hysterectomy (hĭstərĕk`təmē), surgical removal of the uterus uterus, in most female mammals, hollow muscular organ in which the fetus develops and from which it is delivered at the end of pregnancy . The human uterus is pear-shaped and about 3 in. (7.
..... Click the link for more information. . A hysterectomy may involve removal of the uterus only or additional removal of the cervix (base of the uterus), fallopian tubes fallopian tube (fəlō`pēən)
..... Click the link for more information. (salpingectomy), and ovaries ovary, ductless gland of the female in which the ova (female reproductive cells) are produced. In vertebrate animals the ovary also secretes the sex hormones estrogen and progesterone , which control the development of the sexual organs and the secondary sexual
..... Click the link for more information. (oophorectomy). It may be performed through a conventional abdominal incision or through the vagina. It is performed in cases of malignant tumors, endometriosis, prolapsed uterus, or fibroids that cause bleeding and pain. An emergency hysterectomy is sometimes necessary to end uterine hemorrhaging.

Removal does not physically interfere with sexual activity, but it does eliminate the uterine contractions of orgasm. It also eliminates the possibility of childbearing and precipitates menopause menopause (mĕn`əpôz) or climacteric
..... Click the link for more information. in premenopausal women. Surgical removal of the ovaries eliminates their production of estrogen estrogen (ĕs`trəjən)
..... Click the link for more information. and progesterone progesterone (prōjĕs`tərōn')
..... Click the link for more information. along with these hormones's protective benefits to the heart, bones, and skin.

Some women's health advocates have questioned what they feel is the overuse of hysterectomy in the United States, where it is the second most common surgical procedure. Some studies have judged that up to 25% of hysterectomies performed in the United States are unnecessary and that more conservative treatments (laparoscopic surgery, hormone therapy, or simple removal of fibroids) would suffice in these cases.

hysterectomy

Surgical removal of the uterus, either completely (total hysterectomy) or leaving the cervix (subtotal hysterectomy). It is performed in the presence of cancer or a benign fibroid tumour if the fibroid is large or rapidly growing, causes excessive bleeding or discomfort, or seems to be breaking down. Hysterectomy may also be performed after cesarean section in cases of complications such as uncontrolled bleeding, gross infection, or pelvic cancer.

hysterectomy (redirected from total hysterectomy)

hysterectomy

hysterectomy
(redirected from total hysterectomy)