Hysterectomy: An Overview and Its Various Procedures

When a doctor detects an abnormality in a woman’s uterus, they tend to request  an ultrasound or an MRI in order to see the uterus more clearly. In some cases , doctors may recommend that patients undergo  a hysterectomy. A hysterectomy is a surgical procedure performed when medical professionals determine the necessity of the removal of a woman's whole uterus and occasionally, the cervix. Furthermore, according to John Hopkins Medicine, approximately half a million hysterectomies are performed annually, making it one of the most prevalent surgical procedures among women.  However, certain circumstances arise that  make it necessary for a patient,  various causes, and four types of hysterectomies. 

The most common scenarios  that necessitate hysterectomies include instances of abnormal heavy menstrual bleeding, cancer within  the reproductive system, and dysmenorrhea. Additionally, certain women may undergo a hysterectomy following  a C-section to address issues such as infection, birth complications, and abnormal pelvic pain. In other words, there are many different reasons behind why a patient would need a hysterectomy performed. In different cases, medical specialists may recommend different types of hysterectomies for surgeons to perform. 

There are four types of hysterectomies. The first is a vaginal hysterectomy – A vaginal hysterectomy is the method where surgeons will remove the uterus through the top of the vagina. This approach eliminates the need for incisions on the stomach, utilizing dissolvable stitches by surgeons. Next, the second and third types are laparoscopic hysterectomy and a robotic laparoscopic hysterectomy. During a laparoscopic hysterectomy, surgeons make small incisions on various locations around your abdomen through the usage of surgical tools like a laparoscope to remove your uterus. Similarly, a robotic laparoscopic hysterectomy is a comparable surgery, however, it involves the assistance of a robotic machine. Finally, the last type of hysterectomy is abdominal hysterectomy. This surgery is typically used to remove cancer from a patient and when the cancer has spread to other body parts. During this procedure, surgeons will make an incision around the abdominal either horizontally or vertically. 

Moreover, the procedure lasts around 1 to 4 hours. The amount of time it takes depends on different factors. For instance, the size of the patient’s uterus, any previous surgical scars , and whether other organs need to be removed. Throughout these surgeries, patients are placed under anesthesia  and in some cases, an epidural as they undergo  the surgery. After the surgery, patients will feel some discomfort, irritation and soreness at incision sites, challenges with bowel and bladder movements , and pain which doctors will give over the counter (OTC) medications for. Furthermore, numerous patients remain hospitalized  for around 1 to 5 days to prevent blood clots from occurring prior to their discharge. The recovery time for a hysterectomy typically spans from  3 to 6 weeks.  

Ultimately, a hysterectomy is a surgical procedure that entails the removal of the uterus and sometimes the cervix. This procedure thus takes around 1-4 hours depending on which operation is conducted. To add, there are four different operations that can be performed. These include  vaginal hysterectomy, laparoscopic hysterectomy and a robotic laparoscopic hysterectomy,and abdominal hysterectomy. All of these procedures have a recovery time ranging from 3 to 6 weeks depending on the specific procedure performed. Therefore, this serves as an overview to hysterectomies.

Written by Connie Ma at Incisionary

APA References

Hysterectomy. (n.d.). Johns Hopkins Medicine. Retrieved July 3, 2025, from https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/treatment-tests-and-therapies/hysterectomy

Hysterectomy > Fact Sheets. (n.d.). Yale Medicine. Retrieved July 3, 2025, from https://www.yalemedicine.org/conditions/hysterectomy

Hysterectomy: Surgery, Types, Side Effects & Recovery. (n.d.). Cleveland Clinic. Retrieved July 3, 2025, from https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/procedures/hysterectomy

Laparoscopic hysterectomy | healthdirect. (n.d.). Healthdirect. Retrieved July 3, 2025, from https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/surgery/laparoscopic-hysterectomy