Hysterectomy is a surgery performed to remove the uterus. This is done for many reasons including heavy or painful periods, fibroids, prolapse (uterus falling down into vagina) or abnormal cervical cells. Hysterectomy can be total (removal of the uterus and cervix) or subtotal (removal of only the uterus). Your physician will discuss the surgical options with you to determine which surgery is best for you. Hysterectomy can be done via open surgery with an incision or via minimally invasive approach with a vaginal, laparoscopic or robotic approach.