Community Medical Centers - Types of Hysterectomies

There are a variety of surgical techniques for hysterectomy surgeries including minimally invasive techniques and traditional surgery. Talk to your doctor to find out if minimally invasive hysterectomy surgery is right for you.

Minimally invasive techniques

Total Laparoscopic Hysterectomy	Length of Stay*	Recovery/ Return to work
Requires just 3-4 small abdominal incisions. The uterine tissue is passed either through the vagina or one of the half-inch incisions, resulting in shorter hospital stays (possibly even outpatient), decreased pain, less blood loss, and lower risk of urinary leakage.	0-1 Day Potential outpatient procedure	As little as 2 Weeks
Laparoscopic Supra-Cervical Hysterectomy	Length of Stay*	Recovery/ Return to work
Involves removing the uterus, but leaving the cervix attached to the vagina. This procedure is chosen when cervical preservation is necessary or desired.	0-1 Day Potential outpatient procedure	As little as 2 Weeks
Laparoscopic Assisted Vaginal Hysterectomy	Length of Stay*	Recovery/ Return to work
Removes the pelvic organs through the vagina, while cutting the ovarian attachments laparoscopically. This procedure is performed on women who can have a vaginal hysterectomy and need to be certain the ovaries are removed.	0-1 Day Potential outpatient procedure	As little as 2 Weeks
Total Vaginal Hysterectomy	Length of Stay*	Recovery/ Return to work
Is performed entirely through the vagina. This procedure is preferred if all requirements are met (smallish uterus, no cancer with vaginal laxity) and may be suggested if you need other vaginal surgeries such as repair of the bladder or rectum.	1 - 2 Days	4 Weeks

Traditional surgery

Total Laparoscopic Hysterectomy	Length of Stay*	Recovery/ Return to work
Is the most commonly performed technique across the United States. It requires a 4-8 inch long abdominal incision to remove the uterus and ovaries, if needed. This procedure can be performed for any size uterus.	2 - 3 Days	6 Weeks

* Additional procedures can be performed along with any of the above hysterectomies, possibly resulting in a longer hospital stay. Please consult a gynecologic surgeon for more information.