(TOH-tul HIS-teh-REK-toh-mee)

Surgery to remove the uterus and the cervix. The ovaries and fallopian tubes may also be removed. A total hysterectomy may be done through the vagina (with no incisions in the abdomen) or through an incision (cut) in the abdomen. Also called complete hysterectomy and simple hysterectomy.

Figure

Hysterectomy. The uterus is surgically removed with or without other organs or tissues. In a total hysterectomy, the uterus and cervix are removed. In a total hysterectomy with salpingo-oophorectomy, (a) the uterus plus one (unilateral) ovary and fallopian (more...)