Whether or not the removal of the uterus is a major surgery is determined by the type of surgery.
Removal of the uterus via the abdomen is generally not considered major surgery; if the uterus is removed vaginally or laparoscopically, it is considered more major surgery.
Surgery can be categorized into four levels of risk and difficulty, and hysterectomies can be performed transabdominally, laparoscopically, or vaginally.
Generally speaking, abdominal hysterectomy is considered a level 2 surgery; vaginal hysterectomy is considered a level 3 surgery; and laparoscopic hysterectomy is considered a level 4 surgery.
Level II surgeries are not considered major surgeries because they have a certain level of risk but are of average complexity. Level III surgery is considered major surgery because it is riskier, more difficult and more complicated. Level IV is considered major surgery because it is higher risk, more complex and more difficult than Level III.