A hysterectomy is a surgical procedure to remove the uterus, an area in the body of women where fetuses grow. There are many different forms of hysterectomy to meet different needs. Your doctor would approach the uterus through the vagina or abdomen, depending on the purpose. The process could be performed as an open, robotic, or laparoscopic surgery. Sometimes, other parts like the ovaries and fallopian tubes would also be removed. Keep reading to learn more about the purposes, procedure, risks, and recovery after a hysterectomy.
Purposes of Hysterectomy
Cancer
Around 10% of hysterectomy procedures are performed to treat cancer. Some special forms that require this surgery include endometrium cancer, cervix cancer, ovary cancer, and uterus cancer. Each type will have different approaches and techniques. A hysterectomy is often combined with radiation and chemotherapy to bring the best results. The main purpose is to remove cancerous cells on the uterus so that they cannot spread to other parts of the body. [1]
