Laparoscopic Hysterectomy

What Is Hysterectomy?

Hysterectomy is the surgical removal of part or the entire uterus. It is the second most common major surgery among women of child-bearing age. Hysterectomy may be done to treat conditions that affect the uterus. Some reasons a hysterectomy may be needed include:

• Uterine fibroids
• Endometriosis
• Pelvic support problems (such as uterine prolapse)
• Abnormal uterine bleeding
• Cancer
• Chronic pelvic pain

Laparoscopic hysterectomy (or minimally invasive hysterectomy) is done through small incisions in the abdomen. The uterus is removed in small pieces through these incisions. Laparoscopic hysterectomy has a shorter recovery time than abdominal or vaginal hysterectomy.

A hysterectomy does not include removal of the ovaries and fallopian tubes. When these organs are removed at the same time as the uterus and cervix, it is called a salpingo-oophorectomy.

Differences between an abdominal hysterectomy and laparoscopic hysterectomy:

• A standard hysterectomy requires a 4-8″ incision in the abdomen, as opposed to only a 1/4 – 1/2″ incision for a laparoscopic hysterectomy.
• Recovery is faster with a laparoscopic hysterectomy – about half the time of an abdominal hysterectomy
• Less blood less
• Less pain