Word parts
What it means
An operation that removes the uterusYOO-ter-usThe hollow, muscular organ in the female pelvis where a fetus grows during pregnancy; the womb.uter/o uterusalso hyster/o and metr/o Full entry , with or without the cervixSER-viksThe narrow lower end of the uterus, which opens into the vagina.cervic/o neck, cervixFull entry , and sometimes the ovaries and fallopian tubes as well. It can be done through the belly, the vagina, or with small cuts and a scope (laparoscopic or robotic). Reasons include fibroids, heavy bleeding, cancer and severe pain. Afterward there are no menstrual periods and pregnancy is not possible.
For the nurse
Watch for bleeding, signs of infection and trouble passing urine. If the ovaries were removed, menopause symptoms begin right away. Teach no heavy lifting and nothing in the vagina until the provider allows it.
At a glance
| Spanish | histerectomía |
|---|---|
| Also written | hysterectomies |
Related terms
menopause
The time in a woman's life when menstrual periods stop for good, counted once there has been no period for 12 months in a row.
uterus
The hollow, muscular organ in the female pelvis where a fetus grows during pregnancy; the womb.
ovary
One of the two small female glands beside the uterus that hold eggs and make the hormones estrogen and progesterone.
cervix
The narrow lower end of the uterus, which opens into the vagina.