Laparoscopic Supracervical Hysterectomy (LSH)

Overview

This minimally-invasive procedure is used to remove the uterus through small incisions in the abdomen while leaving the cervix and ovaries intact.

Preparation

Anesthesia is administered, the patient is positioned, and the abdomen is cleaned, sterilized, and inflated with carbon dioxide gas. The gas creates working space for the surgeon's instruments. The surgeon's assistant inserts a uterine manipulator into the vagina, allowing the uterus to be moved and positioned as needed.

Accessing the Abdomen: Traditional

In a traditional open hysterectomy, a large incision, typically 6-8 inches in length, is made in the abdomen. This is commonly referred to as a bikini line incision. 

Accessing the Abdomen: Laparoscopic

For a laparoscopic hysterectomy, a series of small incisions are created on the abdomen. The surgery will be performed through these tiny holes, rather than the large incision traditionally used for open surgery. This approach minimizes pain, scarring, risk of infection, and recovery time.

Laparoscope Inserted

The surgeon inserts a laparoscopic camera through the large incision near the navel. A video monitor, which is linked to the laparoscope, allows the surgeon to view the abdomen.

Instruments Inserted

Specialized surgical instruments are inserted through the incisions. These instruments are designed for extremely precise movements when guided by the surgeon and can safely and easily grasp, cut, cauterize and remove tissue.

Removing the Uterus

The surgeon uses the instruments to carefully isolate and detach the uterus from the ligaments and structures in the abdomen. The surgeon then cuts the uterus into small sections. The sections of uterus are carefully pulled out of the body through the incisions in the abdomen.

End of Procedure and Recovery

The instruments are removed from the abdomen, and the incisions are closed and bandaged. The patient may go home the same day or may stay one day in the hospital. Recovery time is typically 2-3 weeks, which allows patients to return to normal activity quicker than with a traditional open hysterectomy. Open hysterectomies require a hospital stay of up to five or six days and a recovery of up to six weeks. Because the LSH leaves the cervix intact, some surgeons believe this may reduce the risk of urinary incontinence and pelvic support problems, and increase sexual function.

Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.