Hysterectomy

A hysterectomy is the surgical removal of a woman’s uterus (womb). The procedure is performed because doctors have diagnosed such conditions as fibroid tumors, endometriosis, cancer (cervical, uterine, or endometrial), or a blockage of the bladder or intestines. Hysterectomy eliminates the possibility of menstruation and pregnancy. The operation and technique used will be based on the patient’s specific diagnosis. There are several types of hysterectomies. A total hysterectomy is the most common and includes removal of the entire uterus and the cervix. A radical hysterectomy removes the uterus, cervix and possibly the tissue around it, the top part of the vagina, and possibly pelvic lymph nodes. The supracervical hysterectomy (partial or subtotal) removes the upper part of the uterus but not the cervix. Traditional hysterectomies are performed through the abdomen via a surgical incision. Surgery may be through the vagina, commonly with a minimally invasive technique called laparoscopy. Minimally invasive robotic hysterectomy is a newer technique used especially for complex situations such as very large fibroid tumors. Hysterectomy requires a hospital stay of a day or two but longer in the presence of cancer. Recovery times are up to six weeks for abdominal surgery, four for a vaginal hysterectomy, and usually less than four if the surgery is robot- or laparoscope-assisted. 

Why choose UAB Medicine

UAB Obstetrics and Gynecology offers comprehensive women’s health care in a private, personal environment, with physicians and nurses who are dedicated to delivering excellent care. Because our physicians are nationally recognized specialists in their fields, you can rest assured that you are receiving the most advanced care available. UAB Obstetrics and Gynecology is consistently ranked among the best programs of its kind in the country by U.S. News & World Report.

As part of the UAB Division of Women’s Reproductive Healthcare, UAB Obstetrics and Gynecology’s services range from complete obstetric care to the medical and surgical treatment of complicated gynecological concerns. We work closely with the UAB Medicine Interventional Radiology team to diagnose and treat your condition, using the latest and most accurate technology and imaging methods, including fluoroscopy, ultrasound, and CT scans. Because UAB Medicine is an academic health center, patients may be offered participation in clinical research trials, which can give you access to new techniques and treatments that are not available elsewhere in the area. Our physicians are here for you at all times, from your first routine gynecological exam, to delivering your baby, to guiding you through menopause. When you establish a relationship with our doctors, you can rely upon that relationship throughout your lifetime.

Care Providers

Margaret Boozer, MD Obstetrics and Gynecology Todd Jenkins, MD Gynecology Audra Williams, MD Obstetrics and Gynecology Shweta Patel, MD Obstetrics and Gynecology Stefanie Fieno, CRNP Obstetrics and Gynecology

Videos

Resources

• UAB Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology
• Hysterectomy

Related Specialties

• Adenomyosis
• Dysmenorrhea
• Endometrial Cancer
• Menorrhagia
• Uterine Fibroids