Hysterectomy

Hysterectomy is surgical removal of the uterus (or womb). There are four main ways to perform a hysterectomy. Each is performed using a general anesthetic.
The most common way to perform a hysterectomy is through an incision in the lower abdomen (abdominal hysterectomy).

The next most common way to perform a hysterectomy is through the vagina (vaginal hysterectomy). The uterus and cervix are removed through the vagina and the top of the vagina is then sewn closed.

The third type of hysterectomy is a laparoscopic hysterectomy. Using advanced laparoscopy techniques, the blood supply and attachments to the uterus are sewn and cut through the laparoscope. The uterus is then removed through the vagina or through the navel after cutting it into small pieces with a device called an electromechanical morcellator. When compared to abdominal hysterectomy, laparoscopic hysterectomies offer the advantages of:

• Significantly smaller incisions
• Shorter hospital stay
• Faster recovery
• Less postoperative pain

The fourth type of hysterectomy uses a combination of laparoscopy and vaginal surgery and is called a laparoscopically-assisted vaginal hysterectomy (LAVH). The attachments high in the pelvis are released and the remainder of the surgery is performed through the vagina.