Hysterectomy often includes removal of the cervix as well as the uterus. When the surgeon also removes one or both ovaries and Fallopian tubes, it’s called a total hysterectomy with salpingo-oophorectomy . All these organs are part of your reproductive system and are located in your pelvis.
Abdominal hysterectomy is a surgical procedure that removes your uterus through an incision in your lower abdomen. A partial hysterectomy removes just the uterus, leaving the cervix intact. A total hysterectomy removes the uterus and the cervix.
An abdominal hysterectomy may be recommended over other types of hysterectomy if :
• You have a large uterus.
• Your doctor wants to check other pelvic organs for signs of disease.
• Your surgeon feels it’s in your best interest to have an abdominal hysterectomy.
Vaginal hysterectomy is a surgical procedure to remove the uterus through the vagina. During a vaginal hysterectomy, the surgeon detaches the uterus from the ovaries, Fallopian tubes and upper vagina, as well as from the blood vessels and connective tissue that support it. The uterus is then removed through the vagina. However, if your uterus is enlarged, vaginal hysterectomy may not be possible and your doctor will talk to you about other surgical options, such as an abdominal hysterectomy.