A hysterectomy is the surgical removal of the uterus, and is one of the most common types of surgery performed on women. Depending on the type of hysterectomy performed, and the reason it's being done, removal of the ovaries and fallopian tubes is sometimes performed during the same surgery. Hysterectomy may be performed to treat conditions that can affect the uterus. Some have symptoms that cause discomfort, while others can threaten your life.

The choice of treatment depends on the nature and extent of your condition as well as personal factors. Other forms of treatment often are tried first. If they don't work, a hysterectomy may be considered. Following are some of the conditions for which hysterectomy may be performed.

• Uterine fibroids
• Uterine bleeding
• Uterine cancer
• Pelvic support problems
• Endometriosis
• Pelvic pain

The uterus can be reached and removed in four ways.

Abdominal Hysterectomy

A 4 to 6 inch incision is made in the abdomen. The incision can be horizontal (side-to-side) or vertical (up and down). The uterus is removed through the incision.

Vaginal Hysterectomy

An incision is made inside the vagina. The uterus is then removed through the vagina. This can be done if the uterus is not too large or if it has dropped down into the vaginal canal.

Laparoscopic-assisted Vaginal Hysterectomy (LAVH)

Small instruments are inserted through tiny abdominal incisions. This is to view and move the organs. During LAVH the uterus is removed through the vagina.

Laparoscopic Supracervical Hysterectomy (LSH)

LSH is a recent surgical option that uses laparoscopy alone to remove the uterus, but leaves the cervix intact. A laparoscope and small surgical instruments are inserted through tiny incisions in the naval and abdomen. Using these instruments, the surgeon is able to carefully separate the uterus from its pelvic connections and from the cervix. The uterus is then removed through one of these incisions.

LSH is less invasive and has many advantages. It reduces pain and trauma to body, minimizes scarring and shortens recovery time. The procedure can be performed in same day surgery and allows you to be back to your normal activities in less than a week. LSH preserves the cervix which research suggests may help to reduce the risk of pelvic floor prolapse as well as sexuality concerns.

Please click here to read more about hysterectomy on The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists website.

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