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Definition

Hysterectomy is a surgery to remove the uterus. There are different types of surgeries, such as:

• Supracervical hysterectomy—removal of the uterus without including the cervix
• Total hysterectomy—removal of the uterus and cervix (the lower portion of the uterus leading to the vagina)
• Radical hysterectomy—removal of the uterus, ovaries, fallopian tubes, upper part of the vagina, and the pelvic lymph nodes
• Salpingo-oophorectomy—removal of the ovaries and fallopian tubes (may be combined with any of the above procedures)

Laparoscopic surgery uses small incisions to access the area. It can lead to fewer problems and shorter recovery than open surgery. Scars from the surgery will also be much smaller.

Reasons for Procedure

A hysterectomy may be done if there are health problems that cannot be treated by other means. Some common reasons are:

• Treat cancers such as uterine, endometrial, and ovarian cancers
• Remove uterine fibroids
• Treat chronic pelvic pain
• Treat heavy bleeding

Surgery is often the last choice. Other treatments are often tried first.

Possible Complications

Complications are not common but all procedures have some risks. The doctor will review a list of possible problems from this surgery including:

• Reactions to anesthesia
• Pain
• Infection
• Bleeding
• Fatigue
• Injured pelvic organs—bowel and/or bladder
• Urinary incontinence—problems controlling your urine
• Loss of ovarian function and early menopause
• Depression
• Sexual dysfunction

Some things may increase the risk of problems such as:

• Smoking
• Drinking
• Chronic disease, such as diabetes or obesity
• Previous pelvic surgery or serious infection
• Use of certain medicine

What to Expect

Call Your Doctor

After you leave the hospital, contact your doctor if any of the following occurs:

• Signs of infection, including fever and chills
• Redness, swelling, increasing pain, excessive bleeding, leakage, or any discharge from the incision sites
• Nausea and/or vomiting
• Lightheadedness
• Cough, shortness of breath, or chest pain
• Heavy bleeding
• Pain that you cannot control with the medications you have been given
• Pain, burning, urgency or frequency of urination, or persistent bleeding in the urine
• Swelling, redness, or pain in your leg

If you think you have an emergency, call for emergency medical services right away.