What surgical procedure involves the removal of the uterus?

The procedure that involves the removal of the uterus is known as a hysterectomy. This surgical operation can be performed for various reasons, including the treatment of conditions such as uterine fibroids, endometriosis, uterine prolapse, or certain types of gynecological cancers. A hysterectomy can vary in scope; it may involve the removal of just the uterus (a total hysterectomy), or it can also include the removal of the cervix, ovaries, and fallopian tubes, depending on the indication for the surgery.

Understanding this procedure is crucial in OB-GYN practice, as it often plays a significant role in women's reproductive health. In contrast, other surgical options listed, such as oophorectomy, involve the removal of ovaries; laparotomy is a broader term for abdominal surgery that does not specifically refer to any reproductive organs; and cervical conization is a procedure to remove a conical section of the cervix, typically for diagnosing or treating precancerous changes. Each of these procedures has specific indications and implications for women's health but does not involve the removal of the uterus directly.