Hysterectomy — removal of the uterus — is one of the most common major surgeries in women, treating heavy periods, fibroids, endometriosis, and gynaecological cancers.
Hysterectomy is the surgical removal of the uterus — it is the definitive treatment for uterine fibroids causing heavy bleeding or pressure symptoms, severe endometriosis, adenomyosis (endometriosis within the uterine wall), uterine prolapse, and gynaecological cancers (endometrial, cervical, and some ovarian cancers). It is performed when conservative treatments have failed or are inappropriate, and fertility is not desired.
Several types of hysterectomy exist: total hysterectomy (removes uterus and cervix), subtotal (removes uterus but leaves the cervix), and radical hysterectomy (removes uterus, cervix, upper vagina, and surrounding tissue — used for cervical cancer). The ovaries may be removed simultaneously (oophorectomy) or conserved — in pre-menopausal women, ovary conservation avoids surgical menopause (with its associated cardiovascular, bone, and cognitive consequences) unless ovarian disease is present.
Approaches include laparoscopic (keyhole), vaginal, or open (abdominal) hysterectomy — the minimally invasive approaches are preferred when feasible, offering smaller incisions, less pain, shorter hospital stay, and faster recovery. Robotic-assisted laparoscopic hysterectomy (using the da Vinci surgical system) is widely available at major Korean hospitals — Korea has one of the highest rates of robotic surgery adoption in the world — providing enhanced precision for complex cases. Gynaecological oncological hysterectomies are performed by specialist gynaecological oncologists at university hospitals and cancer centres nationwide.
Key Points
- Minimally invasive (laparoscopic/robotic) approach preferred when feasible
- Ovary conservation recommended in pre-menopausal women without ovarian disease
- Removing ovaries in pre-menopause causes surgical menopause — discuss with surgeon
- Robotic hysterectomy widely available — Korea is a global leader in robotic surgery adoption
- Hospital stay: 1–2 nights (laparoscopic); 2–4 nights (open)
- Return to normal activities: 4–6 weeks (laparoscopic); 6–8 weeks (open)
When to See a Doctor
- Heavy periods not controlled by medical treatment (fibroids, adenomyosis)
- Severe endometriosis with pain unresponsive to medical or conservative surgical treatment
- Gynaecological cancer diagnosis — referral to gynaecological oncology
- Uterine prolapse causing urinary or bowel symptoms
For emergencies in Korea, call 119
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This article is published by DoctorsInKorea.com for educational and informational purposes only. It does not replace a professional clinical evaluation by a licensed healthcare provider. For accurate medical diagnosis and personalised treatment paths, please book an appointment with a licensed KMA physician. For immediate life-threatening medical emergencies in Korea, please call 119.
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Last reviewed: March 1, 2025