A laparoscopic hysterectomy is a type of hysterectomy that is performed using a class of thin optical tubes which are commonly referred to as laparoscopes. Hysterectomies performed in this manner often result in shorter recovery and functioning times than normal operations of this type. There is also often less scarring, which is why many women request laparoscopic procedures.
How is this surgery performed and who are good candidates for laparoscopic hysterectomies?
Basic laparoscopic hysterectomies begin with a short incision below a woman’s navel into which a laparoscopic instrument is inserted. The doctor then examines the woman’s pelvic area with the instrument and decides where additional cuts should be made with the thin surgical instruments. The laparoscope is then used as a surgical guide while the surgeon removes the uterus from the woman’s body. The uterus is divided into sections that are the correct size to be pulled out through the abdominal incisions, so very few stitches are needed to close these small incisions.
Variants of the basic laparoscopic hysterectomy procedure are called laparoscopic-assisted vaginal hysterectomy and laparoscopic supracervical hysterectomy. A downside of frequent vaginal hysterectomy is that the reproductive system and pelvic area are a blind spot for the surgeon. By using a laparoscopic instrument during a vaginal hysterectomy, a surgeon can see the entire female reproductive area.
With laparoscopic supracervical hysterectomy, the cervix can remain intact when the uterus is removed. Leaving the cervix has many benefits as it supports many pelvic ligaments and can eliminate the effects of decreased sexual response and vaginal dryness after hysterectomy. This procedure is increasingly popular among doctors and patients.
Laparoscopic hysterectomies are only suitable for certain diseases, eg. B. for the removal of small to medium uterine fibroids and less severe cases of unusual bleeding and endometriosis. Women whose uterus has exceeded normal size may not be a suitable candidate for this procedure.
All types of hysterectomy are major operations and should not be performed lightly. They must be carefully researched and understood before the actual operation. Alternative remedies shortly before surgery should be considered with doctor’s approval. However, if surgery is deemed necessary, the possibility of a less invasive laparoscopic hysterectomy should be discussed with the woman’s physician. If the woman’s condition permits, she may find laparoscopic hysterectomy to be her best practice. Of course, it should go without saying, but this article is for informational purposes only and you should consult a professional for the safest and best advice.