Hysterectomy in Thailand

What is Hysterectomy Surgery?

Hysterectomy removes the uterus (womb), and depending on medical necessity may also include removal of the cervix, fallopian tubes, or ovaries. This procedure treats conditions causing chronic pain, excessive bleeding, or life-threatening complications.

The surgery ends menstruation permanently and eliminates pregnancy capability. Women who have not reached menopause will enter menopause immediately if ovaries are removed during surgery (called oophorectomy), though ovary removal is not always necessary and depends on individual medical circumstances.

Hysterectomy treats several conditions. Uterine fibroids are non-cancerous growths causing heavy bleeding, pelvic pressure, and pain. Endometriosis occurs when uterine lining tissue grows outside the uterus, causing severe pelvic pain and potential infertility. Adenomyosis happens when endometrial tissue grows into uterine muscle walls, causing painful, heavy periods. Uterine prolapse occurs when pelvic floor muscles weaken and the uterus drops into the vaginal canal. Endometrial, cervical, or ovarian cancer may require hysterectomy as primary treatment or cancer prevention in high-risk patients. Abnormal uterine bleeding that doesn't respond to medication or other treatments may also require surgical intervention.

Types of Hysterectomy and Surgical Approaches

Types of Hysterectomy

Total Hysterectomy (most common):Removes the entire uterus including the cervix. This is the standard hysterectomy type performed for most conditions including fibroids, endometriosis, and heavy bleeding. Pap smears are no longer needed after total hysterectomy since the cervix is removed.

Cost in Thailand: $3,500-$6,000 depending on surgical approach

Partial/Subtotal Hysterectomy:Removes the upper portion of the uterus while leaving the cervix intact. Less commonly performed today, though some patients prefer preserving the cervix believing it maintains better pelvic support or sexual function. Patients still require regular Pap smears post-surgery.

Cost in Thailand: $3,000-$5,500

Radical Hysterectomy:Removes the entire uterus, cervix, upper portion of vagina, and surrounding tissues and lymph nodes. Performed primarily for cervical or endometrial cancer treatment when cancer has spread beyond the uterus. This extensive surgery requires longer recovery time (8-12 weeks) and carries higher complication risks.

Cost in Thailand: $6,000-$9,000

Hysterectomy with Bilateral Salpingo-Oophorectomy (BSO):Removes uterus, both fallopian tubes, and both ovaries. Performed for ovarian cancer, severe endometriosis affecting ovaries, or as cancer prevention in high-risk patients (BRCA gene carriers). Removing ovaries before natural menopause triggers immediate surgical menopause with potential hot flashes, mood changes, and bone density concerns.

Cost in Thailand: $4,000-$7,500

Surgical Approaches

Abdominal Hysterectomy:Surgeon makes 5-7 inch horizontal or vertical incision across lower abdomen. This traditional approach provides best visibility for complex cases like large fibroids, extensive endometriosis, or cancer staging. Recovery takes 6-8 weeks with larger scar and longer hospital stay (3-5 days).

Advantages: Best for complex cases, allows thorough examination of abdominal cavity, handles large fibroids effectivelyDisadvantages: Longer recovery, larger scar, more post-operative pain, higher infection risk

Cost in Thailand: $3,000-$5,000

Vaginal Hysterectomy:Uterus removed through vaginal incision, leaving no visible external scars. Faster recovery (3-5 weeks) and less pain than abdominal approach. Only suitable when uterus is not significantly enlarged and no extensive pelvic adhesions present. Cannot examine abdominal cavity or address endometriosis outside uterus.

Advantages: No external scars, faster recovery, less pain, shorter hospital stay (1-2 days)Disadvantages: Not suitable for large uteri or when examining other pelvic organs needed

Cost in Thailand: $3,500-$5,500

Laparoscopic Hysterectomy:Minimally invasive approach using 3-4 small (0.5-1cm) incisions. Surgeon uses laparoscope (camera) and specialized instruments to remove uterus through small incisions or vagina. Recovery takes 2-4 weeks with minimal scarring. Allows examination and treatment of endometriosis or adhesions throughout pelvis.

This approach combines benefits of minimal scarring with ability to address complex pelvic conditions. Most suitable for moderately sized uteri and patients wanting faster return to normal activities.

Advantages: Small scars, faster recovery than abdominal, ability to treat endometriosis, reduced blood lossDisadvantages: Longer surgery time than abdominal, requires specialized surgical skill

Cost in Thailand: $4,500-$6,500

Robotic-Assisted Hysterectomy:Uses da Vinci robotic surgical system providing surgeon with enhanced 3D visualization and precise instrument control. Particularly beneficial for complex cases requiring detailed dissection around bladder, ureters, or blood vessels. Recovery similar to laparoscopic (2-4 weeks) but with even greater precision for challenging anatomy.

Hospitals like Bumrungrad and MedPark in Bangkok offer robotic surgery for patients with prior pelvic surgeries, severe endometriosis, or anatomical challenges.

Advantages: Maximum precision, excellent for complex cases, reduced surgeon fatigue allowing better outcomesDisadvantages: Higher cost, longer surgery time, requires specialized equipment

Cost in Thailand: $6,000-$8,000

Bangkok Hospitals for Hysterectomy Surgery

Bumrungrad International Hospital

Bumrungrad International Hospital operates Southeast Asia's largest private hospital Women's Center with 60+ Ob/Gyn specialists. The hospital performs thousands of gynecological surgeries annually including hysterectomies using all surgical approaches from traditional abdominal to advanced robotic-assisted techniques.

