The most common type of hysterectomy is a complete or total hysterectomy. Both the cervix and uterus are removed in this procedure. A partial or subtotal hysterectomy removes only the upper part of the uterus and leaves the cervix in place. The most extensive hysterectomy is a radical hysterectomy which removes the uterus, the cervix, the upper part of the vagina, and supporting tissues. A radical hysterectomy is usually only performed in some cases of cancer.