Preface

Hysterectomy is a common surgical procedure in gynecology. Most women have negative associations with hysterectomy, but the vast majority of those who undergo the procedure do not regret having it performed.

Generally, there has been an observed shift in the type of surgical procedure over time, from abdominal hysterectomy to minimally invasive surgical procedures. Even with the introduction of minimally invasive surgical procedures, hysterectomy is still associated with the risk of intra-operative, immediate post-operative, and short- and long-term complications.

Hysterectomy in younger women may be associated with higher morbidity due to the more active pelvic vascularity. Thus, alternatives to hysterectomy should be considered, especially in cases of dysmenorrhea, dysfunctional uterine bleeding, leiomyomata, endometriosis, or other pelvic health problems.

I would like to thank all the authors for their valuable contributions. I am also grateful to Publishing Process Manager Ms. Ana Javor and the commissioning editors at IntechOpen for their support and advice.

> **Amarin Zouhair** Professor, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, Jordan

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Section 1

Hysterectomy Alternatives

Section 1
