total laparoscopic hysterectomy

What is Laparoscopic Hysterectomy?

It is a procedure by which Hysterectomy (removal of uterus) is carried out laparoscopically. It is

a broad term which includes the removal of Uterus with the aid of Laparoscope and very fine

instruments, without making a big incision on the abdomen.

What are the advantages of Laparoscopic Hysterectomy over conventional surgery?

Its advantage over the conventional hysterectomy are that it gives rise to minimal tissue

handling and thus much less trauma to other adjacent normal organs resulting in very less pain

and lesser chances of adhesion formation; after the operation. 2-3 very small incisions of

0.5-1.0 cm (as compared to 10-15 cms in conventional procedure) are given on the abdomen

resulting in less blood loss and lesser chances of wound infection with decreased hospital stay

and early recovery time as compared to conventional surgery.

Who can undergo Laparoscopic Hysterectomy?

Usually all the patients who have been advised for hysterectomy can undergo Laparoscopic

Hysterectomy.

Can a person who has undergone operations in the past go in for Laparoscopic

Hysterectomy?

Yes, a patient who has undergone operations in the past can undergo this procedure and if

there are adhesions because of previous operations, they can be removed along with the

laparoscopic hysterectomy, in the same sitting.

Can associated ovarian, tubal or uterine disease all these be treated in the same

operation laparoscopically?

Yes, it is very much possible to treat/remove the ovaries and tubes while carrying out

laparoscopic hysterectomy.

Do I need any special investigations for Laparoscopic Hysterectomy?

The usual routing tests are required as for any other operative procedure and no special

investigation is required for laparoscopic hysterectomy.

Do we need any preparation / medicines before undergoing Laparoscopic Hysterectomy?

To make the operation easier, the recovery after the operation faster and resumption of normal

work/activity earlier, some medicines along with diet restriction is started 2 days before the

operation.

Can a person having disease like Diabetes or Hypertension undergo this procedure?

Yes, after controlling the Diabetes and Hypertension a person can undergo this procedure, and

in fact the advantages of lesser chances of infection and early recovery are much beneficial for

them.

Where should one get the Laparoscopic Hysterectomy done?

It is an advanced laparoscopic surgery procedure, and its always advisable to get it done in an

advanced care institution, where the whole set of equipment is present along with complete

backup facilities.

Do I have to get admitted a day before the surgery?

If you are fully investigated and have undergone Anesthetic checkup, you can get admitted the

morning of the operation.

Under what type of Anesthesia is it carried out?

This procedure is carried out under general anesthesia.

How is the surgery performed?

A small incision (about one cm) is made at or near the navel. Through this a laparoscope is

introduced inside the abdomen. It is a tube having lenses inside and a special camera attached

to the outside end. This is then connected to a television monitor and allows the surgeon to see

inside the abdominal cavity. After that two / three small half to one cm incisions are made on

either side on the abdomen, to allow the introduction of thin long instruments, with which the

operation is carried out.

After how many days can I go back home after the surgery?

On an average the total hospital stay is for one – two days, after which you can go back home.

What are the usual precautions I have to take after I reach home?

On an average, two hours after lunch and eight hours rest after dinner is what is usually

recommended. You can climb stairs for two to three floor slowly, walk to one km slowly and

carry out sedentary work at home without much difficulty. One can have bath as the dressing is

waterproof.

When do I see the doctor again after the operation?

Routinely, the patient is called seven days after the operation for the change of dressing and

then after four weeks for a routine checkup.

When can I resume my normal activity / go back to work?

You can resume normal activity like walking, jogging, cooking, driving, sitting in front of the

computer within few days. Intercourse, strenuous exercise, lifting of heavy weights, swimming

etc. has to be avoided for a period of twelve weeks.