Approximately one-third of the more than half-million hysterectomies performed in the United States each year are due to fibroids.

In a hysterectomy, the uterus is removed in an open surgical procedure. This operation is considered major surgery and is performed while the patient is under general anesthesia. It requires 3 to 4 days of hospitalization and the average recovery period is about six weeks. Some women are candidates for a newer, laparoscopic procedure. The recovery time for this procedure is considerably shorter.

Hysterectomy is the most common current therapy for women who have fibroids. It is typically performed in women who have completed their childbearing years or who understand that after the procedure, they cannot become pregnant.