Hysterectomy

A hysterectomy is the surgical removal of a woman’s uterus (womb). The procedure is sometimes necessary to treat gynecologic conditions such as fibroid tumors, endometriosis, cancer (cervical, uterine, or endometrial), or heavy bleeding. Hysterectomy eliminates the possibility of menstruation and pregnancy. The operation and technique used are selected 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. Surgery may be accomplished through the vagina or may require an abdominal incision (cut). Recovery times are up to six weeks for abdominal surgery and up to four weeks for a vaginal hysterectomy – and usually less than four weeks if the surgery is robotic or minimally invasive.

Why choose UAB Medicine

UAB Obstetrics and Gynecology offers complete women’s health care, delivered by physicians and nurses dedicated to excellence. Our physicians are nationally recognized specialists in their fields, so you can rest assured that you are receiving the most advanced care available. Our program is consistently ranked among the best 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 complex gynecological concerns. Because UAB Medicine is a major center for research, patients may have access to promising new techniques and treatments not available at other medical centers. Our physicians are here for you at every stage of life, from your first gynecological exam to delivering your baby and helping guide you through menopause.

Your care also may be provided by UAB Urogynecology and Reconstructive Pelvic Surgery, which provides the highest level of research-based care for women’s pelvic floor disorders. Our expert providers are fellowship-trained and board-certified, and they offer the full range of treatment options for women with urinary and bowel incontinence, pelvic organ prolapse, and other pelvic floor conditions. Many of our surgical treatments are minimally invasive, which means that only a few small incisions are needed. We also work closely with other providers to offer nonsurgical options for pelvic floor conditions.

Our urogynecology and pelvic reconstructive surgeons and physicians are recognized nationally and internationally for excellence. We also provide advanced training to other providers through a competitive fellowship program. Urogynecology is all that we do, so you can depend on us to deliver personalized care that meets your needs and preferences.

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