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When a problem such as fibroids requires the removal of your uterus, having it done with a scope through button hole size incisions makes for a less painful, rapid recovery. Your cervix and ovaries are preserved, maintaining normal hormone and sexual function.

If you’re like most women, the thought of a hysterectomy means a long recovery and a large visible scar. It used to be that total abdominal hysterectomy (removal of the uterus and cervix through a large abdominal incision) was the only type of hysterectomy offered to women. But today innovative laparoscopic techniques and the development of improved surgical devices allow for less invasive procedures. Consequently, hospital stays, and recovery times, have also been significantly reduced.

The newest, called Laparoscopic Supracervical Hysterectomy (LSH), is truly redefining hysterectomy. Few surgeons are trained to perform this advanced procedure. In fact the doctors at Women's Health Specialists were among the first to perform LSH in the Bay Area. LSH is a partial hysterectomy that preserves your cervix, and often your ovaries, removing only the diseased uterus.

LSH causes less vaginal dryness because the glands of the cervix continue to secrete mucous, avoiding a common complaint after hysterectomy of vaginal dryness. LSH also affords better pelvic support, because the ligaments that support the cervix and vagina are left intact. Most importantly, LSH results in less pain and a quicker recovery compared to traditional hysterectomies because of the small incisions used in the laparoscopic approach. Sparing of the ovaries in most cases, avoids the need for hormone replacement.

The Numbers Tell The Story ...

Type of Hysterectomy	Incision Site	Average Hospital Stay	Average Recovery Time
Total Abdominal	Abdomen (4-6 in incision)	3-6 days	6 weeks (42 days)
Laparoscopic Supercervical Hysterectomy	Tiny incisions in the abdominal navel (less than 1/4 inch)	1 day or less	6 days

While hysterectomy should be our last resort to resolve a gynecologic problem, if you do need one then ask if you would be a good candidate for LSH.

 

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