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What is a Subtotal Hysterectomy?

Lindsay Kahl
Lindsay Kahl

A subtotal hysterectomy is also known as a partial or supracervical hysterectomy. During a subtotal hysterectomy, the surgeon removes a woman's uterus but leaves the cervix in place. With a total hysterectomy, both the uterus and cervix are removed. In some cases, the surgeon might also remove other tissues or organs, including the fallopian tubes or ovaries.

There are multiple reasons a woman might undergo a hysterectomy. A doctor could recommend a hysterectomy if a woman has uterine, ovarian or cervical cancer. Other reasons for a hysterectomy include persistent pelvic pain, vaginal bleeding that cannot be controlled by other methods and uterine prolapse, which is when the uterus descends into the vagina. Some doctors might recommend a hysterectomy for severe endometriosis, when the uterine lining grows outside of the uterus. For women with fibroids, or benign uterine tumors, hysterectomy is a treatment option.

A subtotal hysterectomy may be performed if a woman is suffering from uterine fibroids.
A subtotal hysterectomy may be performed if a woman is suffering from uterine fibroids.

In some cases, if the woman's medical issue does not necessitate removal of the cervix, a doctor can perform a subtotal hysterectomy. If a woman is suffering from abnormal bleeding, pelvic pain or uterine fibroids, she might have a choice about whether her cervix should be removed. After a subtotal hysterectomy, the woman typically has a shorter recovery time than with a total hysterectomy. Additionally, there usually is less damage to the urinary tract, less blood loss and a lower risk of infection. Some drawbacks include the possibility of more vaginal bleeding and more urinary incontinence problems than with a total hysterectomy.

Women who've undergone a subtotal hysterectomy should get regular mammograms.
Women who've undergone a subtotal hysterectomy should get regular mammograms.

There are several ways of performing a hysterectomy. During an abdominal hysterectomy, the surgeon makes an incision across the lower part of the abdomen to remove the uterus. For a vaginal hysterectomy, the surgeon makes the incision in the vagina. Some surgeons make multiple smaller incisions and utilize a laparoscope, which is a small instrument that enables them to perform the surgery within the body cavity. During a laparoscopic hysterectomy, the surgeon cuts the uterus into smaller pieces and removes them through the small incisions.

A diagram of the female reproductive system.
A diagram of the female reproductive system.

While a subtotal hysterectomy is considered to be relatively safe, there still are some risks. A woman can develop blood clots or infection after the surgery. There also is the risk of excessive bleeding or injury to the surrounding organs and tissues.

If a woman has her ovaries removed, she will enter into menopause. Even if a woman keeps her ovaries during the surgery, she might enter into menopause earlier than other women. Everyone who has had a hysterectomy should have regular pelvic exams and mammograms. Women who have had subtotal hysterectomies should also have regular Pap tests.

Discussion Comments

anon956071

The best thing to do after the operation is to rest enough and to eat healthy. This allows the body to recover quickly.

candyquilt

I have a random question. When a female cat gets spayed, do they do a subtotal hysterectomy or a total hysterectomy?

bluedolphin

@burcidi-- That's actually a hard question to answer because it depends on the type of subtotal hysterectomy and its side effects. Also, some people just recover faster than others.

I had a vaginal subtotal hysterectomy five years ago and my recovery took about six weeks or so. I was still tired for a few weeks after that but I was able to go back to work regardless. I think six weeks is the minimum it takes for recovery.

Just make sure your sister rests properly, don't let her do any housework or anything like that. She is not allowed to lift anything and needs to just lay down as much as possible.

burcidi

Has anyone had a partial hysterectomy and can share their experiences?

My sister is scheduled to have a laparoscopic subtotal hysterectomy next month and she will be staying with me after the surgery so that I can take care of her. I'm just wondering, how long does recovery usually take? Will she be in a lot of pain?

What do I need to know, or what can I do to make sure that is comfortable during this time and has a successful recovery?

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    • A subtotal hysterectomy may be performed if a woman is suffering from uterine fibroids.
      By: designua
      A subtotal hysterectomy may be performed if a woman is suffering from uterine fibroids.
    • Women who've undergone a subtotal hysterectomy should get regular mammograms.
      By: Monkey Business
      Women who've undergone a subtotal hysterectomy should get regular mammograms.
    • A diagram of the female reproductive system.
      By: isyste
      A diagram of the female reproductive system.
    • Women who've undergone a subtotal hysterectomy should get regular pelvic exams.
      By: Zsolnai Gergely
      Women who've undergone a subtotal hysterectomy should get regular pelvic exams.
    • A hysterectomy may be recommended for severe endometriosis.
      By: joshya
      A hysterectomy may be recommended for severe endometriosis.