Related Terms • oophorectomy • trachelectomy • menopause

Definition: Surgical removal of the uterus. This operation has a few variations:

Total or Simple Hysterectomy - removal of the entire uterus, including the cervix

- A total hysterectomy can take place through an incision in the abdomen (TAH for total abdominal hysterectomy or through the vagina (TVH for total vaginal hysterectomy). Sometimes a TVH is done with the assistance of looking through a scope inserted near the bellybutton called a laparoscope. This is called a laparoscopic assisted vaginal hysterectomy (LAVH).

Subtotal Hysterectomy - removal of the uterus above the cervix, leaving the cervix intact.

Radical Hysterectomy - removal of the uterus and surrounding tissues

Total Hysterectomy with Bilateral Salpingoopherectomy (TAH-BSO) - Removal of the uterus, both Fallopian tubes, and both ovaries

Pronunciation: hiss ter EK toe me• (noun)

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