My WebMD Sign In

Please enter email address

Enter your password

Keep me signed in on this computer

Show more Information

If you select "Keep me signed in on this computer", you can stay signed in to WebMD.com on this computer for up to 2 weeks or until you sign out. This means that a cookie will stay on your computer even when you exit or close your browser which may reduce your levels of privacy and security. You should never select this option if you're using a publicly accessible computer, or if you're sharing a computer with others. Even if you select this option there are some features of our site that still require you to log in for privacy reasons.

Forget your password? Having trouble signing in?

Why should I
sign up for WebMD?

With a WebMD Account you can:

Track your way to weight loss success
Manage your family's vaccinations
Join the conversation

See more benefits Sign Up

Why WebMD?

My WebMD

Show Menu

Facebook Twitter Pinterest

WebMD Home

Women's Health

Women's Health Related Topics

Email a Friend

Print Article

Women's Health

Tools & Resources

Font Size

Hysterectomy - Comparison of Hysterectomy Procedures

(continued)

continued...

LSH is a newer surgery and requires special training. It usually takes longer to do than abdominal or vaginal hysterectomy. LSH is not available in some geographic areas.

Total laparoscopic hysterectomy (TLH)

The total laparoscopic hysterectomy is done by inserting a laparoscope and surgical instruments through several small incisions in the abdomen. The uterus and the cervix are removed in small pieces through one of the incisions. TLH can be done:

To remove uterine fibroids that are small to moderate in size.
When there is not a lot of scar tissue in the pelvic area.
When there is not a worry about cancer in the ovaries.

TLH is a newer surgery and requires the surgeon to have special training. It usually takes longer to do than abdominal or vaginal hysterectomy. But recovery and hospital stay are shorter than for total abdominal hysterectomy. TLH is not available in many parts of the country.

**Advantages and disadvantages of hysterectomy procedures**
Hysterectomy procedure	Advantages	Disadvantages
Vaginal hysterectomy	Enables removal of a normal to slightly larger-than-normal uterus and small uterine fibroids When compared with LAVH or abdominal hysterectomy, requires a shorter hospital stay² Tends to cause less pain during recovery than after an abdominal surgery Doesn't leave scars on the abdomen	When compared with abdominal hysterectomy, a routine vaginal hysterectomy: Doesn't allow free access to the pelvic organs. The doctor may not be able to remove a very large uterus; large fibroids; areas of endometriosis, adenomyosis, or scar tissue (adhesions). Isn't used for cancer-related surgery. May need to be switched to an abdominal surgery if the doctor is unable to remove a very large uterus or areas of endometriosis, adenomyosis, or scar tissue (adhesions).
Abdominal hysterectomy	Provides the surgeon good visibility and easy access to the pelvic organs Enables removal of a very large uterus or large areas of endometriosis, adenomyosis, or scar tissue (adhesions) Cervix can be removed or left in place Requires less time under anesthesia and in surgery than a laparoscopic hysterectomy³	When compared with other types of hysterectomy, a routine abdominal hysterectomy: Requires longer hospital stay and recovery time.² Costs more than a vaginal hysterectomy.² Tends to lead to more pain during recovery. Leaves a visible scar on the abdomen. A bikini-line incision may be possible.
Laparoscopically assisted vaginal hysterectomy (LAVH)	Allows your doctor to examine your pelvic organs and remove cysts, scar tissue (adhesions), fibroids, and areas of infection When compared with abdominal hysterectomy, requires a shorter hospital stay and causes less pain during recovery Smaller scars on the abdomen than with an abdominal hysterectomy	When compared with other types of hysterectomy, a routine LAVH: May need to be switched to an abdominal surgery if the doctor is unable to remove a very large uterus or areas of endometriosis, adenomyosis, or scar tissue (adhesions). Costs more and takes more time to perform.² May have an increased risk of injury if the surgeon is inexperienced.
Laparoscopic supracervical hysterectomy (LSH)	When compared with abdominal hysterectomy, requires a shorter hospital stay, with a faster and less painful recovery Leaves smaller scars on the abdomen than with an abdominal hysterectomy	When compared with other types of hysterectomy, a routine LSH: May need to be switched to an abdominal surgery if the doctor is unable to remove a very large uterus or areas of endometriosis, adenomyosis, or scar tissue (adhesions). Is likely to cost more. May have an increased risk of injury if the surgeon is inexperienced.
Total laparoscopic hysterectomy (TLH)	Does not use an incision in the wall of the vagina When compared with abdominal hysterectomy, requires a shorter hospital stay, with a faster and less painful recovery Leaves smaller scars on the abdomen than with an abdominal hysterectomy	When compared with other types of hysterectomy, a routine TLH: May need to be switched to an abdominal surgery if the doctor is unable to remove a very large uterus or areas of endometriosis, adenomyosis, or scar tissue (adhesions). Is likely to cost more.

< Previous Page

1 | 2

WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise

Last Updated: July 15, 2010

This information is not intended to replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information.