- 26/July/2019
Laparoscopic Hysterectomy - Ananthapuri Hospitals, Trivandrum
Uterus removal is one of the most commonly performed gynaecological procedures. The surgical procedure to remove a uterus is called a HYSTERECTOMY. A hysterectomy can be either open surgery or a minimally invasive laparoscopic surgery. Sometimes a laparoscopic-assisted vaginal hysterectomy can be done if there is a uterine descent (first-degree uterine prolapse).
WHY IS A HYSTERECTOMY PERFORMED?
A hysterectomy is generally performed for various reasons, including:
- Uterine fibroids causing pain, bleeding and other issues
- Uterine prolapse (sliding of the uterus from its apical position into the vaginal canal)
- Cancer of the uterus, ovaries or cervix
- Endometriosis
- Abnormal uterine bleeding
- Chronic pelvic pain
- Postmenopausal bleeding.
For a serious condition like endometrial or uterine cancer, a hysterectomy is often the main treatment. However, for non-cancerous conditions, a hysterectomy is typically considered only after all other treatment approaches have been attempted without success.
WHAT IS LAPAROSCOPIC HYSTERECTOMY?
A laparoscopic hysterectomy is a minimally invasive method of performing a hysterectomy. It involves inserting a tiny laparoscope connected to a camera, through a small incision in the navel and 3 tiny holes below that. The uterus removal procedure is then done while viewing the image on a monitor.
WHEN AM I NOT SUITABLE TO UNDERTAKE A LAPAROSCOPIC HYSTERECTOMY?
You are not suitable to undertake a laparoscopic hysterectomy if you have:
- A uterus that is larger than 12 weeks size
- Big multiple fibroids
- Cancer of the uterus, cervix and ovaries (except early stages)
HOW IS A LAPAROSCOPIC SURGERY BETTER THAN OPEN SURGERY?
Laparoscopic surgery has many advantages when compared to open surgery. Some of them include:
- Reduced recovery time with less discomfort
- Minimal pain
- Less blood loss
- Decreased number and size of the incisions
- Minimal risk of infection
- Short hospital stay
HOW PAINFUL IS THE SURGERY?
Laparoscopic surgeries, in general, involve tiny incisions and causes very less tissue injury. Therefore this approach is associated with very less pain and faster recovery when compared to open surgery.
HOW LONG WILL IT TAKE FOR ME TO RECOVER?
Typically, recovery from a laparoscopic hysterectomy takes two to six weeks, depending on your health level.
WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT DURING RECOVERY?
You may experience vaginal bleeding, pain and discomfort in your lower abdomen for at least the first few days after your operation. Having a pain in your shoulder is a common side-effect of laparoscopic surgery.
HOW IS LIFE GOING TO BE AFTER A LAPAROSCOPIC HYSTERECTOMY?
Depending on your fitness levels, you will be able to return to your usual activity level a little earlier (within two to three weeks after the surgery) when compared to open surgery. Going through a hysterectomy means you’ll neither have your periods nor will you get pregnant again.
If your ovaries were removed during the procedure, your body will experience a ‘surgical menopause’. You may experience hot flushes, night sweat and other symptoms of menopause such as mood swings, insomnia, vaginal dryness and so on after the surgery.
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Ananthapuri Hospital has a highly experienced team of gynaecologists. To book an appointment, call us at +91 9400332777 or visit our hospital at Chacka, NH Bypass, Thiruvananthapuram.