Our Summary
This research paper discusses a study conducted in Trinidad and Tobago regarding the use of laparoscopic hysterectomy, a type of minimally invasive surgery to remove the uterus, and discharging patients on the same day. This approach has been shown to reduce patient complications and improve recovery in developed countries, but it hasn’t been as common in less developed countries due to infrastructure challenges.
The researchers looked at the medical records of 154 women who had this type of surgery over a three year period. They found that the most common reason for having the surgery was due to uterine fibroids (45%) and endometrial cancer (17.5%).
The results showed that 96% of the patients were able to leave the hospital within 24 hours of their surgery. The average time spent in the hospital was 21 hours, the surgery itself took about 91 minutes, and the average blood loss was 93 ml. No patients required a blood transfusion after surgery, and 41% didn’t need any pain medication. There were no deaths related to the surgery, and no patients had to return for additional surgery.
There were a few complications - 2.6% of the patients had issues after surgery, including two cases of deep vein thrombosis (blood clots in the leg), one infection at the surgery site, and one case of a blood clot in the lungs. The readmission rate within 30 days was 1.9%, and this included the patients with blood clots.
The study concluded that it’s possible to safely perform laparoscopic hysterectomy and discharge patients on the same day in a country like Trinidad and Tobago, where resources may be more limited. The procedure was associated with a low rate of post-surgery complications.
FAQs
- What were the most common reasons for undergoing laparoscopic hysterectomy in the study conducted in Trinidad and Tobago?
- What were the main findings regarding patient recovery and complications from the laparoscopic hysterectomy study in Trinidad and Tobago?
- Is it possible to safely perform laparoscopic hysterectomy and discharge patients on the same day in less developed countries according to the study?
Doctor’s Tip
One helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about laparoscopic hysterectomy is to follow all pre-operative instructions provided by the medical team, such as fasting before surgery and stopping certain medications. It’s also important to have a support system in place for after the surgery, as recovery can vary from person to person. Lastly, make sure to attend all follow-up appointments and communicate any concerns or symptoms to your healthcare provider.
Suitable For
Typically, patients who are recommended for laparoscopic hysterectomy are those who have conditions such as uterine fibroids, endometrial cancer, abnormal uterine bleeding, chronic pelvic pain, or other gynecological issues that require removal of the uterus. Patients who are generally healthy and have a lower risk of complications from surgery are good candidates for laparoscopic hysterectomy. The study mentioned above showed that this approach can be safely performed in a country with limited resources, indicating that laparoscopic hysterectomy can be an option for a wide range of patients.
Timeline
Before the laparoscopic hysterectomy, the patient would typically have a consultation with their doctor to discuss the procedure, undergo pre-operative testing, and possibly have a pre-operative appointment to go over instructions for the surgery. On the day of the surgery, the patient would go to the hospital, undergo the laparoscopic hysterectomy procedure, and then recover in the hospital for a short period of time.
After the laparoscopic hysterectomy, the patient would typically spend about 21 hours in the hospital before being discharged. The patient may experience some pain and discomfort after the surgery, but most patients did not require pain medication. The patient would be monitored for any potential complications, such as infections or blood clots, and may need to follow up with their doctor for post-operative care. Overall, the study showed that patients were able to recover well and have low rates of complications after undergoing laparoscopic hysterectomy.
What to Ask Your Doctor
Some questions a patient should ask their doctor about laparoscopic hysterectomy include:
- Is laparoscopic hysterectomy the best option for my specific condition?
- What are the potential risks and benefits of laparoscopic hysterectomy compared to other types of surgery?
- How many laparoscopic hysterectomies have you performed, and what is your success rate?
- What is the expected recovery time following laparoscopic hysterectomy, and when can I return to normal activities?
- Will I need any additional treatments or medications after the surgery?
- What are the potential complications or side effects of laparoscopic hysterectomy, and how are they managed?
- Will I need to stay in the hospital overnight, or is it possible for me to be discharged on the same day?
- What steps can I take to prepare for the surgery and optimize my recovery?
- How often will I need follow-up appointments after the surgery?
- Are there any specific lifestyle changes or restrictions I should be aware of after the surgery?
Reference
Authors: Bahall V, Singh K, De Barry L. Journal: Womens Health (Lond). 2025 Jan-Dec;21:17455057251331766. doi: 10.1177/17455057251331766. Epub 2025 Apr 21. PMID: 40258131