Top Los Angeles Surgeon Discusses Laparoscopic Surgery, Hysterectomy

A hysterectomy is the surgical removal of the uterus. This is one of the most commonly performed gynecologic surgeries in the United States. The reasons for hysterectomy vary from endometriosis and fibroid to cancer. In this country, the majority of hysterectomies are still done through a large abdominal incision or abdominal hysterectomy. Specialists who perform these procedures are also able to do gynecological laparoscopic surgery for patients who have specific pathologies.

Another method of performing a hysterectomy is through the vagina or vaginal hysterectomy. This method is the preferred method compared to abdominal hysterectomy, because it avoids any abdominal incision and is a faster procedure with a decreased recovery time. However, when patients with complicated pathologies including endometriosis, large uterine fibroids, ovarian cyst, extensive or dense adhesions secondary to previous abdominal pelvic surgeries, vaginal hysterectomy becomes difficult or is contraindicated.

In These Cases, Laparoscopic Hysterectomy Should Be Considered

This procedure has all the advantages of vaginal hysterectomy without the large painful abdominal incisional scar and prolonged recuperation time required for abdominal hysterectomy. In gynecological laparoscopic surgery Los Angeles gynecologists can view the abdominal and pelvic cavity in minute details using a laparoscope and enable the surgeon to get into the right surgical planes during surgery with minimal blood loss and tissue damage, while avoiding a large abdominal incision and scar. As a result of this development, gynecologists have an alternative to abdominal hysterectomy when vaginal hysterectomy is difficult, complicated or deemed contraindicated.

Uterine prolapse is a common gynecologic problem that may exist is up 30-50% of parous women. The most common indication for a hysterectomy in women over the age of 50 in the United States is uterovaginal prolapse. The most common symptom is a bulge in the vagina, with possible worsening pelvic discomfort and pressure.

Nowadays, more and more women are choosing to avoid a hysterectomy. Some women desire uterine preservation for personal identity and perceived sexual satisfaction. Others may not have completed their family and desire future fertility. Some woman many not want to undergo major surgery and seek conservative treatments without the need for a hysterectomy. Whatever the reasons, laparoscopic uterine suspension is a safe option and at times a simple alternative to a hysterectomy. The goals of the uterine suspension procedure are to restore anatomy, alleviate symptoms, and preserve uterine function.

The advantage of the laparoscopic approach include superior visualization during the surgical procedure and easier identification of the support ligaments for suspension. The advantage to the patient is that the patient goes home the same day, and the postoperative recovery is much faster.