Top Los Angeles Surgeon Discusses Laparoscopic Surgery, Hysterectomy
A hysterectomy is the surgical removal of the uterus. This is one of the most commonly performed gynecologic surgeries in the United States. The reasons for hysterectomy vary from endometriosis and fibroid to cancer. In this country, the majority of hysterectomies are still done through a large abdominal incision or abdominal hysterectomy. Specialists who perform these procedures are also able to do gynecological laparoscopic surgery for patients who have specific pathologies.
Another method of performing a hysterectomy is through the vagina or vaginal hysterectomy. This method is the preferred method compared to abdominal hysterectomy, because it avoids any abdominal incision and is a faster procedure with a decreased recovery time. However, when patients with complicated pathologies including endometriosis, large uterine fibroids, ovarian cyst, extensive or dense adhesions secondary to previous abdominal pelvic surgeries, vaginal hysterectomy becomes difficult or is contraindicated.
In These Cases, Laparoscopic Hysterectomy Should Be Considered
This procedure has all the advantages of vaginal hysterectomy without the large painful abdominal incisional scar and prolonged recuperation time required for abdominal hysterectomy. In gynecological laparoscopic surgery Los Angeles gynecologists can view the abdominal and pelvic cavity in minute details using a laparoscope and enable the surgeon to get into the right surgical planes during surgery with minimal blood loss and tissue damage, while avoiding a large abdominal incision and scar. As a result of this development, gynecologists have an alternative to abdominal hysterectomy when vaginal hysterectomy is difficult, complicated or deemed contraindicated.
Uterine prolapse is a common gynecologic problem that may exist is up 30-50% of parous women. The most common indication for a hysterectomy in women over the age of 50 in the United States is uterovaginal prolapse. The most common symptom is a bulge in the vagina, with possible worsening pelvic discomfort and pressure.
Nowadays, more and more women are choosing to avoid a hysterectomy. Some women desire uterine preservation for personal identity and perceived sexual satisfaction. Others may not have completed their family and desire future fertility. Some woman many not want to undergo major surgery and seek conservative treatments without the need for a hysterectomy. Whatever the reasons, laparoscopic uterine suspension is a safe option and at times a simple alternative to a hysterectomy. The goals of the uterine suspension procedure are to restore anatomy, alleviate symptoms, and preserve uterine function.
The advantage of the laparoscopic approach include superior visualization during the surgical procedure and easier identification of the support ligaments for suspension. The advantage to the patient is that the patient goes home the same day, and the postoperative recovery is much faster.
What is the incidence?
Uterine prolapse is a common gynecologic problem that may exist is up 30-50% of parous women. The most common indication for a hysterectomy in women over the age of 50 in the United States is uterovaginal prolapse.
What is uterine preservation?
Nowadays, more and more women are choosing to avoid a hysterectomy. Some women desire uterine preservation for personal identity and perceived sexual satisfaction. Others may not have completed their family and desire future fertility. Some woman many not want to undergo major surgery and seek conservative treatments without the need for a hysterectomy. Whatever the reasons, laparoscopic uterine suspension is a safe option and at times a simple alternative to a hysterectomy. The goals of the uterine suspension procedure are to restore anatomy, alleviate symptoms, and preserve uterine function.
Frequently Asked Questions
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QUESTION:
What is the largest size of a uterine fibroid that can be removed through laparoscopic surgery?
I’ve got a large one, sized like a 16 weeks fetus, and a few small ones. I can actually see the lump if i lie on my back! I’m really scared cause the doctor who found them said they need to be removed mainly because of their size.
I didn’t have children yet, but I hope to have them one day.
If you have experience with that, what options should I ask about at my next appointment? Is laparoscopic surgery even possible when they are so huge?
Through laparoscopic? Really?-
ANSWER:
My mom has a 17 cm one removed
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QUESTION:
What’s the $ costs of removing fibroid, cyst and mass by Laparoscopy or Hysteroscopy? FL and non-FL surgery.
