What Is A Laparoscopic Hysterectomy?

Have you recently been experiencing inexplicable pelvic pain or irregular bleeding? Do you want to improve your quality of life? At Women for Women Obstetrics and Gynecology, our gyno in New Hyde Park can help diagnose and treat your specific condition. Your avenues for treatment can be discussed and we will work with you to identify the best course of action. For your condition, pending on severity, a laparoscopic hysterectomy may be necessary. Let us provide you with high-quality care and help reduce your pain.

Gynecologic Laparoscopy

A laparoscopy is a minimally invasive surgical procedure used to diagnose and treat various conditions. It is usually done when other imaging tests, such as ultrasounds and X-rays, cannot provide enough insight regarding the diagnosis. It is an alternative to open surgery and has a shorter healing time. Patients are typically given general anesthesia during laparoscopy to ensure that they remain asleep and pain-free during the procedure. However, local anesthesia is another available option if you wish to remain awake. Laparoscopy involves the insertion of a laparoscope into small incisions in your abdominal area. A laparoscope is a long, thin tube with a light and camera attached at the front. Before insertion When the laparoscope is inserted through the incision, it transmits images, allowing your doctor to see inside your body.

Some conditions that may require performing a laparoscopy include:

Endometriosis
Uterine fibroids
Ovarian cysts
Ectopic pregnancies
Pelvic abscess
Infertility
Pelvic inflammatory disease
Reproductive cancers

What is A Laparoscopic Hysterectomy?

A hysterectomy is a surgical procedure that involves the removal of one’s uterus. In some cases, the patient’s ovaries and fallopian tubes may also be removed. Each year there are approximately 500,000 hysterectomies performed in the U.S, making it the second most common procedure performed on women. There are many reasons why women choose to undergo this procedure. It can help treat certain conditions, such as:

Chronic pain
Uterine prolapse
Uncontrollable vaginal bleeding
Adenomyosis
Hyperplasia
Endometriosis

Hysterectomies can be performed abdominally, vaginally, laparoscopically, or with the use of robotics. At Women for Women Obstetrics and Gynecology, we perform ambulatory and inpatient procedures, such as laparoscopic hysterectomies. Our patients will undergo surgery at Long Island Jewish Medical Center. During the laparoscopic hysterectomy, the laparoscope is inserted into the incision until the uterus becomes visible. Afterward, the surgeon will carve your uterus into small pieces, which will then be removed one at a time.

Knowing The Risks

A hysterectomy is a generally safe procedure. However, there are risks associated with any kind of surgery. It is important to understand that complications may arise, such as

Heavy bleeding
Infection
Injury to the surrounding tissues and organs
Blood clots
Bowel blockage
Heart complications
Adverse reactions to the anesthesia

What to Expect After a Hysterectomy

It may be possible for you to go home on the same day after your laparoscopic hysterectomy. However, it will typically take about 3-4 weeks before you can return to most of your regular activities. You may notice bloody vaginal discharge in the days after your surgery. This is perfectly normal, and it is suggested that you wear a pad during this time. You may also experience painful swelling or itching at the incision site as well. Typically, there are two post-surgical follow-up appointments after undergoing a hysterectomy. During your recovery, you must try to move around regularly and take frequent walks in and out of your home to prevent blood clots. You may also be asked to avoid certain activities, such as:

Sexual intercourse
Lifting heavy objects
Bending
Driving
Working

Gyno in New Hyde Park

After undergoing a hysterectomy, you will no longer have a menstrual period or be able to get pregnant. Some women may have a loss of interest in sex or experience emotional side effects, such as depression. You may also begin menopause sooner than you normally would. Suppose you had your ovaries removed during the procedure and had not previously gone through menopause. In that case, you might begin to experience menopause symptoms such as hot flashes, mood swings, insomnia, and pain during sex. These symptoms can continue for several years after your hysterectomy. To offset these side effects, you may consider speaking with our gyno in New Hyde Park about hormone replacement therapy.

If you or someone you know are interested in speaking to our gyno in New Hyde park about scheduling a laparoscopic hysterectomy, contact us at Women for Women Obstetrics and Gynecology! If you would like additional information regarding our services, then feel free to visit our website.