In this Article

• What is a hysterectomy?
• How common is hysterectomy?
• Why is a hysterectomy performed?
• What tests or treatments are performed prior to a hysterectomy?
• How is a hysterectomy performed?
• What are the types of hysterectomies
• Total abdominal hysterectomy
• Vaginal hysterectomy
• Laparoscopy-assisted vaginal hysterectomy
• Supracervical hysterectomy
• Laparoscopic supra cervical hysterectomy
• Radical hysterectomy
• Oophorectomy and salpingo-oophorectomy (removal of the ovaries and/or Fallopian tubes)
• What are complications of a hysterectomy?
• What are the alternatives to a hysterectomy?
• Should women who have had a hysterectomy continue to have PAP smears?
• Patient Discussions: Hysterectomy - Describe Your Experience
• Hysterectomy Index

Laparoscopic supra cervical hysterectomy

The laparoscopic supra cervical hysterectomy procedure is performed like the LAVH procedure, although usually cautery is used to cut the cervix off at the cervical stump, and the tissue is all removed through a laparoscopic tool. Recovery is very quick. Cervical preservation is less likely to result in menses (menstruation) as the endocervix is usually cauterized.

Radical hysterectomy

The radical hysterectomy procedure involves more extensive surgery than a total abdominal hysterectomy because it also includes removing tissues surrounding the uterus and removal of the upper vagina. Radical hysterectomy is most commonly performed for early cervical cancer. There are more complications with radical hysterectomy compared to abdominal hysterectomy. These include injury to the bowels and urinary system.

Oophorectomy and salpingo-oophorectomy (removal of the ovaries and/or Fallopian tubes)

Oophorectomy is the surgical removal of the ovary(s), while salpingo-oophorectomy is the removal of the ovary and its adjacent Fallopian tube. These two procedures are performed for ovarian cancer, removal of suspicious ovarian tumors, or Fallopian tube cancer (which is very rare). They may also be performed due to complications of infection, or in combination with hysterectomy for cancer. Occasionally, women with inherited types of cancer of the ovary or breast will have an oophorectomy as preventive (prophylactic) surgery in order to reduce the risk of future cancer of the ovary or breast.

What are complications of a hysterectomy?

Complications of a hysterectomy include infection, pain, and bleeding in the surgical area. An abdominal hysterectomy has a higher rate of post-operative infection and pain than does a vaginal hysterectomy.

Hysterectomy - Describe Your Experience

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Suggested Reading by Our Doctors

• Pap Smear - Read about Pap smear, a test to screen for cervical cancer, and precancerous changes in the cervix. Risk factors for abnormal Pap include HPV, smoking medicaitons, and a weakened immune system.
• Ovarian Cancer - Get information on ovarian cancer symptoms, diagnosis, tests, staging, research, surgery and risk factors. Treatment options include surgery, chemotherapy and radiation.
• Endometrial Ablation - Read about endometrial ablation, a procedure performed to treat abnormal bleeding of the uterus. During the procedure the lining tissues of the uterus are destroyed.

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