For patients in South Africa

Hysterectomy in Turkey from South Africa: a plain guide

A hysterectomy is an operation to remove the uterus. Depending on the reason, the cervix, ovaries or fallopian tubes may be removed as well. It is a major, permanent operation: periods stop and pregnancy is no longer possible. This page explains the options, recovery, and what South African patients need to arrange before travelling to İzmir. It is part of our women’s health and gynaecology guide.

Why a hysterectomy may be recommended

It is usually considered after other treatments have been tried or ruled out, for conditions such as:

• Fibroids causing symptoms
• Abnormal or heavy bleeding
• Endometriosis or adenomyosis
• Uterine prolapse
• Long-standing pelvic pain
• Gynaecological cancers

Because it ends fertility, the decision deserves more thought than most. For several conditions, less drastic options such as fibroid removal or endometriosis surgery are worth discussing first. Where cancer is involved, treatment must be planned together with your oncology team at home, not instead of it.

Types and approaches

• Total: the uterus and cervix are removed; one of the most common types
• Partial (subtotal): the upper uterus is removed and the cervix left in place
• Radical: the uterus, cervix, surrounding tissue and part of the vagina, used in some cancer treatment
• With salpingo-oophorectomy: the ovaries and fallopian tubes are removed too, depending on the diagnosis

The operation can be done through a cut in the lower abdomen, through the vagina with no outer cut, or by keyhole surgery with a camera, sometimes robot-assisted. The surgeon chooses the approach from your diagnosis and health, and will explain which applies to you.

Preparation and recovery

Before surgery you will have a history review, pelvic examination, blood tests and ultrasound or MRI. You may be asked to stop medicines that increase bleeding and to stop smoking.

Afterwards, tummy discomfort, tiredness and some swelling are normal. Avoid heavy lifting for several weeks and build up activity gradually. If the ovaries are removed, menopause may start and your hormone balance will change, so ask how that will be managed at home.

Risks

Hysterectomy is widely performed, but it carries real risks: infection, bleeding, injury to nearby organs, blood clots, slow wound healing, and hormonal changes if the ovaries are removed.

Planning the trip from South Africa

• Flights: direct flights from Johannesburg and Cape Town to Istanbul take around ten hours, followed by a short domestic flight to İzmir
• Visa: South Africans apply for an e-Visa online before travelling
• Time difference: İzmir is one hour ahead of South Africa, so video follow-ups fit easily into a working day
• Blood clots: long flights after major surgery add to clot risk, so ask the surgeon when it is safe to fly and what precautions to take on the journey
• Continuity of care: before you book, decide which doctor in South Africa will see you if you need an examination, and bring your scans and reports
• Take home: your operation notes and the pathology report from the removed tissue, for your GP or gynaecologist
• Fitness to fly: the surgeon decides when you are fit for the long flight home, so book a return ticket you can change
• Cover: South African medical schemes generally do not cover elective treatment abroad, so ask your scheme in writing before you book; standard travel insurance usually excludes planned treatment abroad

Guarantee and follow-up

Follow-up continues by message and video call after you return. Surgical treatments are covered by our treatment guarantee for one year from the date of treatment. It covers medical complications arising from the treatment and any revision the treating team judges clinically necessary; that treatment is carried out in İzmir at no charge, while flights and accommodation remain your own responsibility. It is not a promise of a particular result. Facts about the clinic and surgeons are on the clinic facts page, and if something goes wrong you can use our complaints process. The original treatment page is hysterectomy surgery.

What we will not do

We will not book a hysterectomy before a specialist has reviewed your records, suggest it when a less drastic option suits you, or let your flight date decide when you leave hospital.

Frequently asked questions

Can I get pregnant after a hysterectomy?

No. Once the uterus has been removed, pregnancy is not possible and periods stop.

Will a hysterectomy cause menopause?

It can if the ovaries are removed at the same time. If they are kept, menopause is not triggered by the operation itself. Ask how hormonal changes would be managed at home.

Is keyhole hysterectomy possible?

Often, yes. Many hysterectomies are done laparoscopically or with robotic assistance when suitable, which generally means a shorter hospital stay than open surgery.

How long is recovery?

It depends on the approach, but full recovery takes several weeks. Avoid heavy lifting during that time and return to normal activity gradually.

When can I fly home to South Africa?

The surgeon decides, based on how you are recovering. Ask about blood clot precautions for the long flight and book a return ticket you can change.

Start with a free online consultation. Planning the trip? Read the guide for South African patients and the e-Visa guide.