Hysterectomy, << `hihs` tuh REHK tuh mee, >> is the surgical removal of a woman’s uterus, the organ in which unborn babies develop. A surgeon removes the uterus through the abdominal wall or through the vagina. After having a hysterectomy, a woman no longer menstruates and cannot become pregnant.
Hysterectomies are most commonly performed to remove fibroids (growths of muscle and connective tissue) in the wall of the uterus. These growths may cause pain and excessive menstrual bleeding. In many cases, treatment with hormones can substantially reduce or eliminate uterine fibroids. Small fibroids that do not respond to hormonal therapy can be surgically removed from the uterus. Large fibroids, however, may require a hysterectomy. Other conditions that may require a hysterectomy include endometriosis, pelvic inflammatory disease, cancers that involve the reproductive organs, and an abnormally positioned uterus.
There are three main types of hysterectomies. The total hysterectomy removes the entire uterus, including the cervix (neck of the uterus). The subtotal hysterectomy removes all of the uterus except the cervix. The radical hysterectomy removes the uterus and cervix, the upper part of the vagina, surrounding lymphatic tissue, and supporting ligaments. Some hysterectomies include removal of one or both of the fallopian tubes and ovaries. If the surgeon removes both ovaries, the patient will go through the hormonal changes of menopause (see Menopause ).
Complications of hysterectomies are similar to those of other surgical operations and include fever and infection. In addition, hysterectomies may result in injuries to the rectum and urinary tract.
