Laparoscopic Assisted Vaginal Hysterectomy

In this type of operation, a woman’s uterus is generally removed, along with the cervix, ovaries, and even sometimes the fallopian tubes. Part of the procedure is generally completed through small incisions made in the abdomen, with the remainder is done through small incisions made in the vagina. As with all laparoscopic surgeries, the recovery time associated with laparoscopic assisted vaginal hysterectomies is much shorter than it would be if a total abdominal hysterectomy would be performed. One of the primary reasons for this shorter recovery period is the fact that much smaller incisions can be made, so it is not necessary to recover from a large cut in the abdomen.

Why Does Someone Need a Laparoscopic Assisted Vaginal Hysterectomy?

When it’s necessary to perform a laparoscopic assisted vaginal hysterectomy, there may be several issues that make the procedure necessary. There could be complications with a woman’s uterus, there may be infections in the ovaries or the fallopian tubes, or there might also be endometriosis in progress or fibroids that must be removed. Some women experience unexplained abnormal bleeding from the vagina, and surgery might be necessary to discover the cause of this bleeding, as well as to correct the situation. In a laparoscopic supracervical hysterectomy, it’s generally only the uterus which is removed, while other organs remain intact, but in an assisted vaginal hysterectomy, the cervix, ovaries and fallopian tubes may also be removed in order to assure good health afterward.

What is the Recovery Time for a Laparoscopic Assisted Vaginal Hysterectomy?

While recovery time might take as long as six weeks after having a laparoscopic assisted vaginal hysterectomy, it will still be much less than would be required if you had a total abdominal hysterectomy performed. After undergoing this procedure, the vagina must be kept free of objects such as tampons or douches. No sexual intercourse may occur for six weeks following the procedure. No heavy lifting should be attempted during this period, although you can resume other normal activities when your body feels ready for them. It’s a good idea to go on short walks to increase blood flow through the body, and to get the whole area of your pelvis and mid-section in motion again. If pain medications are necessary, over-the-counter versions should suffice after the first 48 hours.