A hysterectomy is a fairly common procedure. This surgery normally takes about one to two hours and is performed while the patient is under general anesthesia. The four main types of hysterectomy include:

• Abdominal hysterectomy. For a total abdominal hysterectomy, an incision is made in the abdomen through which the uterus is removed. In some cases, the cervix, ovaries and fallopian tubes will be removed, depending on the reasons for the procedure. The incision will be held together with staples or stitches.
  
  
• Vaginal hysterectomy. During a vaginal hysterectomy, the uterus is removed through the vaginal opening.
  
  
• Laparoscopic assisted vaginal hysterectomy (LAVH). An LAVH is performed by removing the uterus through the vagina with the aid of one or more minute incisions in the abdomen into which a laparoscope (lighted viewing instrument) is inserted to guide the procedure.
  
  
• Laparoscopic supracervical hysterectomy (LSH). With LSH, tiny incisions in the abdomen are used to insert a laparoscope and surgical instruments. The uterus is taken one small piece at a time and the cervix is left intact.

The removal of the ovaries is known as an oophorectomy. When both of the ovaries and the fallopian tubes are removed, it is referred to as a bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy.