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A laparoscopic hysterectomy is surgery to remove the uterus using a camera and instruments inserted through small abdominal incisions. Depending on the surgical plan, the cervix may also be removed. The fallopian tubes or ovaries may be removed separately, but their removal is not automatic. After a hysterectomy, menstrual periods stop, and the person can no longer carry a pregnancy.
read more about laparoscopic hysterectomy ...A clinician may recommend a hysterectomy for conditions such as uterine fibroids, heavy bleeding, adenomyosis, uterine prolapse, or certain cancers. The reason for surgery affects which organs need to be removed and which surgical approach is appropriate. For noncancerous conditions, the care team may discuss medications or less extensive procedures first. The decision also takes symptoms, treatment goals, and future pregnancy plans into account.
The surgeon makes several small incisions in the abdomen and inserts a laparoscope to view the pelvic organs. Surgical instruments separate the uterus from its supporting tissues and blood vessels. The uterus is then removed through the vagina or an abdominal incision, depending on the technique. The surgeon closes the incisions after checking for bleeding.
Abdominal soreness, fatigue, and light vaginal bleeding or discharge can occur after surgery. Recovery is generally faster after a laparoscopic procedure than after an open abdominal hysterectomy, although the timeline varies. The surgical team provides instructions about activity, incision care, and when to resume vaginal intercourse. A patient should contact the care team about fever, worsening pain, heavy bleeding, or other concerning symptoms.
Possible complications include bleeding, infection, blood clots, and injury to nearby organs such as the bladder or bowel. Anesthesia also carries risks, and the surgeon may need to switch to an open operation if the laparoscopic approach cannot be completed safely. Removing both ovaries before natural menopause causes surgical menopause. The surgeon should explain the planned organ removal and individual risks before the procedure.
Not necessarily. Ovary removal is a separate decision based on the reason for surgery and the patient's circumstances.
No. A total hysterectomy removes the uterus and cervix, while a supracervical hysterectomy leaves the cervix in place.
No. Removing the uterus stops menstrual periods, even when the ovaries remain.
A person cannot carry a pregnancy after the uterus is removed. Very rarely, an ectopic pregnancy can occur outside the uterus if an ovary remains. New severe pelvic pain after hysterectomy needs prompt medical evaluation.
Ectopic pregnancy after hysterectomy study: A systematic review of published case reports comparing ectopic pregnancy following total and supracervical hysterectomy. PubMed. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40150941/. Date Accessed September 30, 2026.
Hysterectomy - laparoscopic - discharge. MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia. https://www.medlineplus.gov/ency/patientinstructions/000276.htm. Date Accessed September 30, 2026.
Hysterectomy: Surgery, Types, Side Effects & Recovery. Cleveland Clinic. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/procedures/hysterectomy. Date Accessed September 30, 2026.
Laparoscopic hysterectomy ? recovering well. Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists. https://www.rcog.org.uk/for-the-public/browse-our-patient-information/laparoscopic-hysterectomy-recovering-well/. Date Accessed September 30, 2026.
Total laparoscopic hysterectomy. University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust. https://www.uclh.nhs.uk/patients-and-visitors/patient-information-pages/laparoscopic-hysterectomy. Date Accessed September 30, 2026.