What Is a Laparoscopic Hysterectomy?
Laparoscopic hysterectomy is a relatively new surgical procedure that allows the uterus to be detached from inside the body by laparoscopic instruments while the doctor is viewing the uterus, tubes, and ovaries through a camera attached to a telescope. After the uterus is detached, it is removed through a small incision at the top of the vagina. One advantage of laparoscopic hysterectomy is that the incisions are smaller (1/2 inch) and much less uncomfortable than that of abdominal hysterectomy. Also, the hospital stay of 1 day and the ability to resume normal activity in about 2 weeks are substantially shorter than for abdominal hysterectomy and slightly shorter than for vaginal hysterectomy.
For patients who have known or suspected pelvic scar tissue or endometriosis, laparoscopic surgery allows the surgeon to remove the diseased tissue with the laparoscope before performing a vaginal hysterectomy, thereby reducing the risk that the intestines or bladder might be injured during surgery. For patients who have fibroids that are large and might otherwise be difficult to remove by vaginal hysterectomy, laparoscopic hysterectomy allows the surgeon to detach the blood vessels to the uterus while viewing them through the laparoscope. Then, the uterus can be removed through the vagina more easily and with less blood loss. Laparoscopic hysterectomy does require considerable skill and experience on the part of the surgeon.
Patient Testimonials:
"I had to have a hysterectomy. My fibroids on my uterus were so big, it was not possible for me to have a vaginal hysterectomy. I expected to have a big incision and weeks off work. I was surprised and pleased when my BOGA physician said she could take my uterus out laparoscopically. Most doctors can't take out really big fibrotic uteruses laparoscopically. My BOGA physician has years of experience. She was actually the first gynecologist in Whatcom County to do hysterectomies laparoscopically. So instead of a big incision and a long recovery, I had 3 half inch long incisions plus one that doesn't even show in my belly button! I woke up from surgery with 4 little bandaids. I know a lot of people go home the same day after laparoscopic hysterectomies. Because my uterus was so big and the surgery took longer than expected, I stayed overnight. The next day when I went home, I just slept a lot. I hardly needed any of my pain pills - I think I only took 4. I slept a lot for a few days. In 2 weeks, my incisions were completely healed. I was tired for a couple of months, but not so much that I couldn't resume my normal activities including work and exercise classes. It's been 9 months now, and my scars hardly even show."
- BOGA patient
"My Lap assisted hysterectomy was the BEST thing ever! It went so well. I had little to no pain the entire time I was in the hospital. Had a little bit of pain when I got home but nothing a little Ibuprofen or occasional Vicodin couldn't help. I have 4 small incision sites that are now almost 3 months post and hardly visible. With the lap assisted hysterectomy, my BOGA physician was able to see what was all causing my problems and I was also able to go back to work in 3 1/2 weeks. It was slow going after the surgery. I would take a shower and then be ready to take a nap but with rest and going slow it really has changed my life! I now can live my life instead of having my periods control my life. I now feel like I have more energy and have been told by many people that I have more color in my face : ). I guess I looked a little pale before. : ).
Words cannot express how grateful I am to my BOGA physician for doing such an awesome job and giving me my life back!
Thanks so much!"
- BOGA patient
"I had a laparoscopic hysterectomy to remove my uterus and a large fibroid that was causing heavy bleeding and spotting despite using birth control pills. I have been anemic most of my life and the fatigue and bleeding was exhausting. I had two c-sections so I didn't think laparoscopic surgery was an option. I was thrilled when my BOGA doctor said it was possible. The recovery time is short (about three weeks for me). The doctors even removed my cervix, which was something I requested. I'm very pleased to say that I only spotted a little at 3 weeks post-op. Now I can regain my energy and not worry about periods! "
- BOGA patient, December 2010
"I am a 43 yo female who was diagnosed with a fibroid. My final alternative was to have a hysterectomy, and I was able to have a laparoscopic hysterectomy. It was the best thing I could have done. Healing time was great. After two weeks I was up and doing two hours worth of chores. After four weeks I was feeling great – back to work and doing normal things. Having a five year old at home had its obstacles, but he was my little helper. I would say to anything that has thoughts – DO IT! It's really the best thing."
- BOGA patient, January 2010