HYSTERECTOMY - The surgical removal of the uterus. This may be performed via abdominal incision (abdominal hysterectomy) or through the vaginal canal (vaginal hysterectomy). This procedure is indicated in cases of severe pelvic inflammatory disease, severe endometriosis, uterine fibroids (large or fast growing), chronic vaginal bleeding, cervical cancer, endometrial cancer, and choriocarcinoma (unresponsive to chemotherapy). Convalescence in the hospital is generally 5 to 7 days. Complete recovery may be two weeks to two months.