What is a Partial Hysterectomy?

The terms for a hysterectomy may be confusing and many women may not know what was removed at the time of their hysterectomy. A total hysterectomy means the body of the uterus and the cervix are removed. If the ovaries are also removed, this is called a total hysterectomy with bilateral salpingectomy (BSO) and oophorectomy. A partial or supracervical hysterectomy means the body of the uterus is removed but the cervix is left in place. This may be performed in women with no history of cervical or uterine neoplasm. When a hysterectomy is done in combination with a prolapse repair, the type of hysterectomy recommended depends on the degree of uterine prolapse. In cases of advanced prolapse, the cervix lengthens and removal is sometimes necessary.