Hysterectomy is the surgical removal of the uterus. A woman's uterus (or womb) is part of her reproductive system and is home to a developing fetus during pregnancy. A healthy uterus rarely needs to be removed, but a number of factors can precipitate removal as treatment.

Hysterectomy: When is it needed?

Conditions that may call for a hysterectomy include:

• Excessive fibroids
• Endometriosis, where uterine tissue grows outside the uterus covering ovaries and fallopian tubes
• Uterine prolapse, when the uterus falls into the vagina
• Persistent vaginal bleeding
• Gynecologic cancers, including cervical and uterine cancers

Hysterectomy: Types

Complete – The most common form of hysterectomy is the complete or total hysterectomy that removes the uterus and cervix.

Partial – A partial hysterectomy removes the uterus and leaves the cervix in place.

Radical – A radical hysterectomy removes the uterus, cervix and the upper part of the vagina. Although not always necessary, ovaries and fallopian tubes may be removed during a hysterectomy.

Why choose UF Health Jacksonville?

Minimally invasive gynecologic surgery is not new to our experts at UF Health Jacksonville. Our accomplished surgeons have long been at the forefront of using the latest technology to optimize your safety and provide you with the best possible outcomes.

• Our surgeons value a conservative approach and only offer surgical intervention when indicated and appropriate. You can rely on their extensive training and commitment to providing you with high-quality medical and surgical care.

• Robotically assisted hysterectomies increase the number of women eligible for minimally invasive options by using tiny incisions to extract the uterus and other associated organs or tissues. With robotically assisted hysterectomies, most women can return to normal activities within one to two weeks and have minimal scaring for a better cosmetic outcome.

• If a minimally invasive approach cannot be used, our sugeons are experienced at performing hysterectomies abdominally with a "bikini" incision in the pelvic region or vaginally, which removes the uterus through the vagina. Abdominal hysterectomies can require up to four weeks recovery time.