Laparoscopic hysterectomy is a minimally invasive procedure wherein the doctor removes the uterus from the body.

How is laparoscopic hysterectomy surgery performed?

The following steps are involved in laparoscopic hysterectomy-

• The patient is put under general anesthesia to avoid discomfort during the surgery.
• The doctor makes a small incision in the belly button and inserts an instrument called a laparoscope, which is equipped with a tiny camera. The camera helps to watch inside the uterus and perform the surgery.
• Later, in the lower abdomen, the doctors make two or three more incisions from where they insert specialized instruments to perform the process of removing the uterus.

Some women prefer to remove the ovaries as well during the hysterectomy due to the family history of ovarian cancer. And some women prefer to keep them. If the ovaries stay inside, there is no need to take hormones after the surgery, and certain side effects like hot flashes subside.

Advantages of laparoscopic hysterectomy surgery

• Few incisions- While in the traditional hysterectomy 3 to 6 inches incisions are made, in laparoscopic hysterectomy, only a few incisions are enough to remove the uterus.
• Less blood loss- Since the doctor makes only a few incisions, there is less blood loss than the traditional hysterectomy surgery.
• Fewer chances of infection
• Less scarring
• Less post-operative pain
• Minimally invasive technique and lesser hospital stay
• Faster recovery

Who is eligible for laparoscopic hysterectomy?

Almost all benign cases are eligible to undergo laparoscopic hysterectomy.

Who cannot undergo laparoscopic hysterectomy?

Laparoscopic hysterectomy is not performed under the following cases-

• If the woman is suffering from advanced gynecologic cancer not amenable to laparoscopic treatment
• If the uterus of the woman is very big in size
• If the woman has had multiple operations in the lower abdomen in the past leading to dense intra-abdominal incisions.

FAQs

1. What are the preparations needed before the surgery?

You have to show all your medical reports to the doctor in the pre-operative appointment to make sure that there will be no complications later. It will include medical history, physical examination, blood samples, etc. You will have to follow overnight fasting before surgery and medicines will be adjusted before surgeries.

2. How many days do I need to stay in the hospital?

In most of the cases, the patients can go back home on the day after of the surgery. However, in some cases, the patient may need additional days under observation.

3. What is the recovery period?

In general, the patients who have undergone laparoscopic hysterectomy recover within 2 to 3 weeks. Full recovery may take 6 weeks.

4. What are the aftercare steps?

The few precautions you need to take include the following-

• Take the medicines as per the instructions of the doctor.
• Do not indulge in heavy physical activities until the recovery period.
• Do not stay on the bed for long hours; instead, keep moving around the house.
• Resume a normal work schedule, including light exercise, after a month of the surgery.
• Avoid sexual intercourse for 6 weeks after surgery.

Laparoscopic hysterectomy is a safe and minimally invasive procedure that helps to remove the uterus. The patients suffer way less than those who have undergone the traditional hysterectomy. However, being a surgical procedure, it is important that you consult only a highly qualified and experienced doctor for the same.

Dr. Sumina Reddy is one of the best gynecologists in Hyderabad. With years of experience and profound knowledge, she can deal with any complex gynecological case easily. She has successfully performed many cases of laparoscopic hysterectomy surgery.

Visit Dr. Sumina Reddy Clinic to know more about laparoscopic hysterectomy.