Our Summary

This research paper compares two types of hysterectomy procedures: laparoscopic hysterectomy (LH) and vaginally assisted natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery (vNOTES) hysterectomy. Hysterectomy is a surgery to remove a woman’s uterus. The study involved 78 women who had either LH or vNOTES for non-cancerous gynecological conditions.

The study found that there was no significant difference in the age, number of pregnancies, and body mass index (BMI) of the women who had either of the procedures. However, the vNOTES procedure took less time (45 vs. 160 minutes) and resulted in a shorter hospital stay (48 vs. 72 hours). The women who had the vNOTES procedure also experienced less pain 24 hours after surgery.

In conclusion, the vNOTES hysterectomy procedure was found to be more beneficial than the LH procedure as it took less time, required a shorter hospital stay, and caused less post-operative pain.

FAQs

  1. What is the difference between laparoscopic hysterectomy (LH) and vaginally assisted natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery (vNOTES) hysterectomy?
  2. According to the study, what are the benefits of the vNOTES procedure compared to the LH procedure?
  3. Did the study find any differences in age, number of pregnancies, and BMI between the women who underwent LH and vNOTES procedures?

Doctor’s Tip

A helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about laparoscopic hysterectomy is to follow post-operative instructions carefully, including taking pain medication as prescribed, getting plenty of rest, and avoiding heavy lifting or strenuous activity for the recommended recovery period. It is also important to attend all follow-up appointments with your healthcare provider to ensure proper healing and monitor for any potential complications.

Suitable For

Typically, patients who are recommended for laparoscopic hysterectomy are those who have non-cancerous gynecological conditions that require the removal of the uterus. These conditions may include uterine fibroids, endometriosis, adenomyosis, abnormal uterine bleeding, pelvic organ prolapse, or chronic pelvic pain. Patients who are recommended for laparoscopic hysterectomy are usually in good overall health and are not candidates for other less invasive treatment options. Age, number of pregnancies, and BMI are factors that may be considered when determining if a patient is a suitable candidate for laparoscopic hysterectomy.

Timeline

Before the laparoscopic hysterectomy:

  • Patient consults with gynecologist to discuss symptoms and treatment options
  • Patient undergoes pre-operative testing such as blood work, imaging, and possibly a pelvic exam
  • Patient may be prescribed medications or undergo hormone therapy to prepare for surgery
  • Patient receives pre-operative instructions such as fasting before surgery and stopping certain medications

After the laparoscopic hysterectomy:

  • Patient is monitored closely in the recovery room for any complications
  • Patient may experience some pain and discomfort at the incision sites
  • Patient is given pain medication as needed and instructed on how to care for the incisions
  • Patient is discharged from the hospital typically within 24-48 hours
  • Patient is advised to rest and avoid strenuous activities for a few weeks
  • Patient may experience some side effects such as vaginal bleeding or discharge, urinary incontinence, or changes in bowel habits
  • Patient follows up with the gynecologist for post-operative care and to monitor recovery progress.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What are the potential risks and complications associated with a laparoscopic hysterectomy?
  2. How long is the recovery period after a laparoscopic hysterectomy?
  3. Will I need to take any medications or follow a specific diet after the surgery?
  4. Are there any long-term effects or changes in my body that I should be aware of after a laparoscopic hysterectomy?
  5. What is the success rate of laparoscopic hysterectomy compared to other types of hysterectomy procedures?
  6. Will I still be able to have children after a laparoscopic hysterectomy?
  7. How often do patients experience complications or require additional surgeries after a laparoscopic hysterectomy?
  8. Are there any specific lifestyle changes or activities I should avoid after a laparoscopic hysterectomy?
  9. How experienced are you in performing laparoscopic hysterectomy procedures?
  10. Are there any alternative treatment options that I should consider before proceeding with a laparoscopic hysterectomy?

Reference

Authors: Kaya C, Yıldız Ş, Alay İ, Karakaş S, Durmuş U, Güraslan H, Ekin M. Journal: J Invest Surg. 2022 Apr;35(4):918-923. doi: 10.1080/08941939.2021.1958111. Epub 2021 Aug 4. PMID: 34348579