A total laparoscopic hysterectomy is a minimally invasive surgery to remove the uterus and cervix. The fallopian tubes and ovaries can also be removed (bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy) during this surgery, if necessary. This procedure may be done to treat problems such as:
Noncancerous growths in the uterus (uterine fibroids) that cause symptoms.
A condition that causes the lining of the uterus (endometrium) to grow in other areas (endometriosis).
Problems with pelvic support.
Cancer of the cervix, ovaries, uterus, or endometrium.
Excessive (dysfunctional) uterine bleeding.
This surgery is performed by inserting a thin, lighted tube (laparoscope) and surgical instruments into small incisions in the abdomen. The laparoscope sends images to …show more content…
A medicine to make you fall asleep (general anesthetic).
You will be given antibiotic medicine through your IV tube.
A tube may be inserted down your throat to help you breathe during the procedure.
A gas (carbon dioxide) will be used to inflate your abdomen to allow your surgeon to see inside of your abdomen.
Three or four small incisions will be made in your abdomen.
A laparoscope will be inserted into one of your incisions. Surgical instruments will be inserted through the other incisions to perform the procedure.
Your uterus and cervix may be removed through your vagina or cut into small pieces and removed through the small incisions. Any other organs that need to be removed will also be removed this way.
Carbon dioxide will be released from inside of your abdomen.
Your incisions will be closed.
A bandage (dressing) may be placed over your incisions.
The procedure may vary among health care providers and hospitals.
What happens after the procedure?
Your blood pressure, heart rate, breathing rate, and blood oxygen level will be monitored until the medicines you were given have worn off.
You will be given pain medicine as