Hysterectomy

A hysterectomy is the surgical removal of the uterus (womb). In some cases, the ovaries and fallopian tubes are also removed.

A hysterectomy may be performed to treat:
• Leiomyomas or uterine fibroids (benign tumors) that have increased in size, are painful or are causing bleeding
• Severe endometriosis (uterine tissue that grows outside the uterus)
• Uterine prolapse (uterus that has "dropped" into the vaginal canal due to weakened support muscles) that can lead to urinary incontinence or difficulty with bowel movements
• Cancer of the uterus, cervix or ovary
• Persistent vaginal bleeding that is not controlled by other treatment methods
• Chronic pelvic pain related to the uterus but not controlled by other treatment

A hysterectomy is the second most common surgery among women in the United States. One in three women in the US has had a hysterectomy by the age of 60. But, before having a hysterectomy, it is important to discuss other possible treatments with your health care provider. A hysterectomy will stop your periods, and you will no longer be able to get pregnant. If the surgery removes both ovaries, you will enter menopause.

What are the different types of hysterectomy surgeries?
There are several types of hysterectomies:
• A total or complete hysterectomy is the removal of the uterus and cervix. This is the most common type of hysterectomy.
• A total hysterectomy with bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy is the removal of the uterus, cervix, fallopian tubes (salpingo) and ovaries (oophor). If you have not experienced menopause, removing the ovaries will usually initiate it since your body can no longer produce as much estrogen.
• A partial hysterectomy is the removal of the upper part of the uterus leaving the cervix in place.
• A radical hysterectomy with bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy is the removal of the uterus, cervix, fallopian tubes, ovaries, the upper portion of the vagina and some surrounding tissue and lymph nodes. A radical hysterectomy may be performed to treat cervical or uterine cancer.