Hysterectomy can be carried out vaginally, abdominally, laparoscopically or in a combination of these. Total Laparoscopic Hysterectomy (TLH) is an advanced surgical technique which involves removing the uterus and cervix using keyhole (laparoscopic) surgery. Ovaries and fallopian tubes may or may not be removed depending on the reason for surgery. This procedure may be combined with other procedures, such as repair of a prolapse, etc.
TLH surgery could be the best option for women dealing with heavy or painful periods, pelvic pain, endometriosis, fibroids, prolapse, endometrial or cervical problems.
TLH is normally carried out under a general anaesthesia. After you have been given a general anaesthetic and you are asleep, a catheter (a tube for urine drainage) is inserted into your bladder. A small cut about 1 cm is made near your navel (belly button). The abdomen is filled with gas and an optical instrument, called a laparoscope, is inserted to allow the internal organs to be viewed before three further small cuts, about 0.5 cm each, are made on your abdomen. These cuts are for other instruments to be used during the surgery. In most cases the uterus and cervix are removed through the vagina. If the uterus is too large to remove vaginally, or the vagina is too narrow, then uterus is cut in pieces and removed vaginally.
The procedure takes about 1 to 2 hours, but you can expect to be in theatre and recovery for about 3 hours.
TLH reduces your recovery period (including hospital stay), reduces the pain and discomfort after your surgery.
Some benefits of TLH are:-
- Less pain after surgery than having ‘open’ (traditional) surgery.
- Fewer wound complications.
- Less disruption to bowel and bladder function.
- Lower risk of Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT).
- Shorter recovery period (including hospital stay) compared to other forms of hysterectomy surgery.
- Lesser discomfort after your surgery compared to other forms of hysterectomy surgery.
The procedure of TLH is a complex series of steps taken in the right direction to derive fruitful results. It can only be carried out by expert gynaecologists, practicing their craft for a long period of time. Dr. Veena Agrawal and Dr. Sonali Agrawal are expert gynaecologists who trained in carrying out TLH and can help the patients of Gwalior and nearby regions.