Procedures
Hysterectomy
About 300,000 women get hysterectomies in the United States each year. It’s the second most common surgery performed among women (after Cesarean section).
Definition
Hysterectomy is surgery to remove the uterus. It is a very common type of surgery for women in the United States. Removing your uterus means that you can no longer get pregnant.
Why is a Hysterectomy Performed?
Hysterectomy is used to treat many women’s health conditions. Some of these conditions include:
- uterine fibroids (this is the most common reason for hysterectomy)
- endometriosis
- pelvic support problems (such as uterine prolapse)
- abnormal uterine bleeding
- chronic pelvic pain
- gynecologic cancer
A hysterectomy can be done in different ways: through the vagina, through the abdomen, or with laparoscopy. The choice will depend on why you are having the surgery and other factors. Sometimes, the decision is made after the surgery begins and the surgeon is able to see whether there are other problems.
What are the different types of Hysterectomy?
A hysterectomy can be done in different ways: through the vagina, through the abdomen, or with laparoscopy. The choice will depend on why you are having the surgery and other factors. Sometimes, the decision is made after the surgery begins and the surgeon is able to see whether there are other problems.
Total Hysterectomy
A total hysterectomy removes all of the uterus, including the cervix. The ovaries and the fallopian tubes may or may not be removed. This is the most common type of hysterectomy.
Partial Hysterectomy
A partial, also called subtotal or supracervical, hysterectomy removes just the upper part of the uterus. The cervix is left in place. The ovaries may or may not be removed.
Radical Hysterectomy
A radical hysterectomy removes all of the uterus, cervix, the tissue on both sides of the cervix, and the upper part of the vagina. A radical hysterectomy is most often used to treat certain types of cancer, such as cervical cancer. The fallopian tubes and the ovaries may or may not be removed.
Additional Resources
Learn more from the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists
