Hysterectomy

A surgical operation that removes the uterus. Depending on the procedure, it may also remove the cervix, fallopian tubes, or ovaries.

Abdominal hysterectomy: Removal of the uterus through an incision in the abdomen. This approach gives direct access to the uterus through an abdominal incision.
Uterine fibroid: A benign growth of smooth muscle and connective tissue in or around the uterus. Fibroids can cause bleeding, pain, or pressure that leads to consideration of hysterectomy.
Uterus: A hollow muscular organ in which pregnancy develops and the uterine lining cycles during menstruation. It is the organ removed in every hysterectomy.
Surgical menopause: Menopause caused by surgery that removes or disables both ovaries before natural menopause. Removing both ovaries during hysterectomy can abruptly reduce reproductive hormones.
Myomectomy: Surgery to remove uterine fibroids while preserving the uterus. It can treat fibroids without removing the uterus, though fibroids may recur.
Vaginal hysterectomy: Removal of the uterus through an incision at the top of the vagina. The uterus is removed without an abdominal incision when anatomy and clinical circumstances allow.
Endometriosis: A condition in which tissue resembling the uterine lining grows outside the uterus. Severe symptoms may persist despite other treatments, though removing the uterus does not always cure them.
Cervix: The lower, narrow part of the uterus that opens into the vagina. Whether it is removed distinguishes total from supracervical hysterectomy.
Hormone replacement therapy: Treatment that supplies hormones to relieve symptoms or address effects of reduced hormone production. It may be considered after ovary removal, depending on symptoms and medical history.
Endometrial ablation: A procedure that destroys the uterine lining to reduce menstrual bleeding. It treats bleeding with less extensive surgery but does not remove the uterus.

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