A hysterectomy is surgery to remove the uterus and is one of the most common gynecologic procedures performed in the United States. It may be recommended to treat conditions such as abnormal uterine bleeding, fibroids, adenomyosis, endometriosis, chronic pelvic pain, pelvic organ prolapse, precancerous conditions, or gynecologic cancers.
A hysterectomy can be performed through several different surgical approaches, including vaginal, laparoscopic, robotic-assisted, or abdominal surgery. The best approach depends on your medical history, the reason for surgery, and your individual anatomy.
The resources below provide information about hysterectomy, surgical approaches, recovery, and common questions before and after surgery.
A hysterectomy removes the uterus, meaning you will no longer have menstrual periods or be able to become pregnant. Depending on the reason for surgery, your cervix, fallopian tubes, and ovaries may or may not be removed at the same time. Your surgeon will discuss which procedure is most appropriate for your individual situation.
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Several different procedures may be performed during a hysterectomy. Your surgeon will discuss which procedures are recommended based on your medical condition, anatomy, and personal preferences.
Total Hysterectomy
Removal of the uterus and cervix. This is the most common type of hysterectomy performed.
Supracervical (Partial) Hysterectomy
Removal of the uterus while leaving the cervix in place. Many patients refer to this as a "partial hysterectomy." This approach is less commonly performed and is typically reserved for select situations based on anatomy or other surgical considerations.
Bilateral Salpingectomy
Removal of both fallopian tubes. This is commonly performed at the time of hysterectomy because it has been shown to reduce the future risk of ovarian cancer without causing menopause.
Oophorectomy
Removal of one or both ovaries. Ovaries are removed only when medically indicated or after a discussion of the potential benefits and risks. Removing both ovaries results in immediate (surgical) menopause.
Cystoscopy
A brief procedure in which a small camera is inserted into the bladder at the end of surgery to examine the bladder and confirm that urine is flowing normally from both ureters (the tubes connecting the kidneys to the bladder). This is commonly performed during many minimally invasive hysterectomies to help ensure there has been no injury to the urinary tract.
Hysterectomies may be performed vaginally, laparoscopically, robotically, or through an abdominal incision. Whenever appropriate, minimally invasive approaches are generally associated with less pain, smaller incisions, shorter hospital stays, and faster recovery.
Many ovarian cancers are now thought to originate in the fallopian tubes. As a result, removal of the fallopian tubes (salpingectomy) at the time of hysterectomy or other pelvic surgery may reduce the future risk of ovarian cancer without causing menopause. This has become a common preventive strategy for women who have completed childbearing.