Hysterectomy in Turkey: what it is and what is removed
A hysterectomy is an operation to remove the womb (uterus). After it, periods stop and pregnancy is no longer possible. Depending on the reason, the surgeon may also remove the cervix, the fallopian tubes and the ovaries. It is one of the most common gynaecological operations worldwide and is performed for conditions such as fibroids, heavy or painful periods, adenomyosis, endometriosis, uterine prolapse and, in some cases, cancer of the womb, cervix or ovary. This guide explains the types, the alternatives, the cost in Turkey compared with the UK, US and Germany, and the recovery.
More specific techniques are covered in our guides to laparoscopic hysterectomy and robotic hysterectomy; the whole field is listed in the gynecology treatments in Turkey hub.
Hysterectomy in Turkey: how it works
- 1Send your photos and questions
Free and without obligation: tell us what you want to change and send a few photos — by form or WhatsApp.
- 2Get a written plan and price
A surgeon reviews your case and you receive a personal plan with the price, usually within 24 hours. Compare hospitals; nothing is paid in advance.
- 3Travel, surgery and aftercare
Airport pick-up, examination, surgery and check-ups in Istanbul, then follow-up with your surgeon after you fly home.
- Within about 2 hours
A coordinator replies in your language by WhatsApp or e-mail.
- Within 24 hours
A surgeon reviews your photos and you receive a written plan with the surgeon's name and the price.
- You decide
Ask anything and take your time — nothing is paid in advance.
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Why is a hysterectomy done, and when is it the right choice?
The operation is advised when the womb is the cause of a problem that has not responded to other treatment or cannot be treated otherwise. The most common reasons are large or symptomatic fibroids, persistent heavy bleeding, painful periods or pelvic pain from adenomyosis or endometriosis, prolapse of the womb, and cancer or precancerous change. For benign conditions the NHS and the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists advise trying less invasive options first, and hysterectomy is then a considered, personal decision. It is final: if you may want children, discuss alternatives before surgery.
Total, subtotal, with ovaries, radical: which type of hysterectomy?
A total hysterectomy removes the womb and cervix and is the usual choice because it also removes the cervix, where cervical cancer begins. A subtotal (supracervical) hysterectomy leaves the cervix in place and may suit some women, but a cervical screening test is still needed. Removing the tubes (salpingectomy) is common because it lowers ovarian cancer risk. Removing the ovaries too (oophorectomy) causes immediate menopause if you are premenopausal; see our guide to oophorectomy. A radical hysterectomy, with surrounding tissue and often lymph nodes, is for cancer.
Vaginal, keyhole, robotic or open: which surgical route?
The route depends on the size of the womb, scarring, previous operations and the reason for surgery. Guidance from professional bodies favours a vaginal or laparoscopic (keyhole) route whenever possible because recovery is faster than after open surgery.
| Route | Best suited to | Typical limits |
|---|---|---|
| Vaginal | Prolapse; mobile, smaller womb | Difficult with a large womb or heavy scarring |
| Laparoscopic (keyhole) | Most benign conditions | Needs experienced surgeon; longer operation than open in some cases |
| Robotic-assisted | Complex or obese cases, endometriosis | Higher cost; benefit over laparoscopy not proven for most |
| Open abdominal | Very large womb, some cancers | Larger scar, longer stay, slower recovery |
What are the alternatives to a hysterectomy?
Several treatments keep the womb. For heavy bleeding, a hormone-releasing coil, tablets or endometrial ablation may be tried. For fibroids the options include removing only the fibroids with fibroid removal, uterine artery embolisation or focused ultrasound. For prolapse a pessary or a supportive repair may be offered. These preserve fertility to different degrees and may not last as long as a hysterectomy. A good surgeon will ask what you have already tried and lay out these options so that you can compare benefits, risks and the chance of needing another operation.
How is a hysterectomy done, step by step?
You are admitted, have a final check with the surgeon and anaesthetist and usually receive general anaesthesia; spinal anaesthesia is sometimes used for vaginal surgery. The surgeon frees the womb from its supports and blood vessels, separates it from the vagina and removes it through the vagina or through an incision, then closes the top of the vagina with dissolving stitches. If tubes or ovaries are removed, that is done at the same time. Operating time is about one to three hours. You wake in recovery, usually with a drip and sometimes a catheter, and begin walking the same or the next day. Tissue is sent to the laboratory for examination.
Hysterectomy cost in Turkey compared with the UK, US and Germany
The ranges are approximate per operation, not hospital quotes, and assume a stay of two to four nights.
| Country | Approximate cost range |
|---|---|
| Turkey | €3,500 – €9,000 |
| United Kingdom | €6,000 – €14,000 |
| United States | €12,000 – €35,000 |
| Germany | €5,500 – €13,000 |
The price varies with the surgical route (vaginal is usually cheapest, robotic costs most), whether ovaries and tubes are removed, the length of the stay, the type of room and the tests needed. A written quote should list consultations and scans, the surgeon and anaesthetist, theatre and hospital stay, medication, laboratory examination of the tissue and the follow-up. Ask what happens to the price if the surgeon has to change the route during the operation.
