complete hysterectomy
(kum-PLEET HIS-teh-REK-toh-mee)
Surgery to remove the uterus and the cervix. The ovaries and fallopian tubes may also be removed. A complete hysterectomy may be done through the vagina (with no incisions in the abdomen) or through an incision (cut) in the abdomen. Also called simple hysterectomy and total hysterectomy.
Enlarge this image in new windowHysterectomy. The uterus is surgically removed with or without other organs or tissues. In a total hysterectomy, the uterus and cervix are removed. In a total hysterectomy with salpingo-oophorectomy, (a) the uterus plus one (unilateral) ovary and fallopian tube are removed; or (b) the uterus plus both (bilateral) ovaries and fallopian tubes are removed. In a radical hysterectomy, the uterus, cervix, both ovaries, both fallopian tubes, and nearby tissue are removed. These procedures are done using a low transverse incision or a vertical incision.