Hysterectomy
Hysterectomy at UVM Health
A hysterectomy is a surgical procedure to remove all or part of the uterus and, in most cases, the cervix. Depending on the reason for the hysterectomy, your physician may also remove your fallopian tubes (salpingectomy) and/or ovaries (oophorectomy). After surgery, you will not have periods (menstruate) and cannot become pregnant.
At University of Vermont Health, we offer different types of hysterectomy surgery, including minimally invasive approaches that help you heal faster.
Why Choose UVM Health?
With locations across Vermont and northern New York, you have access to high-quality care no matter where you live. As a leading gynecologic surgery program in the region, we offer:
- Skilled team: Board-certified obstetrician-gynecologists (OB-GYNs) lead our gynecologic surgery teams. They have extensive experience in surgical treatments for female reproductive conditions.
- Subspeciality expertise: Your provider has access to subspecialty physicians across UVM Health for consultations and referrals. Our coordinated approach ensures a seamless transition of care.
- Diversity, equity and inclusion: UVM Health recognizes diversity in all its forms and has a strong commitment to providing equitable care for all our patients. We welcome people of all races, ethnicities, abilities, gender identities and sexual orientations.
Reasons for a Hysterectomy
We perform hysterectomies for many reasons, including:
- Chronic pelvic pain
- Endometriosis
- Gender affirmation
- Gynecologic cancer of the uterus, uterine lining (endometrium), cervix or ovaries
- Heavy menstrual periods
- Pelvic organ prolapse
- Uterine fibroids
Types of Hysterectomy
A hysterectomy may be one of several possible treatment options, depending on your condition. Your provider may discuss minimally invasive alternatives to hysterectomy, such as endometrial ablation to control heavy periods. Your care team helps you understand all your options and how each fits your goals and preferences. We work to help you make the best choice for you.
There are several types of hysterectomies:
- Total hysterectomy: Removes your uterus and cervix, with or without removing your fallopian tubes and ovaries. This is the most common type of hysterectomy.
- Partial hysterectomy: Removes the upper section of your uterus, leaving your cervix intact. Partial hysterectomies can be done with or without removing your fallopian tubes and ovaries.
- Radical hysterectomy: Removes your uterus, cervix and the upper part of your vagina, usually as part of cancer treatment.
Your provider can help you understand the benefits and risks of removing your ovaries and fallopian tubes, based on your reason for having the hysterectomy.
Hysterectomy Surgery
We perform hysterectomy surgery using both minimally invasive procedures and open surgeries.
Hysterectomy surgery takes several hours. Recovery ranges from three to six weeks depending on the type of surgery. Our team is by your side before, during and after surgery to monitor your recovery and provide personalized guidance and support.
Your provider removes your uterus through an incision at the top of your vagina. Vaginal hysterectomy is the least invasive option, with fewer complications and a faster recovery. You can usually go home the same day as the procedure.
Your physician inserts a laparoscope (a thin, lighted tube with a camera at one end) and surgical tools into your abdomen through small incisions. They remove your uterus through your vagina. With a laparoscopic hysterectomy, you usually go home the same day.
Robotic surgery is an advanced type of laparoscopic surgery used for complex surgeries. Your physician remotely controls a robotic arm to perform the surgery. The hospital stay after robotic surgery is usually a few days.
An abdominal hysterectomy is an open surgery to remove your uterus. Your surgeon performs the procedure through a six- to eight-inch incision in your abdomen. The incision may run across your lower abdomen or between your belly button and pubic bone. Abdominal hysterectomy requires a hospital stay of a few days and may have a longer recovery time.
Locations near you
111 Colchester Avenue
Main Campus, Main Pavilion, Level 4
Burlington, VT 05401-1473
206 Cornelia Street
Suite 105
Plattsburgh, NY 12901-2779
16 Third Street
Suite C
Malone, NY 12953-1305
130 Fisher Road
MOB-A, Suite 1-4
Berlin, VT 05602-9000
116 Porter Drive
Middlebury, VT 05753-8501
