Laparoscopic Hysterectomy

Mr Mostafa Metwally

Consultant Gynaecologist in Sheffield

Subspecialist in Reproductive Medicine and Surgery

What is Laparoscopic Hysterectomy?

Laparoscopic hysterectomy is removal of the uterus using key-hole (laparoscopic) surgery rather than open surgery.

What does laparoscopic hysterectomy involve?

The uterus is removed using a few small cuts (incisions) rather than a large incision which is used for conventional open hysterectomy. The procedure is performed using a camera inserted through a small cut in the umbilicus.

What are the advantages of laparoscopic over conventional hysterectomy?

Because the incisions are much smaller than open surgery, there is less surgical trauma associated with the surgery. This means less pain after the operation and quicker recovery. The average recovery time for a laparoscopic hysterectomy is about 2 weeks compared to 6 weeks for an open hysterectomy. Furthermore, because the laparoscopic hysterectomy is associated with small incisions and less trauma, there is less a chance of traumatising other nearby structures such as the bowel and bladder which again means quicker recovery and less scarring. Finally of course the cosmetic results of laparoscopic surgery are better than open surgery.

What are the commonest indications for a laparoscopic hysterectomy?

The indications for a laparoscopic hysterectomy are the same as for any hysterectomy. The commonest causes being heavy periods, pelvic pain, endometriosis and fibroids.

Can all hysterectomies be performed through key-hole surgery?

Most hysterectomies can be performed laparoscopically; however as with any other surgically procedure, sometimes open surgery is better. For example if there is a very large fibroid, then it may not be possible to remove laparoscopically. However in many cases the technique can be modified to deal with such cases.

After having a laparoscopic hysterectomy when would I expect to go home and when can I get back to my usual activities?

You would expect to go home the next day and should be quite mobile straight away but as with any other surgical procedure there is a period of initial recovery when the wounds heal and things settle back to normal, this is around two weeks.