How Is a Hysterectomy Performed Laparoscopically?

Laparoscopic technology has made previously major surgeries into far more minor procedures. If you’re considering a hysterectomy, having a laparoscopic procedure can considerably reduce scarring and downtime, getting you back up onto your feet faster and with less discomfort.  

At Physicians for Women in Madison, Wisconsin, our team of women’s health specialists, including gynecologists, board-certified obstetricians, and certified nurse midwives, always looks for the least invasive, most gentle options for your care. Our gynecologic surgeries are no exception, which is why we offer laparoscopic hysterectomy whenever possible.

Types of hysterectomy 

There are several types of hysterectomy, varying in levels of invasiveness and organs/tissues removed:

Supracervical hysterectomy

This procedure removes only the upper part of your uterus, leaving your cervix, ovaries, and other parts of your reproductive system intact.

Total hysterectomy

This procedure removes both your uterus and cervix, but leaves your ovaries and other parts of your reproductive system intact.

Total hysterectomy with bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy

The procedure removes your uterus, cervix, fallopian tubes, and ovaries (which triggers menopause if you haven't experienced it already).  

Radical hysterectomy with bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy

This procedure is used if cancer is involved, and removes your uterus, cervix, fallopian tubes, ovaries, the upper portion of your vagina, some surrounding tissue and some lymph nodes. 

Benefits of a laparoscopically performed hysterectomy

Traditional hysterectomies are performed by opening the abdominal cavity to expose the uterus (similar to how a C-section begins). Your doctor clamps, cuts, and ligates the tubes, ligaments, arteries, and veins connecting the uterus to your body, then removes it through the large incision.

Today’s surgeons are able to rely on laparoscopes, which are tiny cameras inserted through very small incisions in the abdomen. This means the procedure can be performed without opening the full abdominal wall. 

In a laparoscopic hysterectomy, all steps are carried out using tiny tools inserted through the laparoscopic incisions, and the uterine tissue is removed either through the laparoscopic tubes using suction, or extracted vaginally through the (dilated) cervix.

The benefits of having your hysterectomy done laparoscopically include:

• Less time in the operatory
• Less trauma to surrounding tissue
• Faster recovery time
• Reduced pain during recovery

With a laparoscopic hysterectomy, you’ll be back on your feet more quickly and feeling like yourself in much less time than with a traditional hysterectomy. 

You might not be able to have a laparoscopic hysterectomy if your uterus is very large. This is sometimes the case if you suffer from fibroids in the uterus, enlarging it and increasing the risk for bleeding during the procedure.

If you think that a laparoscopic hysterectomy might be the best option for you, or you want more information about hysterectomies in general, call us at 608-227-7007, or request an appointment online.