A hysterectomy can be done in several different ways. It will depend on your health history and the reason for your surgery. Talk to your doctor about the different options, including:
Abdominal hysterectomy
Your doctor makes a cut in your abdomen. In one method, the surgeon cuts along the pubic hairline (sometimes called a "bikini" cut). In the other method, the surgeon cuts downwards from just below the belly button to just above the pubic hairline. This type of cut makes it easy for the surgeon to work inside the pelvis. There will be a vertical scar from belly button to lower abdomen.
Vaginal hysterectomy
This is done through a small cut at the top of vagina. This type of hysterectomy is mainly limited to patients who have a uterus that is not enlarged and no history of previous pelvic surgery.
Laparoscopic hysterectomy
A laparoscope is an instrument with a thin, lighted tube and a small camera that allows your doctor to see your pelvic organs. The doctor makes very small cuts to put the laparoscope and surgical tools inside the abdomen. During a laparoscopic hysterectomy the entire surgery is performed through these tiny incisions. This type of hysterectomy can be used to handle all types of problems (ie. fibroids, endometriosis, adhesions, etc.). After the surgery there will be very small scars on the abdomen.
Robotic surgery
Your doctor guides a robotic arm to do the surgery through small cuts in your lower abdomen, like a laparoscopic hysterectomy. Same as laparoscopic hysterectomy, after the surgery there will be 4 small scars on the abdomen.