Laparoscopic Supracervical Hysterectomy

A new technology used for hysterectomies provides less pain, less bleeding and faster recovery without removing the cervix. Through tiny incisions in the abdomen, Laparoscopic Supracervical Hysterectomy, allows physicians to use laparoscopy and a surgical instrument called a tissue morcellator to remove the uterus, fallopian tubes and ovaries, while leaving the cervix intact.

Laparoscopes, which have a fiber optic light and magnifying video camera to see inside the abdomen and guide the surgeon, have been used with vaginal hysterectomies for over ten years. With LSH, the uterus and any large calcified fibroids can be removed through small incisions of punctures.

The new procedure dramatically reduces pain and trauma to the body. With LSH there is less moving of organs and tissue. The more cutting and tissue manipulation you do, the more discomfort there is afterwards.

With an abdominal hysterectomy, patients spend three to four days in the hospital and most women go back to work in six to eight weeks. When LSH is performed, the patient can potentially go home that evening or early the next morning. Normal activities, such as driving, swimming, sexual relations, etc. may resume within a few days. Most can return to work within a week or so.

In addition to less pain and quick recovery, the new procedure leaves the cervix intact. This procedure may help reduce the risk of pelvic floor prolapse (falling down from the usual position), urinary incontinence and sexual dysfunction issues sometimes associated with other hysterectomy options.