What to Expect from Treatment

Having a hysterectomy is a big decision in any woman’s life, one that calls for careful research and partnering with your doctor. Luckily, hysterectomies are usually an elective surgery, which may give you a little extra time to weigh your options and ask your doctor questions.

For many women facing a hysterectomy,laparoscopic hysterectomy offers a less invasive option than traditional hysterectomy methods, with shorter hospital and recovery times, and less pain and scarring afterwards.

During the procedure

During a laparoscopic hysterectomy, your doctor inserts a thin, lighted telescope-like instrument called a laparoscope and other small surgical instruments into the body through 3 to 4 tiny incisions, each less than a quarter-inch long. The laparoscope acts like a video camera, guiding the surgeon as he or she carefully removes the uterus through one of the openings. During laparoscopic supracervical hysterectomy (LSH), the cervix (the bottom part of the uterus) is left intact.

After the procedure

You can expect to have some pain or discomfort immediately following a laparoscopic hysterectomy, which should decrease over the next several days. Oral pain relievers should usually relieve this pain.Talk to a doctor if any of your postoperative symptoms concern you.

Because a laparoscopic hysterectomy does not require the surgeon to make a large abdominal incision, it’s a less invasive procedure than traditional methods of hysterectomy. Most patients spend 1 day or less in the hospital and only 6 days of recovery time. Patients also experience minimal scarring and pain, compared to more traditional hysterectomy methods.¹

Find a doctor who is familiar with GYNECARE^® products and can perform a laparoscopic hysterectomy.