Hysterectomy

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Medical Author:

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, Chief Medical Editor

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, Chief Medical Editor

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, is a U.S. board-certified Anatomic Pathologist with subspecialty training in the fields of Experimental and Molecular Pathology. Dr. Stöppler's educational background includes a BA with Highest Distinction from the University of Virginia and an MD from the University of North Carolina. She completed residency training in Anatomic Pathology at Georgetown University followed by subspecialty fellowship training in molecular diagnostics and experimental pathology.

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Medical Editor:

Mary Nettleman, MD, MS, MACP

Mary Nettleman, MD, MS, MACP

Mary D. Nettleman, MD, MS, MACP is the Chair of the Department of Medicine at Michigan State University. She is a graduate of Vanderbilt Medical School, and completed her residency in Internal Medicine and a fellowship in Infectious Diseases at Indiana University.

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• Hysterectomy Overview
• Hysterectomy Preparation
• Hysterectomy Procedure
• Hysterectomy Post-Procedure
• Hysterectomy Risks and Complications
• Next Steps
• Follow-up
• Outlook
• Synonyms and Keywords
• Author and Editor
• Read more on Hysterectomy from Healthwise

Hysterectomy Overview

Hysterectomy is the surgical removal of the uterus, or womb. Depending upon the type of procedure that is performed and the reason for the surgery, hysterectomy may also include removal of the adjacent Fallopian tubes and ovaries. Hysterectomy is the most common major surgical procedure (unrelated to pregnancy) performed on women in the US, with approximately 600,000 hysterectomies performed annually. Because of the advancing development of less invasive treatment options, the incidence of hysterectomy has declined in recent years.

Hysterectomy is a treatment option in the treatment of uterine cancer and cervical cancer as well as for some benign conditions that cause pain and/or severe vaginal bleeding. Fibroid tumors, severe endometriosis, adenomyosis, uterine prolapse, and uncontrollable vaginal bleeding are some benign conditions that have sometimes been treated by hysterectomy.

Different types of surgical procedures are available for a hysterectomy; the choice depends upon the reason for the procedure and the underlying medical condition of the patient. Traditional surgical approaches include both abdominal and vaginal hysterectomies; newer, laparoscopic surgical methods are also available that significantly reduce postoperative discomfort and shorten recovery time.

Hysterectomy Preparation

Prior to hysterectomy, your doctor should review with you the procedure along with its risks and benefits and discuss any alternative treatment options. A thorough physical examination, including blood tests, is necessary prior to surgery. In some cases, imaging studies (such as ultrasound, CT, or MRI scans) will be carried out prior to surgery. If appropriate, endometrial biopsy (sampling of tissue inside the uterus) may be done to determine whether cancer or another abnormality of the uterine lining is present.

Depending upon the type of procedure chosen and the type of anesthesia, further preparations may include fasting prior to the procedure.