How surgery is done

There are different ways that a hysterectomy can be done. Your doctor will talk with you about how your surgery will be done.

Abdominal hysterectomy

An incision (cut) is made in the lower part of your belly to remove the uterus.

Vaginal hysterectomy

An incision is made in your vagina. The uterus will be taken out through this incision.

Laparoscopic hysterectomy

Small incisions will be made in your belly. Your doctor will insert a laparoscope into your belly. A laparoscope is a thin, lighted tube. It allows your doctor to see your pelvic organs on a TV screen. Your uterus will be removed through these incisions or through the vagina.

Laparoscopic-assisted vaginal hysterectomy

Small incisions will be made in your belly. Your doctor will insert a laparoscope into your belly to see your pelvic organs. Part of the surgery is done through the laparoscope and part is done through the vagina. The uterus will be taken out through the vagina.

Robotic-assisted surgery

A surgeon uses a special computer to control surgical instruments with robotic arms during the surgery. Small incisions will be made in your belly and your uterus will be removed through the incisions or through the vagina. This is similar to a laparoscopic hysterectomy.