Hysterectomy (cont.)
Laparoscopy-assisted vaginal hysterectomy (LAVH)
Laparoscopy-assisted vaginal
hysterectomy (LAVH) is similar to the vaginal hysterectomy procedure described above, but it adds the use of a
laparoscope. A laparoscope is a very
thin viewing tube with a magnifying glass-like device at the end of it. Certain
women would be best served by having laparoscopy used during vaginal hysterectomy because it allows the upper
abdomen to be carefully inspected during surgery. Examples of uses of the laparoscope would be for early
endometrial cancer (to verify lack of spread of cancer), or if oophorectomy (removal of the
ovaries) is planned. Compared to simple vaginal hysterectomy or abdominal
hysterectomy, it is a more expensive procedure, is more prone to complications, requires longer to perform, and is associated with longer hospital stays. Just as
with simple vaginal hysterectomy without a laparoscope, the uterus must not be excessively large. The
physician will also review the medical situation to be sure there are no special risks prohibiting use of
the procedure, such as prior surgery that could have increased the risk for abnormal scarring (adhesions).
If a woman has such a history of prior surgery, or if she has a large pelvic mass, a regular abdominal
hysterectomy is probably best.
Supracervical hysterectomy
A supracervical hysterectomy is used to remove the uterus while sparing the cervix, leaving it as a "stump." The cervix is the area that forms the very bottom of the uterus, and sits at the very end (top) of the vaginal canal (see illustration above). The procedure probably does not totally rule out the possibility of developing cancer in this remnant "stump." Women who have had abnormal
Pap smears or cervical cancer clearly are not appropriate candidates for this procedure. Other women may be able to have the procedure if there is no reason to have the cervix removed. In some cases the cervix is actually better left in place, such as some cases of severe endometriosis. It is a simpler procedure and requires less time to perform. It may give some added support of the vagina, decreasing the risk for the development of protrusion of the vaginal contents through the vaginal opening (vaginal prolapse).
Next: Laparoscopic supra cervical hysterectomy »
- Pap Smear - Read about Pap smear, a test to screen for cervical cancer, and precancerous changes in the cervix. Risk factors for abnormal Pap include HPV, smoking medicaitons, and a weakened immune system.
- Ovarian Cancer - Get information on ovarian cancer symptoms, diagnosis, tests, staging, research, surgery and risk factors. Treatment options include surgery, chemotherapy and radiation.
- Endometrial Ablation - Read about endometrial ablation, a procedure performed to treat abnormal bleeding of the uterus. During the procedure the lining tissues of the uterus are destroyed.
Latest Medical News
Womens Health RSS