Stop, Consider a Laparoscopic Hysterectomy Before You Go the Traditional Route

No woman wants to hear that she needs a hysterectomy of any kind. Yet, there are reasons why a woman may need to consider having a hysterectomy. Sometimes this procedure is needed due to heavy periods, intense cramping, fibroids, uterine cancer, and even additional problems such as bladder repositioning . Yet, that doesn't mean that she has to go through a traditional hysterectomy that many women fear.

Thanks to the advances in medicine a laparoscopic hysterectomy is a choice that may be available to many women. This is the same basic surgical procedure that is used in many other surgical operations including: gall bladder removal, appendectomy surgeries as well as cardiology and urology surgeries. This is minimally invasive surgery that usually requires little to no downtime. Yet, it is a type of surgery that many women may not realize is an option when it comes to hysterectomies.

How does a regular hysterectomy compare to a laparoscopic one?

• When a woman has a regular abdominal hysterectomy, a big incision is made across her belly. The surgery itself considered major surgery. There is a lot pain involved while she heals. The healing process can take 6 weeks. A laparoscopic hysterectomy is performed by making small incisions. It is considered a minimally invasive surgery. Recovery time is less than 2 weeks. Most women say there is little pain involved.
• Nearly every woman is a candidate for a laparoscopic surgery.
• The Laparoscopic surgery is a very expensive procedure. The procedure itself also takes longer, which can add to the price.
• Not all surgeons are trained for this procedure. A patient should make sure that her doctor has been truly trained to perform this procedure or complications could arise. A good rule of thumb is that a truly trained surgeon will have performed between 25 to 50 of these procedures.

When it comes to making the decision of having a hysterectomy performed, a woman should weigh all her options and all her treatment choices first. This is a serious choice that will affect not only her life, but her ability to have children. Once she made her choice, then she can concentrate on which type of hysterectomy is the best for her and her health concerns.

Sources:

webmd.com