Who is and is not a good candidate?
A hysterectomy suits women who have finished having children, have a confirmed condition that justifies it and have understood the alternatives. It is not suitable as a first-line treatment for most women with mild symptoms, nor for those who want future pregnancies. Surgery may need to wait if you have an untreated infection, uncontrolled anaemia, severe heart or lung disease or take blood thinners. If cancer is suspected, an oncology team should plan the operation, since the extent of surgery differs. A pregnancy test, a cervical screening result and recent imaging are usually requested before the operation.
How long is the trip, and what are recovery and life afterwards like?
Plan five to nine nights in Turkey, depending on the route: a keyhole or vaginal operation often needs a hospital stay of one to three nights, an open operation three to five. You are encouraged to walk the day after surgery and to wear compression stockings or take blood thinners to prevent clots. Recovery after keyhole surgery is about two to four weeks before desk work; after an open operation four to six weeks or more. Avoid lifting and strenuous exercise for six weeks, and avoid sex, baths and tampons for about six to eight weeks until the vaginal wound has healed. Light spotting for some weeks is normal. Report fever, heavy bleeding or severe pain at once.
Life afterwards: Periods stop and the symptoms that caused the operation usually improve, but ovaries that remain continue to produce hormones, so menopause comes at the usual time. If both ovaries are removed before menopause, symptoms such as hot flushes begin quickly, and hormone replacement therapy may be discussed. Most women resume normal sex after healing, and many report improved quality of life, but some have changes in desire or pelvic floor symptoms. Continue cervical screening only if the cervix was kept. Ask for the written operation note and the laboratory report in English for your own doctor.
What are the risks of a hysterectomy?
Common effects are pain, bruising, tiredness and constipation. Risks include bleeding, infection, blood clots, injury to the bladder, ureters or bowel, breakdown of the vaginal wound, problems with the anaesthetic and, in some women, changes in bladder function or early menopause. Rarely the surgeon changes from keyhole to open surgery for safety. Surgical menopause and the loss of fertility are permanent. The FDA has issued a warning about power morcellation of the womb because it can spread an unsuspected cancer, so ask how the womb will be taken out. Choose a surgeon with experience of your type of operation.
How do you choose a surgeon and hospital for a hysterectomy?
Look for a gynaecologist registered in Turkey, a licensed hospital with an anaesthetist, intensive care and pathology, and a written plan and price before you pay a deposit. Red flags include advice for a hysterectomy without discussing alternatives, a quote with no itemised price, and promises that no complications will occur. Read how our process works and use the free quote page to send your reports.
- Is a hysterectomy the only sensible option for me, and what are the alternatives?
- Which route will you use, and what is the chance of changing it?
- Will my cervix, tubes or ovaries be removed, and why?
- How many of these operations do you perform, and how long will I stay?
- What is included in the price, and who follows me up at home?
Frequently asked questions
A hysterectomy is surgery to remove the womb. After it, periods stop and pregnancy is not possible. The cervix, tubes and ovaries may also be removed, depending on the reason and your age.
Common reasons include large fibroids, heavy bleeding, adenomyosis, endometriosis, prolapse and some cancers. For benign problems it is usually considered after less invasive treatments have failed or are unsuitable.
Approximate ranges are €3,500 to €9,000 in Turkey and about €6,000 to €14,000 in the UK. The price depends on the route, whether ovaries are removed, the stay and the room; ask for a written quote.
Total removes the womb and cervix, subtotal leaves the cervix, and radical removes extra tissue for cancer. Ovaries and tubes may be removed too. The route can be vaginal, keyhole, robotic or open.
After keyhole or vaginal surgery many women return to desk work in two to four weeks; after an open operation it takes four to six weeks or longer. Heavy lifting and sex wait about six to eight weeks.
Not by itself if the ovaries stay, though menopause may come slightly earlier. If both ovaries are removed before menopause, symptoms begin immediately and hormone replacement may be discussed.
You are asleep during the operation. Afterwards there is soreness that is usually controlled with painkillers, and it eases over a few days for keyhole surgery and a couple of weeks for open surgery.
Yes: hormonal coils or tablets, endometrial ablation, fibroid removal, uterine artery embolisation and prolapse supports. They keep the womb but may not give permanent relief.
It is a common operation with a low rate of serious complications in experienced hands. Bleeding, infection, clots and injury to nearby organs are possible, so a licensed hospital and an experienced team matter.
Five to nine nights is usual, depending on whether the operation is keyhole, vaginal or open. This allows hospital care and a check of your wounds and blood count before you fly.