A hysterectomy is a surgery to remove the uterus, and it can be done through the belly, through the vagina, or using small “keyhole” cuts with a camera. The exact steps depend on why it is being done, how big the uterus is, and whether the cervix, ovaries, or tubes are also being removed.

Quick Scoop

  • Main goal: Remove the uterus so periods stop and pregnancy is no longer possible.
  • Done under anesthesia: You are asleep (general anesthesia) for most types; some vaginal procedures may use regional anesthesia.
  • Common reasons: Fibroids, heavy bleeding, prolapse, endometriosis, chronic pelvic pain, or some cancers.

Types of hysterectomy

  • Total hysterectomy: Uterus and cervix are removed. This is the most common type.
  • Subtotal (partial) hysterectomy: Body of the uterus is removed, cervix left in place.
  • Total with salpingo‑oophorectomy: Uterus, cervix, fallopian tubes, and one or both ovaries removed.
  • Radical hysterectomy: Uterus plus surrounding tissues, upper vagina, sometimes lymph nodes, usually for cancer.

How they actually do it

Abdominal (open) hysterectomy

  • The surgeon makes a cut in the lower abdomen, either side‑to‑side along the bikini line or up‑and‑down from the belly button toward the pubic bone.
  • Through this opening, the uterus (and cervix, and sometimes tubes/ovaries) is carefully separated from surrounding tissues and blood vessels, then removed, and the incision is closed with stitches or staples.

Vaginal hysterectomy

  • A cut is made at the top of the vagina; the uterus and cervix are detached from inside and removed through the vagina, so there is no belly scar.
  • The top of the vagina is then closed with dissolvable stitches; sometimes supporting ligaments are hitched up to reduce risk of future prolapse.

Laparoscopic / minimally invasive hysterectomy

  • Several small cuts (ports) are made on the abdomen; a thin camera (laparoscope) goes through one, and tiny instruments go through the others.
  • The surgeon watches a video screen, seals and cuts the blood vessels, frees the uterus, and removes it in small pieces through one of the cuts or through the vagina; this can also be done with robotic assistance.

What happens before, during, and after

Before surgery

  • Pre‑op visit includes medical history, exam, sometimes blood tests, imaging, and discussion of which organs will be removed.
  • You are told when to stop eating and drinking, which medicines to pause, and what to expect for pain control and recovery time.

During surgery (typical flow)

  1. Anesthesia is given and monitoring lines are placed.
  1. The chosen approach (abdominal, vaginal, laparoscopic/robotic) is used to access the uterus.
  1. Blood vessels and supporting tissues are sealed and cut; the uterus (and cervix +/- tubes/ovaries) is removed.
  1. The vaginal cuff or top of the vagina is closed, and abdominal cuts are closed with stitches or staples.

After surgery

  • Hospital stay is often same‑day to 1–2 nights for minimally invasive procedures and a bit longer for open surgery.
  • Usual recovery is several weeks with restrictions on heavy lifting, strenuous exercise, and vaginal intercourse until cleared by the surgeon.

Risks, recovery, and life after

  • Risks can include bleeding, infection, injury to nearby organs (bladder, bowel, ureters), blood clots, and anesthesia complications.
  • If the ovaries are removed before natural menopause, sudden menopause symptoms and long‑term bone/heart effects may occur; hormone therapy may be discussed.
  • After recovery, most people cannot become pregnant and will not have periods, and many report relief from symptoms that led to surgery (like heavy bleeding or pain).

Important: This is a general overview of how they do a hysterectomy, not personal medical advice. For specific risks, benefits, and alternatives in your situation, a direct conversation with a gynecologist or surgeon is essential.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.