Hysterectomy

Hysterectomy, or removal of the uterus, is a common surgical procedure. There are many indications to perform this procedure: uterine or endometrial cancers, cervical cancer, ovarian cancer or uterine conditions that do not respond to other therapies like uterine prolapse, fibroids, and endometriosis. Hysterectomy is a non-reversible procedure, meaning that women after hysterectomy can no longer get pregnant or have menstrual cycles. Following hysterectomy, however, the sexual function should remain the same as it was before surgery. The uterus may be partially or completely removed. A partial or supracervical hysterectomy removes just upper portion of the uterus and leaves the cervix in place. A total hysterectomy removes the entire uterus and the cervix, but has nothing to do with the ovaries. The fallopian tubes and ovaries are separate organs that may or may not be removed at the time of hysterectomy depending on the clinical situation. A radical hysterectomy removes the uterus, cervix, and parametrium (tissue around the uterus and the cervix). A hysterectomy may be performed through an incision in the abdomen, vagina or via laparoscopy. The decision about the type of hysterectomy you need depends on several medical factors. Your doctor will help you understand all of your options to ensure that you make an informed decision.