Hysterectomy

Hysterectomy is the surgical removal of part or all of the uterus. It is the second most common major surgery among women of child-bearing age.

 
Hysterectomy may be done to treat conditions that affect the uterus. Some reasons a hysterectomy may be needed include:
 
  • Uterine fibroids
  • Endometriosis
  • Pelvic support problems (such as uterine prolapse)
  • Abnormal uterine bleeding
  • Cancer
  • Chronic pelvic pain
A hysterectomy can be subtotal (also called partial), in which the upper part of the uterus is removed but the cervix is left in place; Total, in which the entire uterus, including the cervix, is removed; and Radical, in where the entire uterus and its support structures are removed.
 
A hysterectomy does not include removal of the ovaries and fallopian tubes. When these organs are removed at the same time as the uterus and cervix, it is called a salpingo-oophorectomy.