Cervical smears after a hysterectomy

[talkhealth]

Please can you tell me if I'm correct in assuming that I don't need cervical smears due to having had a total hysterectomy ? I did ask a doctor once but he didn't even know. He said he would have to check my notes and then would let me know, but he never did.

Thank you, Susan

[Heather Currie]

A total hysterectomy involves removal of the womb and cervix so if this was the procedure then no further smears would be required. Occasionally, if there have been changes found in the cervix from the hysterectomy specimen, then a smear from the top of the vagina is recommended, but I'm sure you would have been told if that was the case.