LAVH – Lap assisted Vaginal Hysterectomy

LAVH – Lap assisted Vaginal hysterectomy for Uterus removal

Hysterectomy is the process of removing uterus.  In some cases the removal of fallopian tubes and ovaries are also done under hysterectomy. When a laparoscope is used for performing a hysterectomy it is known as lap assisted hysterectomy. In vaginal hysterectomy the removal of uterus and connected organs are done through vagina. Fibroids in uterus, excessive bleeding 

in the uterus, prolapse in the genital organs and severe pains in the pelvic area etc are the usual reasons which necessitate hysterectomy.  Lap assisted vaginal hysterectomy is a less time consuming and less expensive procedure in which only three or four incisions of the size 1 to 2 cms are made in the abdomen.  Through one of the incisions a laparoscope is inserted. Laparoscope is an instrument in which a camera with a light source is attached to one side of a  long tube. The other side of the tube is attached to a monitor placed before the surgeon. The images taken by the laparoscope are magnified and transmitted to the monitor. The surgeon views these images and performs the surgery using special instruments inserted through other incisions.

The ligaments that attach the uterus to other structures are cut by the surgeon. If necessary the fallopian tubes and ovaries are also detached from their attachments. The cut portions are removed by the surgeon through an incision made in the uterus.

Only small incisions of the size 1 to 2 cms are needed in this surgery. Whereas,  in an abdominal hysterectomy a large incision of the size 4 to 6 inches and vaginal incision will be required to complete the surgery.  The greatest advantage of the lap assisted hysterectomy is that it has helped to convert the troublesome abdominal hysterectomy process to an easy and less painful and less time consuming process.