Our Summary

This research paper is about the outcomes of a specific type of hysterectomy (the surgical removal of the uterus) known as laparoscopic supracervical hysterectomy (LSH). The study looked at the outcomes of this procedure for women with larger uteruses (500 grams or more) compared to those with smaller uteruses (less than 500 grams).

The study analyzed data from 207 women who underwent this type of surgery at a hospital between 2005 and 2015. The researchers found that while the surgery took a bit longer and there was a little more blood loss for women with larger uteruses, the length of the hospital stay and the rate of complications during the surgery were pretty much the same as for women with smaller uteruses.

The researchers also reviewed six other studies on the same topic and found similar results. This led them to conclude that this type of surgery is a safe and feasible option for women with larger uteruses due to the low risk of complications during the surgery.

FAQs

  1. What is a laparoscopic supracervical hysterectomy (LSH)?
  2. Was there a significant difference in surgical outcomes between women with larger uteruses and those with smaller ones during an LSH procedure, according to the study?
  3. Is a laparoscopic supracervical hysterectomy a safe option for women with larger uteruses?

Doctor’s Tip

A doctor might tell a patient undergoing a laparoscopic hysterectomy to make sure to follow all pre-operative instructions, such as fasting before surgery and stopping certain medications. They may also advise the patient to stay as active as possible before the surgery to help with a quicker recovery afterwards. Additionally, the doctor may recommend discussing any concerns or questions with the surgical team before the procedure to ensure the patient feels informed and comfortable.

Suitable For

Overall, laparoscopic hysterectomy, including laparoscopic supracervical hysterectomy, is typically recommended for patients who have conditions such as uterine fibroids, endometriosis, abnormal uterine bleeding, pelvic pain, or other gynecological issues that require removal of the uterus. It is also recommended for patients who are seeking a minimally invasive surgical option with faster recovery times and less scarring compared to traditional open hysterectomy.

In particular, laparoscopic hysterectomy may be recommended for patients who are younger, have a lower BMI, have not had previous abdominal surgeries, have a smaller uterus size, and do not have severe adhesions or scarring in the pelvis. However, as demonstrated by the research on laparoscopic supracervical hysterectomy for larger uteruses, this procedure can also be a safe and effective option for patients with larger uteruses, as long as the surgeon is experienced and skilled in performing the surgery.

Ultimately, the decision to recommend laparoscopic hysterectomy for a patient will depend on their individual medical history, condition, and surgical needs, and should be discussed with a gynecologist or surgeon who can provide personalized recommendations based on the patient’s specific circumstances.

Timeline

Before the laparoscopic hysterectomy:

  • Patient meets with their gynecologist to discuss treatment options for their condition
  • Patient undergoes pre-operative testing to ensure they are healthy enough for surgery
  • Patient may need to stop taking certain medications or adjust their diet leading up to the surgery
  • Patient is given instructions on how to prepare for the surgery, such as fasting before the procedure

During the laparoscopic hysterectomy:

  • Patient is given anesthesia to put them to sleep during the surgery
  • Small incisions are made in the abdomen for the laparoscope and instruments to be inserted
  • The uterus is removed through these small incisions using specialized tools
  • The surgery typically takes 1-2 hours to complete

After the laparoscopic hysterectomy:

  • Patient is monitored in the recovery room until they are awake and stable
  • Patient may experience some pain and discomfort in the days following the surgery
  • Patient is given instructions on how to care for themselves at home, including avoiding heavy lifting and taking pain medication as needed
  • Patient may have follow-up appointments with their gynecologist to monitor their recovery and discuss any concerns

Overall, the laparoscopic hysterectomy offers a minimally invasive option for women needing a hysterectomy, with less pain, shorter recovery time, and fewer complications compared to traditional open surgery.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What are the potential risks and complications associated with laparoscopic hysterectomy?
  2. How long is the recovery period after a laparoscopic hysterectomy?
  3. Will I experience any long-term effects or changes in my body after the procedure?
  4. Are there any alternative treatment options to consider before undergoing a laparoscopic hysterectomy?
  5. How many of these procedures have you performed, and what is your success rate?
  6. What is the expected outcome for my specific situation, considering the size of my uterus?
  7. Will I still be able to have children after a laparoscopic hysterectomy?
  8. How will my hormones be affected by the removal of my uterus?
  9. Will I need hormone replacement therapy after the procedure?
  10. What is the post-operative care plan, and when can I resume normal activities?

Reference

Authors: McGurk L, Oliver R, Odejinmi F. Journal: Arch Gynecol Obstet. 2017 Feb;295(2):397-405. doi: 10.1007/s00404-016-4237-0. Epub 2016 Nov 15. PMID: 27848016