Laparoscopic Hysterectomy Surgery:
Laparoscopic Hysterectomy is a procedure in which the patient’s womb (uterus) is removed surgically. The uterus is an important part of the female reproductive system where the fertilized egg develops and grows into a fetus (baby). Therefore after hysterectomy, pregnancy is not possible. Depending on the condition affecting the patient, the doctor may remove the patient’s ovaries and fallopian tube as well.
Reasons for performing Laparoscopic hysterectomy:
Laparoscopic Hysterectomy is usually performed to treat the following conditions: Adenomyosis: Adenomyosis is a common disorder in which the tissue that normally lines the womb grows inside the muscular walls of the womb. The resultant extra tissue leads to a painful menstrual cycle and pelvic pain. This disease is also known as uterine endometriosis. Fibroids: Fibroids, also known as uterine myomas, are compact and firm tumors that are made of smooth muscle cells and fibrous connective tissue which develop in the uterus. Fibroids can lead to prolonged menstrual periods, heavy bleeding during periods, bloating in the belly/pelvis pain and pain during intercourse. Endometriosis: In this disease the tissue (called as Endometrium) which normally lines the inside of the womb or uterus and which is normally shed off with blood during periods, grows outside the uterus and is seen involving ovaries, intestines, urinary bladder, the lining of your pelvis and may even spread to distant sites like lungs etc. Uterine Prolapse: Uterine prolapse is a disorder in which one’s uterus/womb slips down to her vaginal canal. This happens because the muscles & ligaments which normally keep uterus in the pelvic area weaken and get stretched. This condition can happen at any age but is more common in postmenopausal women who have experienced difficult delivery & labor during one or more pregnancies. Other conditions:
- Cervical cancer
- Uterine cancer
- Ovarian cancer
- Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)
Types of hysterectomy:
Types of Hysterectomy Depending on the condition to be treated and its extent, the doctor may perform one of the following types of hysterectomy. Partial Hysterectomy: The doctor may leave the cervix intact and remove only a part of the uterus. Total Hysterectomy: This type of hysterectomy is performed to remove the entire uterus. Hysterectomy and Salpingo-Oophorectomy: In this case, the doctor will remove the whole uterus and one or both of the ovaries and fallopian tubes. Radical Hysterectomy Radical hysterectomy is a procedure in which the uterus, fallopian tubes, ovaries and tissues around the uterus are removed.
Procedure of Laparoscopic hysterectomy:
Laparoscopic hysterectomy is performed with the help of an instrument known as the laparoscope. It is a small & lighted instrument which is inserted through small incisions made near the abdomen area. The instrument relays video to a screen which helps the doctor to inspect the inner organs of the pelvic area. Once the doctor locates your uterus he will cut the uterus into small pieces and remove these pieces. Anesthesia is administered while performing this procedure.
Hysterectomy recovery time & side effects:
Normally, patients are allowed to leave the hospital in 3-5 days. The patient is encouraged to walk during this period. The patient may be able perform routine activities after 3-4 weeks. However the patient must restrain from pulling, pushing or lifting heavy items, she should also avoid intercourse unttill she has fully recovered. Side effects of hysterectomy include menopause. The patient should also be psychologically supported since she may feel she has lost her womanhood. In some extremely rare cases hysterectomy may result in scaring of the bladder. Such instances can be avoided if the surgery is performed by an experienced surgeon.
Cost of Hysterectomy in Mumbai: