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Minimally Invasive Hysterectomy

Hysterectomies are the second most common surgery women experience after cesarean (C-Section) births. Minimally invasive hysterectomies using laparoscopic techniques are unlike open surgeries because they are performed through one or more small incisions. This results in:

  • Decreased Hospital Stay
  • Shorter Recovery Time
  • Less Pain
  • Minimal Scarring if Any

These procedures may also allow more women, who may not be candidates for open surgery, to have a hysterectomy. A minimally invasive hysterectomy performed in a hospital setting, can treat and correct conditions such as:

  • Chronic Pelvic Pain
  • Uterine Fibroids
  • Abnormal Uterine Bleeding
  • Endometriosis
  • Uterine Prolapse
  • Cervical Abnormalities
  • Cancer

Types of Minimally Invasive Laparoscopic Hysterectomy Procedures

SILS – With the SILS™ procedure, women may no longer have to endure multiple incisions, visible scars, or lengthened recovery times. The SILS™ hysterectomy can minimize these concerns by allowing surgeons to perform a hysterectomy through a single incision in the belly button – minimizing the potential for having a visible scar. With a single incision hidden in the belly button, the SILS™ hysterectomy means potentially:

  • Fewer Incisions
  • Less Pain
  • No Visible Scarring

Laparoscopically Assisted Vaginal Hysterectomy (LAVH) – Surgeons use special laparoscopic instruments to remove the uterus and, if necessary, the fallopian tubes and ovaries. By operating through the vagina, the cervix is separated from the top of the vagina permitting the uterus and the cervix to be removed through the vaginal opening.

Laparoscopic Supracervical Hysterectomy (LSH) – The LSH procedure is done to remove the upper two-thirds of the uterus using laparoscopic instruments inserted through small incisions in the abdomen. By leaving the cervix intact and attached to the upper vagina, this procedure helps to provide better post-operative vaginal support and eliminates the need for the vagina to heal. Using specials instruments, the uterus is then removed through the small incisions in the abdomen.

Total Laparoscopic Hysterectomy (TLH) – Using similar incisions to a Laparoscopic Supracervical Hysterectomy, a TLH involves removing both the cervix and the uterus. Unlike a Laparoscopic Assisted Vaginal Hysterectomy, a very limited portion of the TLH procedure is done through the vagina.

VAGINAL HYSTERECTOMY

A vaginal hysterectomy:

  • Is a surgical procedure that is performed in a hospital
  • Involves removing the uterus surgically through the vagina
  • Is performed if the uterus is not greatly enlarged
  • Is performed if the medical conditions are not related to cancer
  • Has fewer complications, requires a shorter hospital stay, and allows a faster recovery when compared to the removal of the uterus through an abdominal incision (abdominal hysterectomy)
  • Can be used to remove one or both ovaries as well as fallopian tubes. This procedure is called a bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy (BSO)

Some surgeons perform a laparoscopically assisted vaginal hysterectomy (LAVH) for added guidance with the vaginal hysterectomy procedure. This is done because the use of a laparoscope helps the surgeon to more easily see the uterus, ovaries, and tissues that surround these organs.

Schedule Your Appointment

Women who are experiencing pelvic pain, abnormal bleeding, or any type of prolonged discomfort should seek the medical treatment they deserve. Turn Rock Hill GYN & OB in in both Rock Hill and Fort Mill, SC, to schedule an appointment so you can begin the path to healing.