Surgery for womb cancer

The main operation for womb cancer is surgery to remove your womb and cervix. This is called a simple or total hysterectomy. Your doctor may also recommend removing your fallopian tubes and ovaries.

Before your operation, you have tests to check your fitness and you meet members of your treatment team

You have a general anaesthetic so you can't feel anything during the operation. This sends you into a deep sleep.

It can take up to a few months to fully recover after your operation. You will need to spend a few days in the hospital and then a few weeks recovering at home.

Possible problems after womb cancer surgery include bladder or bowel problems or swelling called lymphoedema in one or both legs or lower tummy. Other risks include infection, blood clots and bleeding.

Not everyone with advanced womb cancer can have surgery. Your doctor will only recommend surgery if they think that you are fit enough to make a good recovery afterwards.