Laparoscopic Vaginal Hysterectomy
A hysterectomy is the surgical removal of the uterus and sometimes the ovaries and fallopian tubes as well. It may be performed for many reasons including fibroid tumors in the uterus, abnormal bleeding, endometriosis and genital prolapse.
A laparoscopic-assisted vaginal hysterectomy (LAVH) is less invasive than a traditional open vaginal or abdominal hysterectomy. While an incision is made deep inside the vagina to actually remove the uterus, a very small incision is also made in the navel to insert a laparoscope, a thin probe with a light and camera that allows the doctor to see the organs of the abdomen and pelvis while performing the procedure.
The use of a laparoscope in a vaginal hysterectomy shortens the length of the hospital stay and post-operation recovery time. A LAVH cannot be used for all patients.
Laparoscopic Surgery (minimally invasive surgery)
We offer the longest experience and largest volume in the state in advanced operative laparoscopic gynecologic surgery for painful conditions such as endometriosis. We have the best safety record and the largest experience with more difficult cases.
What are the advantages of laparoscopic surgery?
Operating through small incisions reduces the discomfort that a person has after surgery. This most often means that the person can go home the day of surgery or the next morning. She may resume normal daily activities earlier, although some restrictions on strenuous exertion may apply for the first few weeks after surgery in some cases.
Performing surgery laparoscopically also reduces the chance of forming internal scar tissue (adhesions) after surgery. In some people, these adhesions can cause pain, and in 1-3% of people, may lead to intestinal obstruction at some point in their lives. Fewer adhesions are formed after laparoscopic surgery because no sponges or retractors are needed, and the internal tissues are not dried by exposure to room air. From the perspective of the surgeon, many types of surgery are actually easier to do laparoscopically because the internal areas of interest are magnified and shown on a large TV screen.
Many gynecologists perform laparoscopic surgery, and some have developed experience with some of the procedures listed below. What makes our division unique is the length and breadth of experience we have in doing very difficult surgeries. It is our position that, in experienced hands, as much as 80% of surgeries done for gynecologic disease can be performed with laparoscopic (minimally invasive) techniques.
Additional Resources
- MedlinePlus
- National Institutes of Health
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
- Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development
- U.S. Department of Health & Human Services
- U.S. National Library of Medicine
- WebMD