Uzm. Dr. Ertan Özen
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- 36+years exp.
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Gynaecological Surgery
Laparoscopic hysterectomy
What a laparoscopic hysterectomy is, how the womb is removed through small cuts, which types exist (total, subtotal, with or without ovaries), how it compares with open, vaginal and robotic surgery, who is a good candidate, approximate costs in Turkey against the UK, US and Germany, recovery milestones, risks and how to choose a surgeon.
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Prof. Dr. Zehra Neşe Kavak
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Laparoscopic hysterectomy in Turkey: what it is and how it works
Laparoscopic hysterectomy is the removal of the womb (uterus) through several small cuts in the abdomen, using a thin camera and fine instruments, rather than through one large abdominal incision. The surgeon inflates the abdomen with carbon dioxide gas to create working space, watches the operation on a screen, and separates the womb from its blood supply, ligaments and the top of the vagina. The womb is then taken out through the vagina or cut into small pieces and removed through a small port. Gynaecology departments in Turkey carry out it routinely for fibroids, heavy bleeding, endometriosis, adenomyosis, precancerous changes and some prolapse.
A hysterectomy is permanent: periods stop and pregnancy is no longer possible. This guide explains the types, who suits keyhole surgery, how the operation goes, how it compares with other routes, what it costs in Turkey against the UK, US and Germany, and what recovery looks like. For the wider range of women’s health procedures see our gynecology treatments in Turkey.
Which type of hysterectomy: total, subtotal, with or without ovaries?
The word describes what is removed, and it is worth being clear before surgery. In a total hysterectomy, the womb and the cervix are removed; in a subtotal (supracervical) operation the cervix is left in place. In either case the ovaries and fallopian tubes may be kept or taken out; removing both ovaries before the menopause causes an immediate surgical menopause, so this decision needs careful discussion. A hysterectomy for cancer or a high cancer risk is a different and larger operation and should be done by a gynaecological oncologist. If your cervix is left in place, you still need cervical screening. Your surgeon should state in writing exactly what is planned and why.
Who is a good candidate for laparoscopic hysterectomy?
Keyhole surgery suits women who need a hysterectomy for a benign condition and whose womb is not too large to work with: fibroids that cause heavy bleeding or pressure, adenomyosis, endometriosis, persistent abnormal bleeding that has not responded to other treatment, and some cases of prolapse. It is less suitable for a very large womb or fibroids, extensive scarring from earlier operations, some heart or lung conditions that make a long period of gas inflation unsafe, and when cancer is suspected and must be removed in one piece. If you still wish to have children, discuss alternatives such as fibroid removal or laparoscopic myomectomy, which keep the womb.
How is a laparoscopic hysterectomy done, step by step?
The operation is under general anaesthesia and takes about one to three hours. Three to five cuts of 5 to 12 mm are made, one near the navel for the camera. The surgeon divides the ligaments that hold the womb, seals the blood vessels with energy devices or clips, frees the bladder from the front of the womb and cuts around the cervix at the top of the vagina. The womb is removed, and the top of the vagina is closed with stitches, either from the abdomen or the vagina. The cuts are closed with small stitches or glue. A catheter stays for a few hours. Most hospitals keep patients one to two nights.
Laparoscopic, open, vaginal or robotic hysterectomy?
| Route | Best suited to | Typical limits |
|---|---|---|
| Laparoscopic hysterectomy | Benign disease, moderate womb size, need to treat other pelvic problems | Needs trained surgeon; long surgery if womb is very large |
| Vaginal hysterectomy | Prolapse or small womb with good access, no abdominal cuts | Limited view of the pelvis and ovaries |
| Abdominal (open) hysterectomy | Very large womb, extensive scarring or cancer | Longer stay and recovery; larger scar |
| Robotic hysterectomy | Complex or difficult cases with keyhole route | Higher cost; benefit over standard keyhole is limited |
NICE and the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists recommend, where it is suitable, a vaginal or keyhole route over an open operation because of faster recovery and fewer wound problems. For the robotic route see robotic hysterectomy, and for an overview of the operation see our general hysterectomy guide.
Laparoscopic hysterectomy cost in Turkey compared with the UK, US and Germany
The figures below are approximate ranges for the operation with the hospital stay, not hospital quotes. They depend on the type of hysterectomy, whether the ovaries are also removed, the length of stay, the size of the womb and whether robotic equipment is used.
| Country | Approximate cost range |
|---|---|
| Turkey | €3,000 – €8,000 |
| United Kingdom | €6,500 – €14,000 |
| United States | €15,000 – €40,000 |
| Germany | €5,500 – €12,000 |
A package normally includes the consultation and pelvic scan, the operation, the anaesthetist, one to three hospital nights, pathology of the removed tissue, medication, a follow-up visit before you fly and transfers. Ask whether treatment of extra findings such as endometriosis is covered, and whether the fee changes if the operation has to be converted to an open one.
