Laparoscopic Supracervical Hysterectomy (LSH) – a less invasive hysterectomy

If you or someone you know is faced with having a hysterectomy, there is now an option for many women that:

is less invasive
may result in less pain and stress to the body
minimizes scarring
can be performed on an outpatient basis, with a reduced recovery period

It used to be that total abdominal hysterectomy (removal of the uterus and cervix through a large abdominal incision) was the only type of hysterectomy offered to women. But today, the development of improved surgical devices and innovative techniques allows for less invasive procedures that can remove the uterus but can sometimes allow you to keep your cervix, ovaries and fallopian tubes. Hospital stays, and recovery times, have also been reduced.

Although some medical conditions may require specific techniques, it is important to know what your options are and to discuss them with your doctor.

What are the different ways to perform a hysterectomy?

Total abdominal, or open, hysterectomy
Vaginal hysterectomy
Laparoscopically-assisted vaginal hysterectomy (LAVH)
Laparoscopic supracervical hysterectomy (LSH) - a minimally invasive and less traumatic procedure resulting in a shorter recovery time

What is LSH?

The LSH procedure uses a thin, lighted telescope-like instrument called a laparoscope, which acts like a video camera, along with small surgical instruments that are all inserted through three to four tiny incisions (less than 1/4 inch each) in the navel and abdomen. Using the instruments, the surgeon carefully separates the uterus from the cervix and removes it through one of the openings. The cervix, the bottom part of the uterus, is left intact. Because this type of surgery does not require the surgeon to make a large abdominal incision, you will not have the same kind of visible scar typical with most traditional, "open" surgeries.

The Benefits of LSH

LSH causes less stress to the body than the traditional "open" hysterectomy. It was developed to reduce pain, minimize scarring, and shorten recovery time. The procedure can be done on an outpatient basis, which means a woman can be home resting comfortably within 24 hours and back to her normal activities in less than a week. As with all surgery, hysterectomy involves risk, including potential blood loss, infection and damage to other internal organs.

1. Three small tiny incisions in the navel and abdomen

2. Thin, lighted laparoscope is inserted through incisions

3. Uterus is separated from cervix and removed

4. The cervix remains intact after surgery

Testimonials:

Carol M:

I had a supracervical laparoscopic hysterectomy done to treat menorrhagia. My doctor and I discussed other alternatives but decided this would be the best option for me. The surgery only kept me out of work for 4 weeks and I had minimal pain and few restrictions. It’s been a year since my surgery was done and I have my energy back and feel better than I have in years. I have recommended this surgery to others because it really has changed my life.

Betty L:

Recently, I was under your care. You discussed surgery. A new procedure called, laparoscopic hysterectomy which you performed 3 weeks ago. Now I have no more pain. I feel great thanks to you. I have been telling my friends about you being great and the LSH procedure. It’s a wonderful feeling.

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