There are several approaches that can be used for a minimally invasive hysterectomy:

• Vaginal hysterectomy:  The surgeon makes a cut in the vagina and removes the uterus through this incision. The incision is closed, leaving no visible scar. In vaginal hysterectomy there are no incisions on the abdomen.

• Laparoscopic hysterectomy:  This surgery is done using a laparoscope, which is a tube with a lighted camera, and surgical tools inserted through several small cuts made in the belly. The surgeon performs the hysterectomy from outside the body, viewing the operation on a video screen.  

• Laparoscopic-assisted vaginal hysterectomy:  Using laparoscopic surgical tools, a surgeon removes the uterus through an incision in the vagina. In this procedure there are still several small cuts in the abdomen.

• Robot-assisted laparoscopic hysterectomy:  This procedure is similar to a laparoscopic hysterectomy, but the surgeon controls a sophisticated robotic system of surgical tools from outside the body. Advanced technology allows the surgeon to use natural wrist movements and view the hysterectomy on a three-dimensional screen.