Minimally invasive surgery - Laparoscopic hysterectomy

 

Laparoscopically-assisted vaginal hysterectomy (LAVH)

Laparoscopically-assisted vaginal hysterectomy s similar to a vaginal hysterectomy – the uterus and cervix are removed through an incision deep inside the vagina – but also includes the use of a laparoscope (a thin, lighted telescope) which is inserted through a small incision in the navel.

Use of a laparoscope allows the upper abdomen to be carefully inspected during surgery and allows the surgeon to perform part of the surgery with better visualization than would be available through a vaginal approach alone. As a result, if desired the ovaries can always be removed. Large uterine fibroid tumors are also more easily accessible than otherwise. Unfortunately, the laparoscopic component prevents the use of regional (spinal or epidural) anesthesia, but hospital stay and recovery times are similar to simple vaginal hysterectomy. The combination of vaginal hysterectomy with laparoscopic technique requires more skill to perform and more time in the operating room than total abdominal or vaginal hysterectomy procedures.