Laparoscopically Assisted Vaginal Hysterectomy
(LAVH)
Medical Author: Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD
Medical Editor: William C. Shiel, Jr, MD, FACP, FACR
What is a hysterectomy?
A hysterectomy is the removal of the uterus (womb). For certain
conditions, the Fallopian tubes and ovaries are also
removed.
The most common medical reasons for doing a hysterectomy
include benign fibroid
tumors of the uterus (30% of cases),
abnormal uterine bleeding (20%),
endometriosis (20%), genital prolapse (15%), and chronic pelvic pain (about
10%). Some women choose to have a hysterectomy for other reasons, including
other types of tumors. Uterine cancer is an uncommon, but important reason for doing a
hysterectomy.
What is a laparoscope?
A laparoscope is a
viewing tube through which structures within the abdomen and pelvis can be seen. A small surgical incision (cut) is made
in the abdominal wall to permit the laparoscope to enter the abdomen or pelvis.
Additional tubes can also be pushed through the
same or other small incisions allowing the introduction of probes and other
instruments. In this way, surgical procedures can be performed
without the need for a large surgical incision.
What is laparoscopically assisted vaginal hysterectomy (LAVH)?
Laparoscopically assisted vaginal hysterectomy (LAVH) is a surgical procedure using a laparoscope to guide the removal of the uterus and/or Fallopian tubes and ovaries through the vagina (birth canal). (A different procedure, called a laparoscopic hysterectomy, is entirely performed using a laparoscope and other instruments inserted through tiny abdominal incisions, and the uterus,
Fallopian tubes etc. are removed in tiny portions.)
Not all hysterectomies can or should be done by LAVH. In
certain situations, a laparoscopic hysterectomy (see above) may be sufficient.
In other cases, an abdominal hysterectomy or a vaginal hysterectomy (without
laparoscopy) is indicated. The surgeon determines the appropriate procedure for each individual case based upon the reason for the hysterectomy and the medical history and condition of the patient.
Next: How is LAVH performed? »
- Hysterectomy - Learn about hysterectomy procedures and options available for women. There are many types of hysterectomy surgeries including a total, radical, laparoscopy assisted vaginal hysterectomy, supracervical, and oophorectomy. The type of hysterectomy procedure will depend upon the reason for the procedure.
- Endometriosis - Lern about endometriosis symptoms like pelvic pain, infertility, diarrhea, constipation, lower back pain, abdominal pain, irregular or heavy menstrual bleeding, and even blood in the urine.
- Questions To Ask Before Surgery - Surgery questions to ask prior to having a procedure are important. Your surgeon should be available to answer your surgery questions prior to the procedure.
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