Laparoscopic Hysterectomy
Hysterectomy is an operation which is designed to remove the female uterus. There are many reasons why a woman may be required to undergo hysterectomy including the following.
- Uterine fibroids causing pain and/or bleeding
- Uterine prolapse (sliding of uterus from normal position into vaginal canal)
- Cancer of uterus, ovaries or cervix
- Endometriosis
- Chronic pelvic pain
- Abnormal vaginal bleeding
- Adenomyosis (thickening of uterus)
Hysterectomy however for non-cancerous reasons is normally considered only after all other treatment options have failed to relieve symptoms.
Laparoscopic Hysterectomy at Vitality Health Services
Laparoscopic hysterectomy is a minimally invasive surgical operation designed to remove the uterus. During the operation a small incision is made in the navel area & a small camera inserted. This camera will send images on the TV screen & the surgeon will visualize this to perform the operation. Specialized tiny surgical tools will also be inserted through two or three other tiny incisions made in the lower abdomen region.
Advantages of Laparoscopic Hysterectomy
Laparoscopic hysterectomy is typically performed through few small incisions in comparison to traditional open abdominal hysterectomy which requires a 3-6 inch incision. Proportionately, there is lesser loss of blood, less scarring & less post-operative pain in laparoscopic hysterectomy. Moreover, laparoscopic hysterectomy is performed as a day care procedure whereas open abdominal hysterectomy requires at least 2-3 days stay at the hospital.
Time for recovery after laparoscopic hysterectomy is 7 to 15 days in comparison to 30 to 45 days required after open abdominal hysterectomy. Risk of infection & blood loss is also less with laparoscopic hysterectomy. Laparoscopic hysterectomy operation by experienced surgeons takes about the same amount of time as open abdominal hysterectomy & involves lesser risk.
Good Candidates for Laparoscopic Hysterectomy
Women requiring hysterectomy as treatment for abnormal uterine bleeding or for fibroids can undergo laparoscopic hysterectomy. However, this may not be possible in some cases. Especially, when the uterus is bigger than four month pregnancy or if the patient had multiple lower abdomen operations performed in the past. Laparoscopic hysterectomy is also not performed for women having gynecologic cancer.
Recovery Following Laparoscopic Hysterectomy
Patients undergoing laparoscopic hysterectomy should take ibuprofen or narcotic pain killer pills for a few days after the operation. We also encourage them NOT to stay in bed. Moving around the house & resuming normal activities as soon as they feel up to it will do good. Many women feel well enough to get back to work within 7 days after the operation. However, other patients who have more demanding work should stay back home for 15 to 20 days. Women can also resume exercise & indulge in sexual intercourse within a few weeks following laparoscopic hysterectomy.