Hysterectomy

Alternative names:

vaginal hysterectomy; abdominal hysterectomy; removal of the uterus

Definition:

Surgical removal of the uterus, resulting in inability to become pregnant (sterility). May be done through the abdomen or the vagina.

Description:

Hysterectomy is a very common operation. The uterus may be completely removed, partially removed, or may be removed with the tubes and ovaries. A partial hysterectomy is removal of just the upper portion of the uterus, leaving the cervix and the base of the uterus are left intact. A total hysterectomy is removal of the entire uterus and the cervix . A radical hysterectomy is the removal of the uterus, both Fallopian tubes, both ovaries, and the upper part of the vagina.

A hysterectomy may be done through an abdominal incision (abdominal hysterectomy) or through a vaginal incision (vaginal hysterectomy).

Indications:

Hysterectomy may be recommended for:

• severe, long-term (chronic) infections (pelvic inflammatory disease)
• endometriosis], in those cases in which the pain is severe and not responsive to other treatments
• tumors in the uterus
  • uterine fibroids , cancer of the endometrium,
  • cancer of the cervix, cancer of the ovary
• severe, long-term (chronic) vaginal bleeding
• complications during childbirth (bleeding)

Update Date: 02/09/00
Updated by: J. Gordon Lambert, MD, Associate Medical Director, Utah Health Informatics and adam.com editorial