What are the Different Types of Hysterectomies?

By Team Elda,
Published May 19, 2023

A hysterectomy is a surgical procedure that involves the removal of a woman's uterus. There are several different types of hysterectomies, which vary based on the extent of the surgery and the organs that are removed. The different types of hysterectomies are:

Total hysterectomy: This procedure involves the removal of the entire uterus, including the cervix.

Subtotal hysterectomy: This procedure involves the removal of the upper portion of the uterus, leaving the cervix in place.

Radical hysterectomy: This procedure involves the removal of the entire uterus, cervix, the tissue on either side of the cervix (parametrium), and the upper part of the vagina. This procedure is usually done to treat certain types of cancer.

Laparoscopic hysterectomy: This procedure involves the removal of the uterus using a laparoscope, a thin tube with a camera and surgical instruments attached to it. This procedure is less invasive than traditional surgery and involves smaller incisions.

Vaginal hysterectomy: This procedure involves the removal of the uterus through the vagina, without making any incisions in the abdomen. This procedure is often used for women with uterine prolapse or other vaginal conditions.

Laparoscopic-assisted vaginal hysterectomy: This procedure is a combination of laparoscopic and vaginal hysterectomy techniques, and it involves the removal of the uterus through the vagina with the assistance of a laparoscope.

The type of hysterectomy that a woman undergoes depends on her individual needs and medical condition.