A hysterectomy is a surgical procedure whereby the uterus (womb) is removed. This surgery for women is the most common non-obstetrical surgical procedure. The most common reason hysterectomy is performed is for uterine fibroids. Other common reasons are abnormal uterine bleeding (vaginal bleeding), cervical dysplasia (pre-cancerous conditions of the cervix), endometriosis, and uterine prolapse (including pelvic relaxation).