Final answer:
A vaginal hysterectomy is the removal of the uterus through the vaginal canal. It is a surgical option for treating conditions like fibroids, endometriosis, and uterine prolapse, with the advantage of no large abdominal incision.
Step-by-step explanation:
A vaginal hysterectomy is a surgical procedure that describes the removal of the uterus through the vagina. As part of the female reproductive system, the vagina serves as the entrance to the reproductive tract and the exit from the uterus during menses and childbirth. During a vaginal hysterectomy, the uterus is detached from the surrounding tissues, ligaments, and blood vessels and then removed through the vaginal canal.
This procedure is considered for various medical reasons, such as uterine fibroids, endometriosis, uterine prolapse, or cancer. It is one of several types of hysterectomies, distinguished by the absence of a large abdominal incision, which may reduce recovery time and surgical risk compared to other methods.