hystérectomie

Hysterectomy is a surgical procedure to remove the uterus. It is one of the most common gynecological surgeries performed worldwide. The uterus is a hollow, muscular organ located in the female pelvis, responsible for carrying a pregnancy.

There are several types of hysterectomy, categorized by which organs are removed. A total hysterectomy removes the entire uterus, including the cervix. A supracervical or subtotal hysterectomy removes only the upper part of the uterus, leaving the cervix in place. A radical hysterectomy is a more extensive procedure that removes the uterus, cervix, upper part of the vagina, and surrounding tissues. This type is often performed for certain types of cancer. The ovaries and fallopian tubes may also be removed during a hysterectomy, a procedure called a hysterectomy with bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy.

Hysterectomy is typically performed to treat a range of gynecological conditions, including uterine fibroids, endometriosis, adenomyosis, uterine prolapse, and gynecological cancers such as cervical, uterine, or ovarian cancer. It can also be an option for managing abnormal uterine bleeding that has not responded to other treatments.

The decision to undergo a hysterectomy is usually made after other less invasive treatments have been considered or have failed. The procedure can be performed through different surgical approaches, including abdominal, vaginal, or laparoscopic (minimally invasive) surgery. Recovery time varies depending on the surgical approach and the individual patient. A hysterectomy results in the cessation of menstruation and the inability to become pregnant. For women who have not yet gone through menopause, removing the ovaries can lead to surgical menopause.