Hysterectomy - Hysterectomy Types

SYMPTOMS & TREATMENTS

Hysterectomy is the surgical removal of a woman's uterus. In some cases, the ovaries and fallopian tubesClick here to see an illustration. are also removed during a hysterectomy procedure. This is called a salpingo-oophorectomy.

There are three major types of hysterectomy:

  • Total hysterectomy is the surgical removal of the uterus and the cervix, which is the lower "neck" of the uterus that opens into the vagina.
  • Subtotal hysterectomy is the removal of the uterus, leaving the cervix in place. It is also known as "supracervical" or "partial" hysterectomy.
  • Radical hysterectomy is the removal of the uterus, cervix, ovaries, structures that support the uterus, and sometimes the lymph nodes. A radical hysterectomy may be done to treat endometriosis or cancer of the uterus, ovaries, or cervix.

Deciding whether to have a total or subtotal hysterectomy can be difficult. This is because research that compares the two is limited and shows only small differences. In the past, experts believed that a subtotal hysterectomy reduced problems after surgery and prevented problems with urinary incontinence and/or sexual dysfunction. But research has shown that for certain conditions, a subtotal hysterectomy does not prevent these problems better than a total hysterectomy does.2

When considering a hysterectomy, ask your doctor about other treatments for your condition, what hysterectomy options are available to you, and how well hysterectomy is likely to work for you. If you have a hysterectomy, the type of procedure you have will depend on the medical reason for the hysterectomy, the size and position of your uterus, and your general state of health.

Hysterectomy procedures (how the uterus is removed) include:

  • Abdominal hysterectomy.
  • Vaginal hysterectomy.
  • Laparoscopically assisted vaginal hysterectomy (LAVH).
  • Laparoscopic supracervical hysterectomy (LSH).
  • Total laparoscopic hysterectomy (TLH).

For more information about procedures, see the Comparison of Different Hysterectomy Procedures section of this topic.

By: Healthwise StaffLast Revised: July 15, 2010
Medical Review: Sarah Anne Marshall, MD - Family Medicine
Kirtly Jones, MD - Obstetrics and Gynecology

© 1995-2011 Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated. This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.

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