Ultrasound images shows that I have an enlarged uterus (10.4 x 5 cm) with a 8 cm mass that might be a fibroid. There are also a 3.7 cm cyst and a 9 cm “complex mass which is predominantly solid”. An MRI was recommended by the analyst.I am in the process of scheduling an MRI with a OB/GYN. The one I am referred to is not on my insurance’s “Preferred Privider” list, but he is the best in town. Since surgically removing the masses by Laparoscopic Myomectomy or Hysteroscopic Myomectomy is very likely, I am worry about the costs, my insurance will only cover 60% for out-of-network surgeon. Can anyone share their experience? The cost of:
– MRI
– Hospitalization and Surgery
In short, how much is the total bill (before insurance reimbursement) to get the whole thing done and be over with?-
ANSWER:
Laparoscopy surgery is very safe nowadays. My cousin got her Hernia and colostomy surgery in India by a company called Forerunners Healthcare .The Price for Minimal Invasive and Laparoscopy surgery is very less in India. She paid 25% of the cost she was quoted in America.Forerunners Healthcare is very famous in India. They arrange Hernia, Appendectomy, Thyroid and other laparoscopy surgery for foreigners in India.
I read a lot about them in the Newspapers and about their patient stories. They arrange financing for USA, Canadian, UK and other international patients who plan to have surgery abroad for low price, as the Hernia, Colostomy and other minimal invasive surgery is not covered by insurance. They also have photos pasted of their International patients. You can checkout their website. There are huge cost savings. As a doctor I personally believe that surgery can be easily handled in India, as the quality of healthcare available In India is simply best in the world. The surgeons are USA/UK trained and facilities are 5 star.http://www.forerunnershealthcare.com
Hope this helps.
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QUESTION:
Lap scheduled for Tuesday-Scared of Surgery.?
This will be my first surgery. I’m having laparoscopic surgery on Tuesday to remove a fibroid and cysts. I don’t think I’m scared of what will happen during the surgery because I
have a lot of confidence in my doctor. I’m just scared of being put to sleep (the anesthesia). I don’t know what to expect. Maybe I’m scared that I may not wake up or something. How long does the surgery usually take and any other advice would be great. My pre-op appointment with my doctor is not until Monday so I have not really talked to him a whole lot about my anxiety.-
ANSWER:
anesthesia works different on everyone. some people get nauseated, some sleepy, some laugh, i cried. you shouldn’t feel or remember anything. as far as length, sounds like a 2 hour procedure… sometimes shorter sometimes longer depending on the case. usually before they wheel you in to the procedure you have to sign consents, there is where you ask questions. the registration staff (if they’re not busy), the nurses… even the doctor. ask stuff like, what should i expect when i wake up, what are some reactions to anesthesia (or you can use webmd). good luck! hope all goes well.
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QUESTION:
Uterine Fibroid…Myomectomy in 2 Weeks. What to expect?
I found out I had a fibroid in 2008 after moving and lifting heavy furniture caused me to start bleeding and not stop…I did a ultrasound and had a 4.3cm fibroid. Doc gave me birth control and all was fine I only took the birth control for 6 months. In March of this year I got severe pains (really bad) and my cycle started acting up…I was/am just spotting no period at all. Doc has given me more birth control (on 2 weeks now) and I did another ultrasound and the fibroid is now 7.3cm. Im 29 and no kids…I have decided to have surgery in two weeks to get it removed so that I wont have any problems when I get married March 2011 and we start trying for a baby. Doc said the fibroid is on the outside of the uterus in the front at the top. Doc said fibroid could be pushing the uterus down and causing me not to get pregnant so she will also be checking for blockage when she does Myomectomy by using a dye to check the flow. Doc doesn’t suggest Laparoscopic myomectomy because of the size and said it might cause a lot of bleeding so I will be having a Abdominal myomectomy. I have never had to go to the hospital for anything. What should I expect as far as surgery and for recovery time? Your experiences are greatly appreciated.-
ANSWER:
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QUESTION:
Recovery time for laparoscopy??
I just had my operation for laparoscopic surgery scheduled for Feb.7
Does anyone know what the recovery time is for that type of surgery?
I’m having a cyst on my ovary removed and a fibroid which is about 3-4
inches. I have a trip to San Francisco scheduled for Feb. 17 and I was
not sure if I would still be able to go. I live in North Carolina, so
I will be flying cross country. Thanks.-
ANSWER:
Assuming there are no complications and the cystectomy and myomectomy go well, you should be able to make your trip on the 17th. However, it would be advisable to have assistance with your luggage, as you really shouldn’t be lifting heavy items that soon after the lap. Also, you may experience continued fatigue and other side effects from the anesthesia and laparoscopy; 10 days is not a long time in the grand scheme of things…while you are likely to feel better by then, you will still be healing on the inside. So just take it easy and you should be fine. Also – be sure to get up and walk a bit during the flight as well (i.e. stand up to stretch in the aisle a bit if you can, walk to the bathroom a couple times, etc.). As long as you have clearance from your surgeon, you should be totally ok. Good luck.
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