Minimally Invasive Hysterectomy
Hysterectomy is a definitive option for the treatment of multiple abnormalities of the uterus. If you are interested in the most cutting-edge surgical techniques with the shortest hospital-stay time and the smallest incisions, we can help. Our physicians are able to offer the most up-to-date hysterectomy procedures including laparoscopic supracervical hysterectomy and total laparoscopic hysterectomy.
We have extensive experience and training in performing laparoscopic hysterectomies through three small incisions, each less than ½ inch, with a hospital stay of only one night, and a recovery time of approximately three weeks.
Background
Over 600,000 hysterectomies are performed in the United States every year. A hysterectomy involves removing the uterus. The cervix, tubes, and ovaries can be removed at the same time. There are many reasons your provider may feel a hysterectomy is a good option for you. Hysterectomies are indicated in the treatment of the following conditions (just to name a few):
▪ Uterine fibroids
▪ Heavy periods
▪ Pelvic pain
▪ Endometriosis
▪ Pelvic organ prolapse
All of our physicians are trained to offer minimally invasive hysterectomies to patients who are candidates for this kind of procedure!
Common terms you may hear your doctor use:
▪ Laparoscope—a small camera that is placed through a port into the abdominal cavity. Laparoscopic surgery involves making small incisions on the abdominal wall, typically less than half an inch in size, and using small instruments to perform a procedure.
▪ Fibroid—a fibroid is a benign growth of tissue in or on the uterus. They can grow very large and cause abnormal bleeding or pelvic pain.
▪ Cervix—the opening to the uterus. The cervix can be seen from the vagina and this is the where Pap smears are performed to screen for cervical cancer. The cervix may play some role in pelvic support and support of vaginal structure. Historically, the cervix was thought to play a role in sexual arousal and orgasm, but studies have not always shown that to be true.
▪ Ovaries—the ovaries are the structures that are responsible for hormone production and development and release of eggs. Women have two ovaries. The ovary produces estrogen and progesterone up until the time of menopause. Even after menopause, the ovary can continue to produce a small amount of these hormones. Your provider will discuss with you options for ovarian preservation or removal and the risks associated with both.
▪ Laparoscopic Supracervical hysterectomy—laparoscopic removal of the uterine body while leaving the cervix.
▪ Total laparoscopic hysterectomy—laparoscopic removal of the uterine body and cervix.
▪ Laparoscopic-assisted vaginal hysterectomy—removal of the uterine body and cervix. 3 incisions are made on the abdominal wall and the uterus is then removed through the vagina. The top of the vagina is sewn closed from a vaginal route.
Types of Hysterectomy
There are many different techniques available today for performing a hysterectomy. Your physician will discuss these options with you and discuss which is best for you. Our physicians perform all of the procedures listed below except the daVinci hysterectomy. Instead, we perform a total laparoscopic hysterectomy which has the same outcomes, same recovery time, and same hospital stay with fewer incisions.
Abdominal Hysterectomy
This is the traditional hysterectomy. An incision 4-8 inches long is made on the abdominal wall and the uterus, cervix, and possibly tubes and ovaries are removed.
3-5 days
4-6 weeks
Vaginal Hysterectomy
A vaginal route is used to remove the uterus, cervix, and possibly tubes and ovaries. No abdominal incisions are made.
1-3 days
3 weeks
Total Laparoscopic Hysterectomy
Three incisions are made on the abdominal wall and a small camera called a laparoscope is inserted through one of these. Small instruments are used to detach the uterus and cervix, which are then removed through the vagina.
1 night
3 weeks
Laparoscopic Supracervical Hysterectomy
Three incisions are made on the abdominal wall and a laparoscope is inserted through one of these. The uterine body is removed and the cervix is left. The uterus is then removed from the abdominal cavity using a device called a morcellator that cuts the tissue into small pieces for removal.
1 night
1-2 weeks
Laparoscopic-Assisted Vaginal Hysterectomy
Three incisions are made on the abdominal wall and a laparoscope is inserted through one of these. Small instruments are used to detach the upper portion of the uterus. The case is then finished vaginally to complete the removal of the uterus and cervix.
1-3 days
3 weeks
daVinci Hysterectomy
Four incisions are made on the abdominal wall and a camera is inserted through one of these. Small instruments are used to detach the uterus and cervix, which are then removed through the vagina.
1 night
3 weeks