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Definition
By Mayo Clinic staff
Vaginal hysterectomy is a surgical procedure to remove the uterus through the vagina. Vaginal hysterectomy involves a shorter time in the hospital, lower cost and faster recovery than does the most common alternative, abdominal hysterectomy. However, if your uterus is enlarged, vaginal hysterectomy may not be possible.
Any type of hysterectomy usually includes removal of the cervix as well as the uterus, often along with one or both ovaries and fallopian tubes (salpingo-oophorectomy). All these organs are located in your pelvis and are part of your reproductive system.
- About hysterectomy: Surgical removal of the uterus, or womb. American College of Surgeons. http://www.facs.org/public_info/operation/hysterectomy.pdf. Accessed May 10, 2010.
- Falcone T, et al. Overview of hysterectomy. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed May 10, 2010.
- Hysterectomy. The National Women's Health Information Center. http://womenshealth.gov/faq/hysterectomy.cfm. Accessed May 10, 2010.
- Stovall TG, et al. Vaginal hysterectomy. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed May 10, 2010.
- Hysterectomy. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. http://www.acog.org/publications/patient_education/bp008.cfm. Accessed May 10, 2010.
- Cain J, et al. Gynecology. In: Brunicardi FC, et al. Schwartz's Principles of Surgery. 9th ed. New York, N.Y.; McGraw-Hill Medical; 2010. http://www.accessmedicine.com/content.aspx?aid=5025391. Accessed May 10, 2010.
- Wieslander CK, et al. Therapeutic gynecologic procedures. In: DeCherney AH, et al. Current Diagnosis & Treatment Obstetrics & Gynecology. 10th ed. New York, N.Y.: McGraw-Hill Medical; 2007. http://www.accessmedicine.com/content.aspx?aID=2391554. Accessed May 10, 2010.
- Lyons T. Laparoscopic approach to hysterectomy. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed May 10, 2010.
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