Hysterectomy

About

You may need a hysterectomy for any one of several conditions. Large or symptomatic uterine fibroids (noncancerous tumors in the walls of your uterus) are the most common reason for a hysterectomy. Others include endometriosis, uterine prolapse, gynecologic cancer, persistent abnormal or heavy vaginal bleeding, or chronic pelvic pain. One or both of your ovaries and fallopian tubes also may be removed during a hysterectomy. If you haven't yet reached menopause, a hysterectomy will stop monthly periods and prevent pregnancy.

Depending on your condition, your treatment team may recommend either an open or a minimally invasive procedure to detach your uterus from the ovaries, fallopian tubes, upper vagina and connecting blood vessels. The lower part of the uterus, the cervix, may be left in place (partial hysterectomy) or removed completely.

Open surgery

A complete hysterectomy is the most common type of abdominal hysterectomy. Your surgeon performs this procedure by making an incision in your lower abdomen. Complete recovery time is four to eight weeks.

Minimally invasive surgery

For certain conditions, your treatment team may recommend minimally invasive surgery such as laparoscopic or robotic surgery. Recovery time is generally shorter than for open surgery. You're likely to be able to return to normal activity, with only minor restrictions, in a week or two.

• Laparoscopic surgery. To perform a laparoscopic hysterectomy, your surgeon makes several small incisions in your abdomen and inserts a small tube (the laparoscope, which has a light and a tiny camera) and surgical instruments through the incisions. Your surgeon can see the surgical area on a television monitor and removes your uterus through your vagina.
• Robotic surgery. To perform a robotic hysterectomy, your surgeon uses a computer-enhanced robotic system and inserts robotic instruments through four or five small incisions in your abdomen. The surgeon can see the surgical area, magnified and in 3-D, on a video screen and uses remote controls to remove your uterus. The robotic system's computer offers capabilities (magnification, fine control of surgical instruments) that allow your surgeon to operate with more precision and flexibility than does traditional hysterectomy.

Read more about abdominal hysterectomy and vaginal hysterectomy at MayoClinic.com.