Women should be made more aware of the alternatives to hysterectomies, according to a top gynaecologist.

Bradford consultant Peter O'Donovan is urging women with heavy periods to research all the options available before going ahead with the radical surgery.

The plea follows research by the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG), which found that thousands of women have undergone the trauma of unnecessary hysterectomies.

More than half of the operations between 1994 and 1995 could have been avoided in favour of less invasive techniques, said the report.

Mr O'Donovan, who has pioneered new procedures with fellow Bradford Royal Infirmary consultant Sian Jones, said women had to make an informed decision.

"That has to be backed up by careful research," he said.

"It's only by making an informed decision with counselling from their GP that they will be satisfied with the outcome of their treatment."

Heavy periods, known as menorrhagia, affect about 22 per cent of women.

By the age of 55, 20 per cent of women have had a hysterectomy, which carries the potential risk of infection and haemorrhage. Women are required to stay in hospital for a long time and need to convalesce for up to three months.

Alternatives to hysterectomies involve a technique called endometrial ablation, which uses a telescope or balloon inserted into the neck of the womb to destroy the lining.

Patients can be discharged from hospital on the same day and may not even need a general anaesthetic.

Bradford hospitals became the first training centre in the world for the revolutionary treatment and was the first in the north to use microwave technology to burn away the lining of the womb.

Mr O'Donovan, who is the president-elect of the British Society for Gynaecological Endoscopy, said: "Many women with period problems may be treated effectively with medical treatment instead of surgery. Most hospitals in the UK have got a range of new techniques.

"A hysterectomy is still an effective operation, but other options need to be offered which are less invasive and results in less time off work and lower complications.

"In many cases. The woman is the bread winner and can't afford the time off work."

In a bid to educate gynaecologists, GPs and women, he has now edited the first comprehensive guide to the new techniques, including how to counsel patients.

Proceeds from the sale of the book, called Conservative Surgery for Menorrhagia, will be split between the RCOG's education fund and the British Society for Gynaecological Endoscopy's training fund.

He has also collaborated with colleagues to arrange 25 fellowships for gynaecologists to learn more about the new techniques in Hamburg.