Laparoscopic Supra-cervical Hysterectomy
What is Laparoscopic Supracervical Hysterectomy?
Laparoscopic supracervical hysterectomy is a minimally invasive surgical procedure to remove the uterus but leave the cervix intact. In this technique, the uterus is separated from the inside of the body and is removed in small pieces through small incisions in the abdomen.
Indications for Laparoscopic Supracervical Hysterectomy
Laparoscopic supracervical hysterectomy is done to treat conditions such as abnormal vaginal bleeding, pelvic pain, fibroids, endometriosis, and infection in the ovaries or fallopian tubes.
Laparoscopic Supracervical Hysterectomy Procedure
The procedure is performed under general anesthesia in the hospital. A small incision is made in your abdomen and an instrument called a laparoscope, a thin fiber-optic instrument with a camera and lens attached, is inserted into the abdomen. The images from the camera are transmitted to a large screen so the surgeon can view the internal organs. Air is placed in the abdomen to create a workspace. Further small incisions may be made on your abdomen through which specialized surgical instruments will be inserted to facilitate removal of the uterus. After the procedure, the incisions are closed with dissolvable stitches and covered with bandages.
What can be expected during the Recovery Period?
You will be in the recovery room when you wake up from anesthesia. You may have some discomfort or feel tired for a few days after the procedure. Contact your doctor if you experience symptoms such as severe pain in the abdomen or pelvis, fever, heavy bleeding, redness or discharge from the incision site, problems with urination or bowel movements, and difficulty breathing or chest pain. Vaginal bleeding may occur after surgery but should be lighter than a normal period.
For faster healing and recovery, you should start walking as soon as possible after the procedure. After the procedure, you will no longer menstruate or be able to conceive.
Risks of Laparoscopic Supracervical Hysterectomy Procedure
As with any other procedure, laparoscopic supracervical hysterectomy involves certain risks which include:
- Bleeding, transfusion
- Damage to other organs in the abdomen and pelvis, including, but not limited to the bladder, bowel, blood vessels and nerves
- Infection
Benefits of Laparoscopic Supracervical Hysterectomy
Laparoscopic supracervical hysterectomy has benefits such as a shorter recovery period compared with traditional open surgery, reduced post-operative pain, less risk of infection and less blood loss.
