Laparoscopic Hysterectomy

With a combined 50-year experience of performing hysterectomies, Drs. Streicher, Blumenthal, and Goldman have a level of expertise rarely found.

Surgical technology has exploded in the last five years, and many women who require a hysterectomy are candidates for a laparoscopic hysterectomy. We offer the least invasive procedure that is appropriate, including laparoscopic outpatient hysterectomy, robotic-assisted hysterectomy, and procedures that preserve the cervix and ovaries.

Laparoscopic surgery, also known as minimally invasive surgery, is done by placing instruments through tiny incisions and visualizing the pelvic contents using a camera attached to a scope rather than utilizing a large abdominal incision. Because this surgery is less invasive, there is significantly less post-operative pain and a more rapid recovery. While it is certainly not appropriate for every patient, or every circumstance, there are many situations in which it is the absolute best option.

Types of Laparoscopic Hysterectomies

There are actually three different types of laparoscopic hysterectomy:

Laparoscopic-assisted vaginal hysterectomy (LAVH)
In LAVH, the surgery is started laparoscopically but completed via the vaginal route. The uterus, cervix, and possibly tubes and ovaries are "delivered" through the vagina to complete the operation.

Laparoscopic Subtotal Hysterectomy is a hysterectomy that is done entirely through the laparoscope and preserves the cervix. The uterus, along with the tubes and ovaries, if desired, is removed through the laparoscope. If a subtotal hysterectomy is planned, the uterus can't be removed through the vagina since the cervix needs to remain in place. Up until a few years ago, there was no way to remove the uterus laparoscopically since even a normal size uterus is far larger than the tiny abdominal incisions used for laparoscopy. The breakthrough in technology that enabled the surgeon to remove a big uterus through a little hole is a device known as a morcellator, which cuts a large uterus into smaller strips of tissue. These strips of tissue can be easily removed through a small incision.

Total Laparoscopic Hysterectomy refers to a hysterectomy that is performed entirely through the laparoscope. Laparoscopic suturing is used to sew the top of the vagina closed. This is a good option for someone who requires removal of the cervix and/or needs a suspension procedure due to pelvic relaxation.
 

Watch Dr. Streicher and Dr. Goldman Snow perform a laparoscopic hysterectomy on NBC's In the Loop with iVillage