
A hysterectomy is a surgical procedure for women that removes all or parts of the uterus. From cancer to endometriosis, the conditions that can occur within the reproductive system are wide-ranging, bringing an assortment of uncomfortable symptoms that can decrease a woman’s quality of life. For many women, a hysterectomy presents a safe and effective solution for these reproductive issues and can help women get their lives back on track, free from discomfort.
SURGICAL MENOPAUSE IS CAUSED BY THE REMOVAL OF THE OVARIES.
Depending on your specific condition, you may need to have only your uterus removed or you may need to have your uterus and ovaries removed.
Complete or Total Hysterectomy
- A complete or total hysterectomy involves the removal of the uterus, including the cervix. This is the most commonly performed type of hysterectomy.

Supracervical Hysterectomy
- A supracervical hysterectomy involves the removal of the upper part of the uterus, leaving the cervix intact.

Bilateral Salpingo-Oophorectomy (BSO)
- A bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy (BSO) involves the removal of the ovaries and fallopian tubes. SURGICAL MENOPAUSE is a result of this procedure.
- A BSO (removal of ovaries/tubes) can be done alone or with a total or supracervical hysterectomy.

Radical Hysterectomy
- A radical hysterectomy involves the removal of the cervix, the uterus, the upper part of the vagina, and supporting tissues, including the lymph nodes. This type of hysterectomy is usually performed when cervical cancer is present and is done by a GYN oncologist.
Any of these types of hysterectomy may be done by different approaches or different incision types.
Abdominal Hysterectomy
- A hysterectomy performed through a large, open abdominal incision

Vaginal Hysterectomy
- A hysterectomy done through a vaginal incision

Laparoscopic Assisted Vaginal Hysterectomy (LAVH)
- A hysterectomy performed with laparoscopic (small abdominal) incisions and a vaginal incision, with the vaginal incision being closed from the vaginal approach

Total Laparoscopic Hysterectomy (TLH)
- A hysterectomy performed completely through laparoscopic incisions, with the vaginal incision closed from the laparoscopic approach
da Vinci® Robotic Hysterectomy
- A hysterectomy performed through laparoscopic incisions (small incisions in the abdomen) but using the advanced technology of the robotic surgical system.

The incision approach is the biggest factor in minimally invasive hysterectomy. Your physician will help you decide which type of hysterectomy is most appropriate for you, depending on your medical history and the reason for your surgery.
At Women First, approximately 90% of the hysterectomies we perform are minimally invasive.
The da Vinci robotic hysterectomy is at the forefront of women’s health, yet its goal is simple. Women First’s experienced robotic surgeons use these advanced tools to help their patients have a safe, effective surgery with a quicker recovery time than traditional hysterectomy.
When medication and other treatments don’t relieve your symptoms, your doctor may recommend hysterectomy as an effective, long-term solution for many gynecology problems. If you are considering a hysterectomy, or your physician has recommended you have one, you’re not alone—one in three women in the U.S. will have a hysterectomy before turning 60.
If you’re a candidate for da Vinci hysterectomy, it offers many potential benefits over traditional surgical approaches, including:
- Significantly less pain
- Minimal blood loss and need for transfusion
- Fewer complications
- Shorter hospital stay
- Quicker recovery and return to normal activities
- Small incisions for minimal scarring
- Better outcomes and patient satisfaction, in many cases.
The da Vinci Surgical System is a breakthrough surgical approach for gynecologists to operate with unmatched precision, dexterity and control. It’s an advancement over traditional open surgery and even laparoscopic surgery, and with Women First doctors, it may be an option for you!
Imagine major surgery being performed through the smallest of incisions—with the potential for significantly less pain, a shorter hospital stay and a faster return to normal daily activities. The da Vinci Surgical System offers these benefits as well as the potential for better clinical outcomes. The da Vinci system expands a surgeon’s capabilities, offering a minimally invasive treatment option for some very complex conditions.
From Conception to Birth, We’re Here Every Step of the Way
Our providers are here to give you the highest quality prenatal care.
From Conception to Birth, We’re Here Every Step of the Way
What People Are Saying
Posted on Google![]()
Lindsey Kaelin26 October 2026Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Truly one of the best women’s health visits I have ever had! Emily Fountain is so incredible and listened to all of my concerns and offered so many options to me that have NEVER been offered to me by any other healthcare provider before. I felt truly cared for. The staff is amazing and kind and QUICK! And the office is beautifully decorated and clean. I will never go anywhere else ever again!Posted on Google![]()
Madison Buckner19 October 2026Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
It can be difficult to feel heard when it comes to women’s health, however Dr. Aiken always takes her time & answers question’s thoroughly. Couldn’t recommend her enough!Posted on Google![]()
Lauren Hayes25 September 2026Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Ultrasound tech, Emma, was phenomenal! She was so compassionate and took her time to make our experience great. We really appreciate the care she took during our ultrasound.Posted on Google![]()
Sidney12 August 2026Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Highly recommend! From the moment I walked in to the moment I walked out, my care was thoughtful, caring, and the furthest thing from feeling dismissed at a doctor’s office. Ellie did a wonderful job making me feel heard, comfortable and validate what I had been experiencing. For a first visit, I left feeling reassured and grateful that I chose this office.Posted on Google![]()
Charisa McMahon21 July 2026Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
I highly recommend Audrey Fenwick. She truly takes the time to listen and never makes me feel rushed during my appointments. I always feel like my concerns are heard and taken seriously. What I appreciate most is that she’s willing to explore different treatment options rather than taking a one-size-fits-all approach. She works with me until we find a plan that we’re both comfortable with, and I always leave feeling confident that I’ve received thoughtful, personalized care. It’s refreshing to have a healthcare provider who is knowledgeable, compassionate, and genuinely invested in helping her patients feel their best.Posted on Google![]()
Amy Curry26 June 2026Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Dr. Shannon was a great provider during my last pregnancy with twins! She answered every question I had, kept me in the loop on all the clinical decisions and options I had available, and made me feel safe and heard during all of my interactions with her and her staff. All of the staff at Women’s first always took great care of me and my babies no matter what concern I had at the time.Posted on Google![]()
Rhonda Eichenberger20 June 2026Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
They are always all so nice and welcoming. I just love Brook McAfee, APRN, she is awesome!Posted on Google![]()
Robin12 June 2026Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Dr Grider is the best Doctor. Very thorough, kind and personable!Posted on Google![]()
Cathy Carter4 June 2026Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
I cannot tell you how pleased I am with the services provided by Dr. Anne L. Oliphant and the staff at Women First of Louisville. Dr. Oliphant and staff exhibit outstanding professionalism, punctuality and courtesy. I highly recommend Dr. Oliphant based on the fact that she is an exceptionally skilled and compassionate physician who truly takes the time to listen to her patients. Throughout my appointments, she and the staff made me feel completely at ease. She thoroughly explained my diagnosis and patiently answered all my questions without ever making me feel rushed. I had to do bloodwork during my last appointment. The clinicians and staff were especially friendly and professional as well. Dr. Oliphant’s, and the staff’s, empathetic bedside manner and clear communication elicit standout medical providers in the specialized field of menopause medicine. I believe that Dr. Oliphant has really listened to my concerns and has taken the time to support my health journey. I highly recommend her and the staff to anyone seeking personalized and highly effective care.Posted on Google![]()
Nancy Nance3 June 2026Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
I have been a patient here for over 25 years. The best of care for any need I have had ! Simply the best !