Hysterectomy for Benign Conditions

Despite the efforts for conservative treatment for several benign entities, hysterectomy is the therapeutic cornerstone. The current chapter presents an overview of the surgical techniques, as these are applied via different surgical approaches: abdominal, vaginal and minimal access. Special emphasis is given to the potential complications encountered during the postoperative period. Several issues of controversy are also discussed and suggestions have been made according to the current guidelines. It is evident that hysterectomy should always be included in a training curriculum with the surgical skill being maintained via a minimum number of procedures performed yearly. Route selection is very important in reducing possible complications. In the same direction, whenever possible, an enhanced patient recovery scheme should be applied.