Supracervical Hysterectomy

Supracervical hysterectomy (SH) is a surgical procedure to remove only the uterus. The cervix and fallopian tubes are not removed. The decision whether or not to remove the fallopian tubes (called bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy – BSO) and ovaries is a separate decision. If the ovaries are removed, the procedure name includes the term. For SH, an incision is made on the abdomen. The size of the incision is determined by the size of the uterus and the abdominal exposure needed. The incision will either be vertical (from the belly button down to the pubic bone) or horizontal (“bikini cut”). Operative times average from 45 to 90 minutes. Spinal or general anesthesia is offered. The procedure is performed in a hospital, with inpatient stays of two to three days following surgery. Anti-inflammatory pain medicine is usually required for the first several days to manage soreness and inflammation. Narcotic pain medicine will be provided to assist with the discomfort from the incision. Driving is allowed after the procedure only when the narcotic pain medicine is not required. Patients may return to work in 4-6 weeks following the procedure. 

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.

Videos

Resources

• Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology
• National Institutes of Health

Related Specialties

Women & Infants Services