Laparoscopic hysterectomy recovery: stay, weeks and flying home
You are encouraged to get up and walk within hours, and most women leave hospital after one to two nights. Shoulder-tip pain from the gas, bloating, light bleeding for a few weeks and tiredness are common. Plan to stay in Turkey about five to seven nights so that the wound, bleeding and pain are checked before the flight; flying is usually allowed after about a week if you feel well, and you should walk regularly and drink water on the flight. Many women return to desk work after two to three weeks, and to full activity after four to six. Heavy lifting, intercourse and swimming are normally avoided for six to eight weeks until the vaginal vault has healed. Keep a close eye on bleeding, fever and calf pain.
Laparoscopic hysterectomy results: what to expect, and what changes
For most women with heavy bleeding or fibroid pain, the symptoms stop at once, and satisfaction is high. There is no cosmetic before and after to see beyond a few tiny scars that fade over months. Periods stop. If the ovaries are kept, hormones normally carry on working, though the menopause can come a little earlier in some women; if both ovaries are removed, menopausal symptoms start straight away and hormone replacement is considered. Sex usually feels unchanged or improved once pain has gone, though some women notice differences, and the vaginal vault needs time to heal. A hysterectomy does not by itself cause weight gain, but the recovery period may reduce activity. Be wary of any clinic that tells you there will be no changes at all.
Risks and complications of laparoscopic hysterectomy
Every operation carries risks. Common problems are pain, bruising, bloating and a short period of bleeding. Less common risks are infection, bleeding that needs transfusion, injury to the bladder, ureter or bowel (which may need immediate or later repair), blood clots in the leg or lung, a wound hernia and, in a small number of women, vaginal vault problems, early menopause or pelvic floor changes. Occasionally the surgeon must convert to an open operation for safety. The NHS and the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists explain that serious complications are uncommon but that you should know the signs: fever, heavy bleeding, severe pain, trouble passing urine or a swollen, painful leg.
How to choose a surgeon and hospital, and red flags
Look for a gynaecologist who performs laparoscopic hysterectomy regularly, in a licensed hospital with an anaesthetist, blood bank and intensive care. You should receive a clear statement of what will be removed, an explanation of alternatives to hysterectomy and the chance of conversion to an open operation. Red flags are a recommendation for removal of the ovaries without a clear reason, no pelvic scan or examination, quoting a price before hearing about your condition, guarantees of no complications and no plan for follow-up at home. Read how our process works and share your scans through the free quote page for a written plan and price.
Questions to ask the clinic:
- Which exactly will be removed: the cervix, ovaries, fallopian tubes?
- Is keyhole surgery suitable for my womb size, or might it be converted to open surgery?
- How many laparoscopic hysterectomies do you perform each year?
- How many nights will I stay, and what does the price include?
- Who will check my scars, bleeding and test results after I return home?
Hospitals with Gynaecology in Turkey
Frequently asked questions
Laparoscopic hysterectomy is the removal of the womb through several small cuts in the abdomen, using a camera and fine instruments. It is used for benign conditions such as fibroids, adenomyosis, endometriosis and heavy bleeding.
Approximate ranges are €3,000 to €8,000 in Turkey, against about €6,500 to €14,000 in the UK. The price depends on the type of hysterectomy, the ovaries and the stay; the hospital confirms it in a written quote.
Most women leave hospital after one to two nights and return to desk work in two to three weeks. Full activity usually takes four to six weeks, and lifting and intercourse are avoided for six to eight weeks.
You are under general anaesthesia. Afterwards there is soreness around the small cuts, shoulder-tip pain from the gas and bloating, usually controlled with painkillers and easing over a week or two.
Keyhole surgery usually means smaller scars, less pain, a shorter stay and faster recovery than an open operation. Open surgery is kept for a very large womb, extensive scarring or suspected cancer.
Periods stop after any hysterectomy, but menopause only starts at once if both ovaries are removed. If the ovaries are kept they usually keep working, though menopause may come slightly earlier.
Risks include infection, bleeding, injury to the bladder, ureter or bowel, blood clots and, rarely, a need to convert to open surgery. Serious complications are uncommon, and your surgeon should explain the signs to watch for.
No. The womb is removed, so pregnancy is no longer possible. If you still want children, ask about alternatives such as myomectomy before agreeing to surgery.
Both are keyhole routes. Robotic surgery uses a surgeon-controlled console that can help in complex cases, but it costs more, and its benefit over standard laparoscopy is limited for many patients.
About five to seven nights is usual: one to two in hospital, then nearby so the surgeon can check the wounds and bleeding before you fly. Combined or complex operations may need longer.
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