect After Surgery

Right after surgery, you will be taken to a recovery area where nurses will care for and observe you. Usually the stay in the recovery area is for 1 to 4 hours. You will then be moved to a hospital room. In addition to any special instructions from your doctor, your nurse will explain information to help you during your recovery.

You will likely stay in the hospital 1 to 4 days after a hysterectomy. About 4 to 6 weeks after the hysterectomy, your doctor will examine you in his or her office. You should be able to return to all of your normal activities, including having sexual intercourse, in about 6 to 8 weeks. Some light bleeding or spotting is expected for up to 6 weeks following a hysterectomy. If your vaginal bleeding is heavier or different than what you were told to expect, call your doctor.

After you have a hysterectomy, you will not be able to become pregnant.

After a hysterectomy, call your doctor if you have:

  • Chest pain, a cough, or trouble breathing.
  • Bright red vaginal bleeding that soaks two or more pads in an hour or forms large or painful clots.
  • Pain or tenderness, swelling, or redness in your legs.
  • A fever of 100°F (37.8°C) or higher.
  • Pain that is not relieved by your pain medicine or pain that is getting worse.
  • Pus coming from your incision.
  • Trouble passing a stool, especially if you have not had a normal bowel movement for 3 to 5 days, or if you have mild pain or swelling in your lower abdomen.
  • Trouble passing urine, pain or burning when you urinate, blood in your urine, or cloudy urine.
  • Pain, discomfort, or bleeding during intercourse.
  • Hot flashes, sweating, flushing, or a fast or pounding heartbeat.

Why It Is Done

Endometrial cancer most often occurs in the inner lining of the uterus and is contained within the uterus in the earlier stages. Removal of the uterus reduces the risk of cancer recurring or spreading. The ovaries are a common site for spread (metastasis) of endometrial cancer cells and so are almost always removed at the same time.

How Well It Works

Removal of the uterus, fallopian tubes, and ovaries reduces the risk of spread or recurrence of endometrial cancer.

Risks

Most women do not have complications after a hysterectomy. But complications that may occur include:

  • Fever. A slight fever is common after any surgery.
  • Difficulty urinating.
  • Urinary incontinence.
  • Continued heavy bleeding. Some vaginal bleeding within 4 to 6 weeks following a hysterectomy is expected. But call your doctor if bleeding continues to be heavy.
  • The formation of scar tissue (adhesions).

Rare complications include:

  • Infection.
  • Blood clots in the legs (thrombophlebitis) or lungs (pulmonary embolus).
  • Injury to other organs, such as the bladder or bowel.
  • A collection of blood at the surgical site (hematoma).

You may have other physical problems after a hysterectomy. In some women, the pelvic muscles and ligaments that support the vagina, bladder, and rectum may become weak. The weakness may cause bladder or bowel problems, such as cystocele, urinary incontinence, or rectocele. Kegel exercises may help strengthen the pelvic muscles and ligaments. But some women need other treatments, including additional surgery.

Vaginal dryness may develop if your ovaries were removed during your hysterectomy. If sexual intercourse is painful because of vaginal dryness, use a vaginal lubricant, such as K-Y Jelly or Astroglide, or a polyunsaturated vegetable oil that does not contain preservatives. Do not use petroleum jelly (for example, Vaseline) as a lubricant, because it increases the risk of vaginal irritation and infection.

Your doctor will tell you how long you should wait after surgery before engaging in sexual intercourse. Pain during intercourse (dyspareunia) may occur if your vagina was shortened during your hysterectomy. Changing positions may help make intercourse less painful. If you continue to have difficulty with intercourse after a hysterectomy, talk with your doctor.

What To Think About

It is normal to feel a variety of emotions about having a hysterectomy. These are often based on beliefs about the importance of your uterus, fears about your health or personal relationships, and concerns about your enjoyment of sexual activities after surgery. If you do have sexual problems after your surgery, talk with your doctor. He or she will be able to help you or direct you to a specialist who can help.

The hospital or surgery center may send you instructions on how to get ready for your surgery or a nurse may call you with instructions before your surgery.

Complete the surgery information form (PDF)(What is a PDF document?) to help you prepare for this surgery.

Credits

By Healthwise Staff
Primary Medical Reviewer Sarah Marshall, MD - Family Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer Ross Berkowitz, MD - Obstetrics and Gynecology
Last Revised November 29, 2010

Last Revised: November 29, 2010

Author: Healthwise Staff

Medical Review: Sarah Marshall, MD - Family Medicine & Ross Berkowitz, MD - Obstetrics and Gynecology

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