A Hysterectomy is a surgical procedure in which the uterus is removed.
A total hysterectomy means that the uterus and cervix are removed. A hysterectomy may include removing the ovaries and Fallopian tubes- that is called a salpingo-oopherectomy and frequently is performed along with a hysterectomy.
Historically, Hysterectomies have been performed either by making an incision on the abdomen or, if the uterus is not too large, an incision in the top of the vagina - a vaginal hysterectomy. When an incision is made on the abdomen, not only the skin but many other layers need to be cut. This produces a significant amount of post-operative pain and long recovery time. It is actually the healing of the skin and other layers beneath it that accounts for most of the pain women experience after a hysterectomy, not the actual due to removal of the uterus. A vaginal hysterectomy reduces the pain of recovery, but can only be performed on women who have a relatively small uterus and have no other diseases or prior surgery that may have caused adhesions.
Today, there are several surgical approaches that are far less invasive than a total abdominal hysterectomy, this is still widely performed. Using a laparoscope, a slender, fibrotic tube equipped with a miniature camera, lights and surgical instruments. Surgeons have the ability to see inside abdomen and technically access the uterus, ovaries and fallopian tubes without making a large incision. The surgery is completed by utilizing only four tiny abdominal incisions, less the one centimetre in length. Even a large uterus can be removed laparoscopically using these technique.
Usually all the patients who have been advised for abdominal hysterectomy can undergo laparoscopic hysterectomy.
Yes, a patient who has undergone operations in the past can undergo this procedure. If there are adhesions because of previous operations, they can be removed along the laparoscopic hysterectomy in the same sitting.
Yes, it is very much possible to treat/remove the ovaries and tubes while carrying out laparoscopic hysterectomy.
The usual routine tests are required as for any other operative procedure and no special investigation is required for laparoscopic hysterectomy.
Yes, after controlling the diabetes and high blood pressure, a person can undergo this procedure. There are lesser chances of infection and early recovery, which is beneficial for them.
If you are fully investigated and have undergone a pre-anaesthetic check-up, you can get admitted in the morning of the operation day.
This procedure is carried out under general anaesthesia.
On an average the total hospital stay is for 24-48 hours, after which you can go back home.
On an average, two hours rest after lunch and eight hours rest after dinner is what is usually recommended. You can climb stairs for two to three floors slowly, walk half to one km slowly and carry out sedentary work at home without much difficulty. One can daily have her bath.
Routinely, the patient is called after 3-4 weeks for an internal check-up.
After one week, you can resume normal activity like walking, cooking, driving, sitting in front of the computers for 4-6 hrs. etc. Intercourse, strenuous exercise, lifting of heavy weights, swimming etc. has to be avoided for a period of six weeks.