Posts tagged ‘laparotomy’
Demystifying Hysterectomy Part II: “How and why is hysterectomy performed?”
A hysterectomy can be performed in several ways. Minimally invasive surgical techniques include the removal of the uterus (and/or ovaries) through laparoscopy, a surgical technique which involves the insertion of long thin instruments through very small holes in the patient’s abdomen. Hysterectomy can also be done via the vagina in a procedure called vaginal hysterectomy. Despite the proven benefits of minimally invasive surgical techniques, the most common method of removing the uterus is still through an open abdominal incision called a laparotomy.
Hysterectomy is used to treat a number of gynecologic conditions including uterine fibroids, adenomyosis, endometriosis, intractable pelvic pain, pelvic organ prolapse, and certain types of cancer. It may also be required in certain types of emergencies (such as hemorrhage during childbirth) or electively (in persons undergoing gender reassignment).
Minimally Invasive Gynecologic Surgery: Pursuing a gentler path
Minimally invasive surgery includes a diverse and varied set of techniques which differ from traditional “open” surgery. When open surgery occurs in the abdomen, it is performed through an incision called a laparotomy. Put simply, the goal of minimally invasive gynecologic surgery is to avoid unnecessary laparotomy.
Avoiding large incisions allows a surgeon to offer patients a faster recovery, decreased pain from surgical incisions, a more rapid return of bowel function, and decreased risk of certain types of complications. Patients usually go home the same day or stay in the hospital only one night.
There are several common techniques used in minimally invasive surgery. These include the use of laparoscopy (aka bandaid surgery, keyhole surgery, or pinhole surgery) and mini-laparotomy.
Laparoscopy is a type of sugery in which a camera is attached to a thin instrument (the laparoscope) which can be inserted into the abdomen through a very small incision. This allows the surgeon to see the entire abdominal cavity without creating a large incision. Additional small incisions may be made so that thin surgical instruments can be inserted into the abdominal cavity.
Many types of surgery can be performed in this manner, including certain types of hysterectomy (removal of the uterus), removal of fibroids and ovarian cysts, treatment of endometriosis, and treatment of other kinds of gynecologic disorders.
Mini-Laparotomy is sometimes combined with laparoscopy to allow a much smaller abdominal incision in certain types of surgery which would otherwise have to be done by laparotomy.
When you need surgery, it is important to have a discussion with your doctor about how your recovery can be optimized. Minimally-invasive surgery could be the best option for you.
The Gynecologist 