FAQ

What is a hysterectomy?
Hysterectomy is surgery to remove the uterus. It is a very common type of surgery for women in the United States. Removing your uterus means that you can no longer get pregnant.
Why is hysterectomy done?
Hysterectomy is used to treat many womens health conditions. Some of these conditions include o uterine fibroids (this is the most common reason for hysterectomy) o endometriosis o pelvic support problems (such as uterine prolapse) o abnormal uterine bleeding o chronic pelvic pain o gynecologic cancer Are there alternatives to hysterectomy?
Depending on your condition, you may want to try other options first that do not involve surgery or to watch and wait to see if your condition improves on its own. Some women wait to have a hysterectomy until after they have completed their families. If you choose another option besides hysterectomy, keep in mind that you may need additional treatment later.
What structures are removed during a hysterectomy?
There are different types of hysterectomy: o Total hysterectomy The uterus and cervix are removed. o Supracervical hysterectomy The upper part of the uterus is removed, but the cervix is left in place. o Radical hysterectomy The uterus and cervix are removed along with structures around the uterus. This surgery may be recommended if cancer is diagnosed or suspected.
What other organs besides the cervix and uterus may be removed during a hysterectomy?
If needed, the ovaries and fallopian tubes may be removed if they are abnormal (for example, they are affected by endometriosis). This procedure is called o salpingo-oophorectomy if both tubes and ovaries are removed o salpingectomy if just the fallopian tubes are removed o oophorectomy if just the ovaries are removed Your surgeon may not know whether the ovaries and fallopian tubes will be removed until the time of surgery. Women at risk of ovarian cancer or breast cancer can choose to have both ovaries removed even if these organs are healthy in order to reduce their risk of cancer. This is called a risk-reducing bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy. Removing the fallopian tubes (but not the ovaries) at the time of hysterectomy also may be an option for women who do not have cancer. This procedure is called opportunistic salpingectomy. It may help prevent ovarian cancer. Talk with your surgeon about the possible benefits of removing your fallopian tubes at the time of your surgery.
What will happen if my ovaries are removed before I have gone through menopause?
You may experience immediate menopause signs and symptoms. You also may be at increased risk of osteoporosis. Hormone therapy can be given to relieve signs and symptoms of menopause and may help reduce the risk of osteoporosis. Hormone therapy can be started immediately after surgery. Other medications can be given to prevent osteoporosis if you are at high risk.
What are the different ways hysterectomy can be performed?
A hysterectomy can be done in different ways: through the vagina, through the abdomen, or with laparoscopy. The choice will depend on why you are having the surgery and other factors. Sometimes, the decision is made after the surgery begins and the surgeon is able to see whether there are other problems.
How is a vaginal hysterectomy done?
In a vaginal hysterectomy, the uterus is removed through the vagina. There is no abdominal incision. Not all women are able to have a vaginal hysterectomy. For example, women who have adhesions from previous surgery or who have a very large uterus may not be able to have this type of surgery.
What are the benefits of vaginal hysterectomy?
Vaginal hysterectomy generally causes fewer complications than abdominal or laparoscopic hysterectomy. Healing time may be shorter than with abdominal surgery, with a faster return to normal activities. It is recommended as the first choice for hysterectomy when possible. In an abdominal hysterectomy, the uterus is removed through an incision in your lower abdomen. The opening in your abdomen gives the surgeon a clear view of your pelvic organs.
What are the benefits and risks of abdominal hysterectomy?
Is hysterectomy safe?
Hysterectomy is one of the safest surgical procedures. But as with any surgery, problems can occur, including o fever and infection o heavy bleeding during or after surgery o injury to the urinary tract or nearby organs o blood clots in the leg that can travel to the lungs o breathing or heart problems related to anesthesia Some problems related to the surgery may not show up until a few days, weeks, or even years after surgery. These problems include formation of a blood clot in the wound or bowel blockage. Complications are more common after an abdominal hysterectomy.
Are all women at the same risk of complications?
No, some women are at greater risk of complications than others. For example, if you have an underlying medical condition, you may be at greater risk of problems related to anesthesia. Follow your surgeon's instructions. Be sure to get plenty of rest, but you also need to move around as often as you can. Take short walks and gradually increase the distance you walk every day. You should not lift heavy objects until your surgeon says you can. Do not put anything in your vagina during the first 6 weeks. That includes douching, having sex, and using tampons. After you recover, you should continue to see your obstetrician�gynecologist (ob-gyn) for routine gynecologic exams and general health care. Depending on the reason for your hysterectomy, you still may need pelvic exams and cervical cancer screening.