There are several ways to reach the uterus to remove it. The best approach depends on the reason for your surgery. The 3 main approaches are described below:

• Vaginal. An incision is made inside the vagina. The uterus is then removed through this incision. This can be done if the uterus is not too large.

• Laparoscopic. A thin tube with a camera and a light on the end is used. This is called a laparoscope. The doctor makes 2 to 4 small incisions in the abdomen. The scope is put through 1 of the incisions. The scope sends live pictures to a video screen. This allows the doctor see inside the abdomen. Surgical tools are placed through the other small incisions. The uterus can be removed through these incisions or through an incision made in the vagina. One of the following procedures may be done:

  • The uterus is removed through a small incision in the vagina. This is called “LAVH.”

  • The uterus is removed through the small incisions in the abdomen. The cervix is left in place. This is called “LSH.”

  • The uterus and cervix are removed through the small incisions in the abdomen. This is called “TLH.”

  • During any of these procedures, robotic technique may be used. This assists the surgeon’s vision and hand movements.

• Abdominal. One incision of 4 to 6 inches is made in the abdomen. The uterus is removed through this incision. 

When the uterus is removed, the cervix may be left in place. Or it may also be removed. If it’s removed, the top of the vagina is closed. In certain cases, the ovaries and fallopian tubes are also removed. 

• Removing the uterus. During a total (simple) hysterectomy, the uterus and cervix are removed. During a subtotal hysterectomy, only the uterus is removed. The cervix is left in place. This is also called a supracervical hysterectomy. In either case, the ovaries and fallopian tubes remain. If you have not yet reached menopause, the ovaries will keep making hormones. You may still feel the changes of menstrual cycles. But you will not have periods and can’t become pregnant.

• Removing the uterus, ovaries, and tubes. Along with the uterus, the ovaries and fallopian tubes may also be removed. This is called a hysterectomy with salpingo-oophorectomy. It causes the body’s estrogen levels to drop quickly. This is called “surgical” menopause. Women who have not reached menopause before surgery may have sudden symptoms. But these symptoms can be treated, most commonly through estrogen replacement therapy.

You and your healthcare provider can discuss the best options for you. As you decide, your provider may ask you to think about the following:

• Is your health problem getting in the way of your daily life? Is the problem getting worse? If not, might other treatments be tried first?

• Do you want to have children? If so, other treatments should be considered.

• Should the fallopian tubes be removed too? This will reduce the chances of ovarian cancer since we now know that many ovarian cancers actually come from the tubes.

• Should the ovaries be removed too? This is often done to treat or prevent cancer. If removal is needed, talk to your healthcare provider about estrogen replacement therapy.

• Side effects from the anesthesia

• Infection

• Bleeding, with a possible need for transfusion

• Damage to nearby organs (bladder, bowel, ureters, or nearby nerves or blood vessels)

• Blood clots in the legs or lungs

• Formation of scar tissue that may cause pain or bowel obstruction in the future. This is more common with the abdominal approach.

• Need for second surgery