Q: What is a hysterectomy?

A: Hysterectomy means the removal of the uterus. It does not involve removal of the ovaries.  Removal of the ovaries can be performed at the time of hysterectomy if indicated. Removing the ovaries is called an oophorectomy.

Q: What is the difference between the different types of hysterectomies?

A: The first thing to understand is the difference between a total hysterectomy and supracervical hysterectomy (also called sub-total hysterectomy). A total hysterectomy involves removing both the uterus and cervix. A supracervical hysterectomy involves taking the uterus without removing the cervix.

Q: Are there different ways a hysterectomy can be performed?

A: There are many ways a hysterectomy can be performed. There are advantages and disadvantages to each type.  We encourage you to talk with your physician to understand the reasons a specific type of hysterectomy may have been recommended to you. An abdominal hysterectomy (TAH) involves making an incision on the abdomen and performing the entire procedure through this incision.  The incision is usually similar in size and location to a C-Section incision. A vaginal hysterectomy (TVH) involves removing the uterus entirely through vagina.  Recovery is usually quicker as compared to an abdominal hysterectomy. A laparoscopically assisted vaginal hysterectomy (LAVH) is performed by making several small incisions on the abdomen through which a laparoscope is placed.  The uterus is removed through the vagina.  As compared to a vaginal hysterectomy, the laparoscope makes removal of the ovaries easier. A laparoscopic supracervical hysterectomy (LSH) allows the uterus to be removed entirely through small (less than 1 inch) incisions on the abdomen. Like the TVH and LAVH, recovery is much quicker than with a TAH. A total laparoscopic hysterectomy (TLH) involves removing the uterus and cervix entirely through small (less than 1 inch) incisions on the abdomen. A robotic hysterectomy is a specialized type of laparoscopic hysterectomy.  In this procedure, laparascopic instruments are place by the surgeon in the traditional way.  These instruments are then connected to the daVinci robot.  The robot allows the surgeon to control the precise movements of the instruments from a console adjacent to the patient's operating room table. Reported benefits include increase precision and less blood loss.