Subtotal laparoscopic hysterectomy
The subtotal laparoscopic hysterectomy is a recognized technique and established for more than 25 years. It is performed through very small incisions in the abdomen, allowing the removal of the uterine body while preserving the cervix, provided that Pap smear tests are normal.
The woman usually enters the hospital on the morning of the surgery and is discharged the same evening or the following morning. It does not require any special preparation, and the procedure lasts up to about one hour, as the entire operation is performed through the small skin incisions, and the removal of the uterus is achieved with a special surgical instrument inserted through one of the incisions (morcellator).
Postoperatively, the patient experiences less pain compared to the equivalent open abdominal surgery and also compared to the vaginal approach. She may get out of bed the same afternoon and, if she wishes, return home the same evening. The first postoperative night is usually smooth, and the mild abdominal discomfort is well controlled with common painkillers, which are provided for a few days if the woman desires.
With a lower complication rate than other types of hysterectomy, the subtotal laparoscopic hysterectomy provides immediate relief for women suffering from heavy periods, uncontrollable bleeding, fibroids, the sensation of heaviness, and pressure on the bladder with urinary symptoms such as frequent urination. Sometimes after the procedure, a very small spotting-like amount of blood may be noticed on the pad each month, corresponding to the menstrual cycle, due to preservation of the cervix.
In theory, subtotal hysterectomy preserves the nerves of the cervix, and the woman usually does not experience a decline in her sexual function.
The ligaments that support the cervix and the vagina are also preserved, resulting in a lower likelihood of prolapse of the vaginal stump in the future.
