LAVH Surgery: Laproscopically Assisted Vaginal Hysterectomy

Laparoscopically Assisted Vaginal Hysterectomy also known as LAVH Surgery is a surgical procedure to remove the uterus through the vagina. If the need is, the surgeon also removes the Fallopian tubes and ovaries from the uterus. With the use of Laparoscopic tools, this procedure disconnects the uterus from the ligaments that connect it to the other organs in the pelvis.

The LAVH Procedure

The procedure involves making several small incisions in the abdominal wall followed by insertion of Trocars or metal tubes which make room for the laparoscope and other microsurgical tools. The camera attached to the laparoscope gives a continuous image to help detach the uterus from the ligaments which connect it to the other organs in the pelvis.

If the need is, then the surgeon also detaches the Fallopian tubes and ovaries from their ligaments. Lastly, he removes all these organs through an incision made in the vagina.

Surgery Types

Which Specialist should be Consulted?

The case of Laparoscopically Assisted Vaginal Hysterectomy (LAVH) should be consulted with A Gynecologist or Obstetrician as a gynecologist is an expert in this field.

Complication in Management

Laparoscopically Assisted Vaginal Hysterectomy, like other surgeries, has its own set of complications. Surgical Complications include heavy bleeding, bladder injury, nerve injury, intestinal injury, hemorrhage and post-operation infection. Some patients may also experience damage to the surrounding organs and may have an adverse reaction to anesthesia.

These complications are more common with women suffering from Diabetes or High Blood Pressure. It is normal to have bloody vaginal discharge for several days to weeks, vaginal dryness, irritation, insomnia, weight gain, or hot flashes after the procedure.

To learn more about Hysterectomy, go to Hysterectomy in Women: Complications & more article.

Laparoscopic Assisted Vaginal Hysterectomy treats many gynecological ailments. The most common of these include:

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• Benign Uterine Fibroid
• Abnormal Uterine Bleeding
• Endometriosis
• Genital Prolapse
• Chronic Pelvic Pain
• Uterine Cancer

Physicians treat most of these conditions, other than Uterine Cancers, with medication and less invasive surgical processes. Only if these processes fail, they recommend a Laparoscopic Assisted Vaginal Hysterectomy.

After the surgery, the woman loses her fertility and she would never get pregnant. Hence, it is important to decide on the surgery after measuring the pros and cons.

LAVH Surgery – Advantages

When compared with Abdominal Hysterectomy and routine Vaginal Hysterectomy, lavh surgery has the following advantages:

• Incisions are small
• Recovery is faster
• Less traumatic physically
• Less postoperative pain
• Fewer postoperative infections
• Shortened hospitalization, takes less than 24 hours

LAVH Surgery – Disadvantages

When compared with routine Vaginal Hysterectomy (LAVH) has the following disadvantages:

• Time taken for the surgery is longer
• More dangerous
• More expensive
• Surgical Complications include bleeding, bladder injury, nerve injury, intestinal injury, post-operation infection and a few others

Precautions after Surgery

Recovery is fast and pain is less after the Lavh surgery. Full recovery takes about a month. The patient must follow the following precautions after undergoing surgery:

• Do not lift heavy weight
• Do not bend too much
• Do not climb stairs
• Ask for painkillers if the pain is unbearable after the surgery
• To prevent Pneumonia, Blood Clot Formation and for a speedy recovery, get back to normal walking, under supervision of the physician
• To get relief from gastric pains try walking and performing deep breathing exercises slowly
• Hold a pillow over the surgical abdominal wound or cross legs to reduce coughing, if any. Coughs may cause pain in the wound
• Ovary removal may cause estrogen loss which leads to Osteoporosis or loss of bone density. Physicians usually suggest supplementary medications for this
• Sexual intercourse may resume 4 – 6 weeks after the surgery. [If pain persists, it may be worth consulting a physician to discuss vaginal dilator therapy or therapies available.]

Dietary and Physical Activity Requirements Post Surgery

It is important to eat healthy food and start walking within a day or two after the surgery, under medical supervision.

Support from Family

Some patients after Laparoscopic Assisted Vaginal Hysterectomy (Lavh surgery) feel relieved, as they get rid of troublesome symptoms, such as, heavy bleeding and pelvic pain. However, some may experience depression due to loss of fertility. This is especially true if the patient is young and wished to get pregnant. These patients need extra attention and care from the family members.