Laparoscopic Hysterectomy

Hysterectomy is the most common operative procedure performed in non-pregnant women. Hysterectomy can be performed to treat various gynecological conditions, including heavy or irregular menstruation, fibroids, and suspected or proven cancer of the uterus or cervix.

The selection of surgical treatment normally depends on the extent and nature of patients’ health condition as well as their personal factors. Some patients may also have been prescribed for the alternative treatment like drug treatments, coils or minor surgery.

In a total hysterectomy (TH) whole uterus (womb) along with the cervix (neck of the womb) is removed surgically.
In a sub-total hysterectomy (STH) only the upper part of the womb without the cervix is removed surgically.

Laparoscopic Hysterectomy :

Earlier, Laparoscopy was usually done to assist vaginal hysterectomy also known as Laparoscopic Assisted Vaginal Hysterectomy (LAVH). It helps in improving the visualization of the upper pelvis and thereby allows complicated surgeries to be performed easily.

Laparoscopic Hysterectomy (LSH) is also known as keyhole surgery usually performed to remove the uterus (womb) through 4 small incisions on the abdomen below the belly button. In some cases the ovaries and fallopian tubes are also removed at the same time, this procedure is called as a salpingo-oophorectomy. The laparoscopic hysterectomy has shown advantages of significantly shorter time of procedure and hospital stay along with lesser complications compared to LAVH or total hysterectomy (TH). A total Laparoscopic Hysterectomy (TLH) is almost similar procedure like LSH with an additional use of a colpotomizer to allow the vaginal incision.

Various Steps involved in Laparoscopic Hysterectomy:

• Usually a general anesthesia is given to put patient in to sleep during the surgery. Alternatively, a local anesthetic can be used as an alternative, to block sensation in the lower portion of your body.
• A needle is inserted in to the patient’s vein on the arm or wrist and connected to a drip to provide medicines or fluids. This drip stays in place until patient start drinking normally after the surgery.
• Various sticky pads are placed on the chest to connect patient with a machine to monitor pulse rate, blood pressure and breathing.
• Once a patient gets anaesthetized, a hollow needle is introduced into the abdomen through a small incision near to navel, and then carbon dioxide is pumped through the needle to allow abdomen to expand further to generate more space to facilitate a better view of the internal organs.
• A laparoscope is inserted through the incision to view internal organs on the monitor.
• Additional three small incisions are made along the bikini line to insert other essential instruments normally used to perform the surgical procedure.
• In a total hysterectomy surgery; the womb is removed through the vaginal passage and in a sub-total hysterectomy surgery; the womb is removed through the abdomen.
• Finally, the wounds are sutured and closed in layers.
• Normally, Laparoscopic Hysterectomy procedure takes approximately 1-2 hours.

Recovery time after surgery:

Once a laparoscopic hysterectomy surgery is performed successfully, a majority of patients stay in the hospital, for approximately 2-3 days, but in some cases, they may stay even longer. The exact time of stay depends on the cause of surgery, patient’s general health, and post-surgical conditions. Overall recovery may take 6 to 8 weeks and get back to normal routine.

Do and don’t after discharge from hospital:

• Try to remain mobile
• Eat and drink normally
• If essential use sanitary pads only
• Shower regularly
• Avoid intercourse for 6 weeks
• Don’t undertake heavy lifting or straining for 6 weeks

For more information and any query Laparoscopic Hysterectomy visit Shah Hospital to consult with our specialist Gynecologist and Laparoscopic Surgeon.