Hysterectomy is the surgical removal of the uterus. It is done to treat certain gynecological conditions, including childbirth complications; cancer; and fibroids, endometriosis, or uterine bleeding that hasn't responded to other treatments.
A total (complete) hysterectomy is removal of the uterus and cervix. A subtotal (also called partial or supracervical) hysterectomy is the surgical removal of the uterus, leaving the cervix in place.
A radical hysterectomy is done for some cancers. It is the removal of the uterus, cervix, ovaries, structures that support the uterus, and sometimes the lymph nodes.
The uterus can be removed through:
The ovaries may be removed along with the uterus. The decision about whether to remove or leave the ovaries is based on a woman's wishes and health issues.
Primary Medical ReviewerSarah Marshall, MD - Family Medicine
Specialist Medical ReviewerKirtly Jones, MD - Obstetrics and Gynecology
Current as ofMarch 12, 2014
WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise