Laparoscopic Hysterectomy

What is laparoscopic Hysterectomy?

Laparoscopic hysterectomy is a minimally invasive surgical procedure to remove the uterus and cervix with or without the ovaries. A small incision is made in the navel through which a tiny camera is inserted. The surgeon watches the image from this camera on a TV monitor while performing the procedure. Two to three other tiny incisions are made in the lower abdomen. Through these, specialized instruments are inserted and used for the removal process.

Anatomy of Vagina - gynecology specialist doctor chennai - dr deepa ganesh

How is a laparoscopic hysterectomy done?

The procedure is performed under a general anaesthetesia by athe gynaecologist. A drip is inserted into your arm. A catheter (a tube for urine drainage) is inserted after you have been anaesthetised. A small incision is made either in or just below your umbilicus. The abdomen is inflated with gas and an optical instrument, called a laparoscope (similar to a telescope) is inserted to visualise the internal organs. Further small incisions may be made on your abdomen. The uterus and cervix are removed with or without both ovaries vaginally. The wounds are closed in layers. The procedure itself takes approximately one to two hours.

Actual Image - Total laparoscopic hysterectomy - dr deepa ganesh

Types of Hysterectomy

Partial Laparoscopic Hysterectomy specialist in chennai

Partial Hysterectomy

Subtotal or Partial Hysterectomy – where uterus alone is removed.

Total Laparoscopic Hysterectomy specialist in chennai

Total Hysterectomy

Total Hysterectomy – where uterus and cervix are removed.

Hysterectomy & bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy

Hysterectomy & bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy

Uterus, fallopian tubes and ovaries are removed.

Who should go for hysterectomy?

  • Fibroids

    These are benign tumors that grow inside the uterus. Fibroids can cause persistent bleeding, anemia, pelvic pain, and/or bladder pressure.

  • Endometriosis

    This is a condition in which uterine tissue grows outside the uterus—on the ovaries, fallopian tubes, or elsewhere in the body. Endometriosis can cause painful menstrual periods and/or heavy bleeding, and can sometimes cause infertility.

  • Adenomyosis

    Here the tissue that lines the womb begins to grow within the muscle wall of the womb. This can cause severely painful periods. In peri-menopausal or menopausal women, hysterectomy may be a treatment option where all other alternatives have failed.

  • Uterine Prolapse

    If the ligaments and tissues supporting the uterus become weakened, the uterus can slip down into the vagina. Uterine prolapse can lead to urinary incontinence, a feeling of pelvic pressure, or difficulty with bowel movements.

  • Gynecological Cancer

    Hysterectomy is often part of treatment for cancer of the uterus, cervix, ovaries, and/or fallopian tubes.

  • Persistent Vaginal Bleeding

    Heavy, irregular periods that consistently last longer than 5–7 days may be treated with hysterectomy when other treatments are ineffective.

  • Pelvic Inflammatory Disease

    This condition occurs due to bacterial infection of the female reproductive system. In the early stages, it can be treated with antibiotics. However, if the infection spreads, it can lead to long-term damage and pain. In these cases, a hysterectomy may be considered.

  • Chronic Pelvic Pain

    In some cases, no cause is found for this condition. Hysterectomy may be performed as a last resort when other treatments have failed.

Benefits of Laparoscopic Hysterectomy

A laparoscopic hysterectomy requires only a few small incisions, compared to a traditional abdominal hysterectomy which is done through a 3-5 inch incision. Visualization of pelvic anatomy is superior with laparoscopy. As a result, there is less blood loss, less scarring, and less post-operative pain. A laparoscopic hysterectomy is usually done as a daycare procedure whereas a traditional hysterectomy usually requires a 5-7 days hospital stay. The recovery period for this laparoscopic procedure is 1-2 weeks, compared with 4-6 weeks after a traditional hysterectomy.

The risks of blood loss, pain, infection and scarring are lower with laparoscopic hysterectomy than with abdominal hysterectomy. In experienced hands, laparoscopic hysterectomy takes about the same length of time as abdominal hysterectomy and involves no greater risk.

Visit our Frequently Asked Questions on laparoscopic treatment section to know what you should do before, on the day and after laparoscopic procedure.

Listen to Dr. Deepa Ganesh talk about Myths about sex after Uterus Removal

Blog articles on hysterectomy

3D Laparoscopic Surgery specialist - dr deepa ganesh

10 Conditions When your Gynecologist advise Hysterectomy

Hysterectomy – the procedure where the uterus/womb, ovaries, fallopian tubes, cervix etc are removed depending on the need and what type of hysterectomy is being performed. Did you know that ...
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