Some conditions such as heavy menstrual periods, fibroid uterus, pelvic pain, or cysts may require the removal of the whole uterus. When the uterus is removed using a laparoscope, the process is called laparoscopic hysterectomy. This is a surgical technique, and it involves the procedure of removing the uterus in small pieces through small slits with the help of laparoscopy.
What is a Hysterectomy?
The term hysterectomy signifies a total uterus removal, and it is a major surgical procedure having psychological and physical consequences. This procedure is performed in different ways such as abdominally, vaginally, or laparoscopically. Based on the health conditions and other factors of the patient, the doctor decides which procedure is the best suited for the patient. Nevertheless, laparoscopic hysterectomy has more benefits than any other types of procedures for it reduces postoperative pains and complications such as UTI (urinary tract infections).
Preoperative Preparations for the Procedure
Patients can take their regular medication if otherwise suggested by the doctor. Then, bowel preparation or cleansing the colon is carried out to empty your stomach. You need to have this preparation to empty your stomach before the surgery. You are allowed to take liquid diet such as soups, jellies, or juices for 24 hours before the procedure. The patient is not allowed to consume alcohol or smoke. As in other procedures, in laparoscopic surgery, proper medical tests such as blood test and other tests are carried out to eliminate complications.
What is the Procedure of Laparoscopic Hysterectomy?
The surgery is done under general anesthesia in the operation theater. The procedure starts by making a small incision just below the umbilicus. Then, the stomach is bloated with gas, and a small fiber-optic instrument is inserted. This small instrument is called a laparoscope, and it gives a complete image of the uterus and other internal organs on the monitor. Furthermore, tiny incisions are made on the abdomen to insert surgical instruments, with which the uterus and cervix are removed with or without ovaries.
What is the Recovery period for Laparoscopic Hysterectomy?
Once the patient returns to consciousness after the anesthetic effect, she may be sleepy and numb for a few hours. Until complete recovery from sleepiness occurs, the patient is kept in the recovery room under observation. She may experience a pain in the shoulder or back owing to the gas used for inflating the stomach. She will possibly experience discomfort and tiredness for a few days until the incisions heal completely.
If there is a pain, nausea or any kind of discomfort, she should contact the doctor immediately. It is better to avoid involving in exercise or heavy activities until you are recovered completely. It may take minimum three months for you to recover, but in some cases it may take longer.
What Are the Expected Complications During and After the Procedure?
Some patients may experience vaginal discharge for many days after the surgery. You may also have bladder and bowel dysfunction and urogenital prolapse. The other risk factors and complications include anesthesia problems, internal organs injury, infection and bleeding. However, you need not worry; your doctor will give complete information prior to the procedure, and he or she will also give you complete assistance during and after the procedure.
Fibroid Uterus and Laparoscopic Hysterectomy
Uterine Fibroids, which are otherwise called leiomyomas or myomas, are non-cancerous growths on the wall of the uterus. Fibroid uterus is very common in female reproductive organs. In some cases, the removal of uterus is suggested through laparoscopic hysterectomy. Generally, this procedure is suggested for women who have smaller uterus and subserosal fibroids on the uterine wall.
