Laparoscopic Hysterectomy
What is a hysterectomy?
A hysterectomy is an operation to remove the
uterus. Usually the cervix is also removed. If necessary the
ovaries can be removed at the same time.
The common reasons for having an abdominal
hysterectomy include heavy periods, fibroids, endometriosis,
chronic pelvic inflammatory disease and ovarian cysts.
What are the benefits of surgery?
A hysterectomy may cure or improve your
symptoms. You will no longer have periods.
Are there any alternatives to surgery?
Heavy periods can be treated using oral medications, a hormonal
coil in the uterus, or by removing only the lining of the womb.
Depending on the size and position of fibroids, medication can
be taken to try to control the symptoms. Surgery to remove the
fibroids and save the rest of the womb is an alternative for women
who still want children.
What does the operation involve?
A laparoscopic hysterectomy is usually
performed under a general anaesthetic. It usually takes about an
hour and a half.
Your surgeon will make several small cuts on
your abdomen. They will place surgical instruments, along with a
telescope, inside your abdomen and perform the operation (see
figure 1).
Figure 1 - The technique for laparoscopic
surgery
Your surgeon may need to place instruments
through your vagina to help them remove your womb. They will make a
cut around the cervix at the top of the vagina so they can remove
your womb and cervix.
What complications can happen?
General complications of any operation
- Pain
- Sickness
- Bleeding
- Infection
- Blood Clot
- Unsightly scarring
2 Specific complications of this
operation
a Laparoscopic complications
- Damage to internal organs
- Developing a hernia near one of the
cuts
- Surgical emphysema
- Conversion to an abdominal
hysterectomy
b Hysterectomy complications
- Damage to internal organs
- Developing a haematoma
Long-term problems
- Prolapse
- Continued pain
- Adhesions
- Menopause, even if your ovaries are not
removed
How soon will I recover?
You will usually be able to go home after three
to four days.
For the first two weeks at home you should rest
and continue to do the exercises that you were shown in hospital.
You can usually go back to work after six to eight weeks.
Summary
A hysterectomy is a major operation usually
recommended after simpler treatments have failed.
Acknowledgements
Author: Mr Jeremy Hawe MBChB MRCOG
Illustrations: Hannah Ravenscroft RM
This document is intended for information purposes only and should
not replace advice that your relevant health professional would
give you.
Copyright © 2008 EIDO
Healthcare Limited
The operation and treatment information on
this website is produced by EIDO Healthcare Ltd and is licensed by
Ramsay Health Care UK.
The intellectual property rights to the
information belong exclusively to EIDO Healthcare Limited.
You may not copy, print out, download or
otherwise reproduce any of the information other than for your
personal, non-commercial use.
The information should not replace advice that
your relevant health professional would give you.
Hospitals offering this treatment
- Ashtead, Surrey, Ashtead Hospital
- Bingley, Yorkshire Clinic
- Caterham, North Downs Hospital
- Chelmsford, Springfield Hospital
- Chorley, Euxton Hall Hospital
- Colchester, Oaks Hospital
- Doncaster, Park Hill Hospital
- Gloucester, Winfield Hospital
- Halesowen, West Midlands Hospital
- Hitchin, Pinehill Hospital
- Kettering, Woodand Hospital
- Nottinghamshire, Nottingham Hospital
- Ormskirk, Renacres Hospital
- Peterborough, Fitzwilliam Hospital
- Preston, Fulwood hospital
- Reading, Berkshire Independent Hospital
- Salford, Oaklands Hospital
- Salisbury, New Hall Hospital
- Sawbridgeworth, Rivers Hospital
- Stafford, Rowley Hospital
- Torquay, Mount Stuart Hospital
- Truro, Duchy Hospital