Laparoscopic
Supracervical Hysterectomy |
|
Hysterectomy, or the removal of the uterus, is an increasingly common procedure. According to the CDC’s National Center for Health Statistics, one in three American women will have one performed by age 60. It is most often used to treat specific gynecological conditions, and avoid reproductive cancers in certain “high risk” patients.
Traditionally, hysterectomies were fairly invasive, using one large incision in the abdomen to remove the cervix and uterus. In the majority of cases, the surgeon would also remove the ovaries and fallopian tubes as well. This technique, referred to as the “open-radical” involved many side effects, most notably:
|
Immediate onset of menopause – without ovaries, a woman will enter into menopause, regardless of her age.
Pelvic prolapse – the removal of the cervix eliminates more of the support structure for the bladder and other pelvic organs, increasing the likelihood that they could eventually fall down and create pressure against the vaginal wall. Prolapse of the bladder isn’t considered life threatening, but is of special concern as it is one of the leading causes of female incontinence.
Sexual discomfort – with the cervix removed, the surgeon is left with less tissue to reconstruct and close the back of the vagina. This extreme reduction in vaginal “capacity” leads many women to report pain and discomfort during intercourse. In addition, this technique can leave a significant amount of vaginal scarring.
Long recovery periods – the large incision through the abdominal wall requires a lengthy healing process. Women who undergo a traditional hysterectomy can expect an initial recovery time of at least 4 to 6 weeks before they can return to work or normal activities. |
Dr. Helliwell is excited to be able introduce the Laparoscopic Supracervical Hysterectomy to the Bakersfield community. This innovative technique is considered safer, and significantly reduces the impact of a hysterectomy on a woman’s body. It’s a state-of-the-art procedure that finally gives women a less invasive, less disruptive option. In our opinion, it couldn’t have come soon enough…
Instead of making one large incision, the trained surgeon is now able to utilize three half-inch incisions across the abdomen, and perform the operation with the help of specialized instruments and a tiny high tech camera. Additionally, this method allows the surgeon to leave the ovaries, fallopian tubes and cervix virtually intact. When deemed appropriate, this less invasive approach holds countless advantages over the traditional abdominal method, including:
Decreased instances of pelvic prolapse - by leaving a healthy cervix intact, the patient retains more of the support structure that helps to keep their bladder and other nearby organs in place. Yearly pap smears will still be required, but retaining the cervix decreases the chance of bladder prolapse and urinary incontinence later in life. If deemed necessary, the cervix can be removed with a slightly different version if this technique.
Reduced impact on sexual enjoyment - with the healthy cervix and ovaries left in place, many women have reported no change or disruption in sexual enjoyment after the procedure.
Extremely short recovery periods - by utilizing such tiny incisions, most women are able to return to work or normal activities within a week, as opposed to the 4 to 6 week recovery time associated with the standard technique. The procedure takes only about an hour to perform, and allows you to return home a couple hours after you wake up. In addition, women who undergo this procedure report a significant reduction in post-surgical pain, as opposed to the old technique. If deemed necessary, the ovaries can still be removed with this technique as well.
Undergoing any form of hysterectomy is a serious decision, and you need to discuss it thoroughly with your Ob/Gyn before you decide the next step. If you’d like to learn more about the risks and benefits of Laparoscopic Supracervical Hysterectomy, call our office to schedule a consultation with Dr. Helliwell or Dr. Kaneen today. We look forward to speaking with you.
Back to Services |
