Emma Barnett reveals she 'had the hysterectomy I never wanted to have'

BBC broadcaster Emma Barnett disclosed she underwent a hysterectomy and surgery for endometriosis just days before her documentary on the condition aired. The 41-year-old returned to Radio 4's Today programme on Wednesday, explaining her absence from the show had been due to hospitalization. She told listeners, "I made a programme on endometriosis on BBC Two and ended up being in hospital for endometriosis. So yes, I've been recuperating, shall we say, from surgery for endometriosis and a hysterectomy to boot."

Barnett published a blog detailing her experience, expressing that it was "totally surreal" to be in hospital on the night her documentary aired in June. She underwent a near five-hour surgery, resulting in extensive endometriosis surgery, a hysterectomy, and a gallbladder removal. Despite her care being "superb" and the doctors being "utterly brilliant," Barnett felt "blind-sided and robbed." She clarified that it was not the path she envisioned for herself, stating, "I had the hysterectomy I never wanted to have."

Endometriosis is a condition where cells similar to the lining of the womb grow in other parts of the body, causing severe pain. One in 10 women suffer from endometriosis, which has no known cure. A hysterectomy, the surgical removal of the uterus, can reduce the risk of recurrence. Barnett suspected she might also have adenomyosis, a condition that can be treated by a hysterectomy, as she had an ultrasound while filming the final scene of her documentary.

The broadcaster expressed hope that the surgery had improved her pain, though she acknowledged the uncertainty and fear of healing from the surgery itself.