A hysterectomy is the surgical removal of the uterus, otherwise known as the womb. Rarely is a hysterectomy an emergency surgery. There is usually considerable time to research and explore options for discussions with your personal surgeon.

During a hysterectomy the uterus is completely or partially removed. The fallopian tubes and ovaries may also be removed depending on the health needs of the woman.

A partial (or supracervical) hysterectomy is removal of just the upper portion of the uterus, leaving the cervix intact.

If you are having your ovaries and tubes removed at the same time as your hysterectomy, this additional procedure is an oophorectomy.

A hysterectomy may be done through an abdominal incision - Abdominal Hysterectomy

A hysterectomy may be done through a vaginal incision - Vaginal Hysterectomy

A hysterectomy may be done completely through laparoscopic incisions (small incisions on the abdomen -- Laparoscopic Hysterectomy.

A hysterectomy may be done completely through the use of a robotic surgical device through small incisions in the abdomen - da Vinci® Hysterectomy.

Your physician will help you decide which type of hysterectomy is most appropriate for you, depending on your medical history and the reason for your surgery.