What Is A Laparoscopic Hysterectomy And Why Is It Performed?

By Tim | November 15, 2024

There is a broad spectrum of conditions that a private gynaecologist can help with, many of which are focused on vaginal health, managing periods and pain relating to the pelvis.

All of this requires a holistic person-centred approach that ensures the best treatment is undertaken for a person’s long-term health.

However, there are some more serious conditions for which the most effective (or in rare cases only) treatment is a hysterectomy.

A hysterectomy is an operation to remove the uterus and the cervix, which means that someone can no longer get pregnant nor can they have periods. 

There are multiple types of hysterectomy, which remove different parts of the womb depending on the reason why the operation is taking place. These are:

  • Total, where the uterus and cervix are removed.
  • Subtotal, where only the uterus is removed and the cervix is kept in place
  • Total with salpingo-oophorectomy, which removes the uterus, cervix, ovaries and fallopian tubes.
  • Radical, where the womb and most of the surrounding tissues are taken out, including part of the vagina, lymph glands, fatty tissue, ovaries and the fallopian tubes.

There are also three ways to do the surgery; through a cut in the abdomen, through the vagina or a laparoscopic (keyhole) process.

Laparoscopic hysterectomies are typically the best option as they involve very small incisions and a shorter stay in the hospital, with many women staying in the hospital for around 24 hours.

It is commonly a treatment of last resort, so it is generally done if there are no other options or other treatments have failed.

Outside of cancer, it is commonly used to treat particularly heavy and painful periods, fibroids that grow in the uterine wall, endometriosis, chronic pain in the pelvis and prolapse.

There are other reasons it can be done, but in all cases outside of the immediate threat on someone’s life, it will only be undertaken after a discussion with your gynaecologist, based on their recommendations, your medical history and how you feel about the treatment and its implications.