An abdominal hysterectomy is an operation that removes the uterus through a cut in the lower belly, also called the abdomen. This is known as an open procedure. The uterus, also called the womb, is where a baby grows when someone is pregnant. A partial hysterectomy removes the uterus, leaving the neck of the womb in place. The neck of the womb is the cervix. A total hysterectomy removes the uterus and the cervix.

A hysterectomy also can be done through a cut in the vagina. This is called a vaginal hysterectomy. Or you may have laparoscopic or robotic surgery, which uses long, thin instruments passed through small cuts in the belly.

You may need an abdominal hysterectomy instead of other types of hysterectomy if:

• You have a large uterus.
• Your health care provider wants to check other pelvic organs for signs of disease.
• Your surgeon feels it's in your best interest to do the surgery as an open procedure.