Your Guide to a Laparoscopic Hysterectomy

If your gynecologist has suggested you need a hysterectomy, inquire about a laparoscopic procedure. These procedures are less invasive than typical abdominal hysterectomies, though abdominal surgeries are still in the majority, according to The American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.

What Is Laparoscopic Surgery?

When performing laparoscopic surgery, a surgeon uses a thin, lighted tube called a laparoscope to help him or her see inside your abdomen. The surgeon can use the tube to push small tools inside your body to complete the surgery and can remove tissue through the tube as well. Laparoscopic surgery only requires small incisions to accommodate the laparoscope.

Types of Laparoscopic Hysterectomies

There are two different types of laparoscopically-assisted hysterectomies:

• Laparoscopically-Assisted Vaginal Hysterectomy: During this type of hysterectomy, a surgeon makes three small incisions—one in your bellybutton for the laparoscope and two in your lower abdomen for the surgical instruments. The uterus and other organs, such as the fallopian tubes, are then removed through the vagina. Vaginal hysterectomies take longer than abdominal hysterectomies, but they heal faster and result in less post-surgical pain for most patients.
• Laparoscopically-Assisted Abdominal Hysterectomy: Surgeons only have to make one incision for this type of hysterectomy. You'll only be able to opt for an abdominal laparoscopic procedure if you do not need your cervix removed along with your uterus, however.

Pros and Cons of Laparoscopically-Assisted Surgery

Laparoscopic surgeries are often performed on an outpatient basis. Traditional abdominal hysterectomies usually require at least six weeks of recovery, while laparoscopic hysterectomies have a recovery time of two weeks or less for most patients, according to WebMD. Your recovery time is likely to be less painful than with traditional surgery as well.

The biggest con to a laparoscopic hysterectomy is the cost. These procedures cost much more than an abdominal hysterectomy, which could result in more out-of-pocket costs for you if you pay a percentage of your procedure fees under your insurance. It can also be more difficult to find surgeons who are experienced and willing to perform laparoscopically-assisted surgery, since most hysterectomies are still performed with traditional open surgical techniques.

Risks of Laparoscopically-Assisted Hysterectomies

Laparoscopic hysterectomies pose many of the same risks and potential complications as traditional abdominal surgery. Even if you're scheduled for a laparoscopic procedure, there is a chance the surgeon may have to make more than one incision, or make a larger incision, to accommodate unforeseen circumstances during surgery. Most patients don't experience major complications, but there is a 30 percent chance of complication while in the hospital, according to the National Women's Health Network. Most of these complications are infections or fevers. Major complications include:

• Hemorrhage (excessive bleeding)
• Bladder damage
• Bowel damage
• Urinary tract damage
• Severe infection

Talk to a gynecologist, like one from Western Branch Center for Women, about your specific questions and concerns to determine what type of surgery is best for you and any alternatives to surgery for your condition.

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