Hysterectomy Capabilities:

• All hysterectomy types and surgical approaches
• da Vinci robotic surgery system for complex cases
• 24-hour operating rooms for urgent cases
• Dedicated gynecologic oncology team for cancer cases
• English-speaking nursing staff in Women's Center

Pricing: Contact Konkai for current pricing quotes from Bumrungrad. As a premium international hospital with central Bangkok location and extensive patient services, pricing typically reflects these additional amenities.

Patient Profile: International patients seeking premium facilities, patients with complex medical histories, those preferring robotic-assisted surgery

MedPark Hospital

MedPark Hospital opened in 2020 as state-of-the-art facility with 550 beds and advanced surgical technology. The Women's Health Center uses latest equipment including robotic surgery systems.

Hysterectomy Capabilities:

• All hysterectomy types with focus on minimally invasive approaches
• da Vinci Xi robotic surgery system (latest generation)
• Single-incision laparoscopic surgery for minimal scarring
• Modern recovery rooms with family accommodation
• Integrated pre-operative imaging and lab testing

Pricing: Contact Konkai for current MedPark pricing quotes and package details.

Patient Profile: Patients wanting newest surgical technology, those seeking modern hospital environment, patients interested in single-incision techniques

Surgery Timeline and Recovery Process

Pre-Surgery Timeline

Weeks 1-2 (Pre-Arrival): Contact Konkai Health to receive hospital options, pricing quotes, and surgical date availability. Most hospitals schedule consultations within 3-5 days of inquiry and surgery within 2-3 weeks. Earlier surgical dates possible for urgent medical cases or cancer treatment.

Submit medical records including recent Pap smear results (if cervix intact), pelvic ultrasound imaging, blood work results, and medication lists. Hospitals review records to confirm surgical candidacy and identify any pre-operative requirements.

Book flights and accommodation near chosen hospital. Konkai provides hotel recommendations within 5-10 minutes of hospital facilities.

Day 1-2 (Arrival in Bangkok):Comprehensive gynecological consultation including pelvic examination, discussion of surgical approach options, anesthesia consultation, and pre-operative instructions. Blood tests, EKG, chest X-ray completed same day if not provided in advance.

Surgeon explains surgical technique details, expected hospital stay duration, recovery timeline, and potential complications specific to your medical history. This is opportunity to ask questions about ovary preservation, hormone replacement therapy needs, and sexual function post-surgery.

Day 3 (Surgery Day):Arrive hospital 2-3 hours before scheduled surgery time for pre-operative preparation. IV line placed, anesthesia team reviews plan, nursing staff prepares surgical site.

Surgery duration: 1-2 hours for straightforward abdominal or vaginal hysterectomy, 2-3 hours for laparoscopic or robotic approaches, 3-4 hours for radical hysterectomy with lymph node removal.

Hospital Recovery (Days 4-7)

Abdominal Hysterectomy: Hospital stay 3-5 days. Patients begin walking short distances day after surgery to prevent blood clots. Pain managed with oral medications. Abdominal incision checked daily for infection signs. Diet advances from liquids to solid foods as bowel function returns (typically 2-3 days post-surgery).

Vaginal/Laparoscopic/Robotic Hysterectomy: Hospital stay 1-2 days. Less pain than abdominal approach allows faster mobilization. Patients often discharged day after surgery if pain well-controlled, urinating normally, and tolerating food.

Physical therapist provides guidance on safe movement patterns, proper lifting technique (no lifting >5kg for 6 weeks), and pelvic floor exercises to prevent prolapse. Nursing staff teaches incision care, warning signs of infection (fever, increased pain, redness, discharge), and medication schedules.

You will be discharged if you meet the criteria including stable vital signs, adequate pain control with oral medications, ability to urinate, tolerance of solid foods, and understanding of home care instructions.

Hotel Recovery (Days 8-14)

Patients stay in Bangkok 10-14 days total for follow-up appointments and initial recovery monitoring before international travel. This period crucial for identifying complications like infections, blood clots, or internal bleeding while still having immediate hospital access.

Days 8-10: First follow-up appointment includes incision check, pelvic examination (for vaginal hysterectomy), blood work, and review of recovery progress. Surgeon confirms healing appropriate for stage and provides clearance for increased activity levels.

Days 11-14: Final follow-up before international travel. Surgeon removes any remaining sutures (most dissolve on own), performs final pelvic exam, reviews long-term recovery expectations, and provides medical documentation for home healthcare providers. Clearance given for air travel with advice on movement during flight (walk every 1-2 hours, compression stockings recommended).

The Costs of the Procedure

While the costs can vary depending on individual circumstances, hysterectomy surgery in Thailand is typically more affordable than in many Western countries. This cost-effectiveness, combined with the high standard of care, makes Thailand an appealing destination for this procedure.

The cost for a hysterectomy surgery in Thailand typically ranges from approximately USD 3,000 to USD 6,000.

The total cost can vary depending on several factors, including the complexity of the surgery and the specifics of your medical condition. Typically, the cost will cover the surgeon's fee, hospital stay, anesthesia, and other related medical services.