Home > Medical Reference > Encyclopedia (English)

Hysterectomy - series

Indications:

A hysterectomy is the removal of the uterus, resulting in the inability to become pregnant (sterility). May be done through the abdomen or the vagina.

Hysterectomy may be recommended for:

severe, long-term (chronic) infections (pelvic inflammatory disease)
severe inflammation of the lining of the uterus (endometriosis)
tumors in the uterus
uterine fibroids, cancer of the endometrium
cancer of the cervix, cancer of the ovary
severe, long-term (chronic) vaginal bleeding

Reviewed last on: 2/19/2009
Susan Storck, MD, FACOG, Chief, Eastside Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Group Health Cooperative of Puget Sound, Redmond, Washington; Clinical Teaching Faculty, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. © 1997- A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.