Hi. Thanks for a nice question and appreciation towards the newer techniques. There is a great, huge difference in abdominal hysterectomy 30 years ago and now . I hope you had a radical hysterectomy by Laparoscopy or Robotic technique. In Hysterectomy the uterus and the ovaries are removed. Side Effects: Due to surgical trauma- pain, bleeding, infection. Due to anesthesia: backache and headache if spinal anesthesia was given. IN general anesthesia, vomiting, late coming out of anesthesia, giddiness due to drug-effects ; all are reversible and negligible now-a-days. The difference has been possible due to various reason: *Better anesthesia *Better techniques- now Laparoscopy and Robotic surgery has made it possible to have very small incisions in millimeters and the recovery is fast. Patient can walk on the same day or the nest day and goes home on 2nd or 3 rd day. * These techniques also are almost bloodless. The blood loss is very minimal * least tissue trauma, so fast recovery , almost no post-operative pain. * better Medicines for pain management, better antibiotics. *Training = Due to the advent of internet, the world is one, A Doctor can get training sitting at his home / hospital. He can attend seminars and workshops all over the world and learn the most advanced techniques. A new breed of Surgeons s always ready to teach everyone who is interest. * Patients understanding is equally important. Today s patients know a lot more, she/he understands more and co-operates more. Increases faith has a direct benefit on early healing of any problem.