Hysterectomy is a surgical procedure that is done to remove your uterus (womb). Depending on the condition that requires the surgery, hysterectomy can be done through an incision in the abdomen (abdominal hysterectomy) or through the vagina (vaginal hysterectomy).
Abdominal hysterectomy usually treats an enlarged uterus due to a fibroid (non-cancerous growth) or tumour, while a vaginal hysterectomy treats a prolapsed uterus. Occasionally, laparoscopic keyhole surgery is performed.
In addition to the uterus and cervix (lower tip of the womb), your ovaries and fallopian tubes may sometimes be removed. The decision to remove the ovaries and fallopian tubes depends on the reason for surgery. Hysterectomy is usually done only when all other treatments have been attempted.