What are the different types of hysterectomies, and under what circumstances are they used? How is the recovery time different for each?
Georgia P., Massachusetts, USA: I had a TAH/BSO for my endometrial cancer, which means, in laymen’s terms, that I had my cervix, uterus, ovaries and fallopian tubes removed. These initials stand for Total Abdominal Hysterectomy/Bilateral Salpingo-Oophorectomy. Removing the ovaries and fallopian tubes during a total hysterectomy is considered a TAH/BSO. There are several hysterectomy options, including the removal of the uterus through the vagina (vaginal hysterectomy) and, more commonly used after a cancer diagnosis, the removal of the reproductive organs through an abdominal incision. The abdominal incision can be vertical or horizontal. For the best visual access to the entire area, the vertical incision is often the choice of a gynecological or surgical oncologist. Reading more about hysterectomies (see sources below) I found that by definition, a “total hysterectomy” includes a) removal of the uterus, and b) severing (and removal of) the cervix and upper portion of the vagina (vagi
