Hysterectomy operation. View of a woman's uterus just before removal in a hysterectomy operation. Metal retractors hold the woman's abdomen open. A hysterectomy is the removal of a woman's uterus (womb). It is a common operation, and is the usual treatment for cervical and uterine cancer. It may also be performed to treat menorrhagia (heavy menstrual bleeding), endometriosis (fragments of the uterine lining implanting in the pelvic cavity) and severe uterine prolapses. Hysterectomy causes sterility, but patients should be able to lead an otherwise normal life. See images M550/536-538 and M551/237-238 for the progress of the operation.