Hysterectomy

What Is a Hysterectomy (Abdominal and Vaginal)?

A Hysterectomy, whether abdominal or vaginal, is a procedure to remove the uterus in order to resolve medical problems, such as fibroids, vaginal bleeding, cervical dysplasia, and uterine prolapse.  Usually women beyond child-bearing age receive hysterectomies; younger women typically only receive the procedure when serious illnesses like cancer are indicated.   

Most abdominal and vaginal hysterectomies take approximately two hours to complete.  If the surgeon is performing an abdominal hysterectomy, he or she makes a large incision through the abdomen.  If the procedure is vaginal, the surgeon removes the uterus through the vagina without requiring any incisions, making for a quicker recovery.  In some cases, a laparoscope may be necessary for better visibility of the ovaries.  To insert the laparoscope, the surgeon makes small incisions in the abdomen.  Once the laparoscope is in place, the surgeon removes the uterus through the vagina using visual cues from the camera.  Vaginal hysterectomies are only possible if the uterus is not too large, since the patient needs to have her feet held in stirrups throughout the procedure.  Patients with large uteruses must usually opt for abdominal hysterectomies.