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What Is Removed in a Complete Hysterectomy?

Many women undergo a complete hysterectomy. A hysterectomy may become necessary resulting from certain conditions such as blockages, fibroids, cancer or uncontrollable bleeding during childbirth.

  1. Features

    • A complete hysterectomy, often called a total hysterectomy, includes the removal of the uterus, fallopian tubes and cervix. It also may include one or both ovaries.

    Types

    • There are two other types of hysterectomies: A partial hysterectomy, which involves the removal fallopian tubes and upper portion of the uterus; and a radical hysterectomy, which is the removal of uterus, cervix, fallopian tubes, cervix, lymph nodes and the upper portion of the vagina.

    Significance

    • In the United States, one in three women women have a complete hysterectomy by the time they are 60 years old.

    Considerations

    • Recovery time for a hysterectomy is six to eight weeks. The total and radical hysterectomies tend to take the full eight weeks for a full recovery. You will need a short time off work or school to fully recuperate.

    Warning

    • It is important to know the exact reasoning for the hysterectomy. If is something that is not cancerous such as fibroids or heavy bleeding, there are less invasive treatment options. These options should be thoroughly explored before proceeding with a total hysterectomy.

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