In simple terms, abdominal hysterectomy is a surgical procedure in which an incision is created in the lower abdomen to remove the uterus. You can be advised to undergo partial hysterectomy (removal of only the uterus), total hysterectomy (removal of the uterus and cervix) or total hysterectomy with salpingo-oophorectomy (removal of one or both the ovaries as well as fallopian tubes); depending on what your gynecologist decides will be the best option for you.