Hysterectomy which means the surgical removal of the uterus is one of the most common operations performed in Western countries: by the age of 55 around one woman in five in Britain may expect to have lost her uterus. Hysterectomy is different from other major operations because it often involves the removal of healthy organs. In general hysterectomy is a very effective form of treatment and most women who have the operation are satisfied with the results. Problems and regrets are most likely to arise if the operation has been done for the wrong reason if the woman has uncertainties about it beforehand.Dr Christine West: Dr West is a Consultant Obstetrician and Gynecologist at the Edinburgh Royal Infirmary NHS Trust. She is a part-time Senior Lecturer in Obstetrics & Gynaecology at the University of Edinburgh and has published many articles on problems relating to the menstruar cycle.Dr. Tony Smith: Family Doctor Publications' Medical Editor-in-Chief was for many years Deputy Editor of the British Medical Journal and continues to work as an Associate Editor. He is the Medical Editor of both the Complete Family Health Encyclopaedia and the Family Home Adviser.We regret the author(s) are unable to enter into correspondence with readers.The British Medical Association (BMA): The British Medical Association is the professional body that looks after doctors' interests speaks on their behalf and keeps their scientific knowledge up to date through meetings and publications.