Laparoscopic hysterectomy: Minimally invasive surgical technique increases comfort over alternative methods

By Keith Loria

Women facing a hysterectomy have three options - an abdominal hysterectomy, a vaginal hysterectomy or a laparoscopic hysterectomy. 

“From the surgical standpoint, we do a lot of minimally invasive surgery,” Dr. Tom Meyer, MD, selected as a Chicago Top Doctor by TopTierMD as a top rated OB/GYN in Chicago, said. “Most of the hysterectomies I perform are laparoscopic or vaginal.” 

A laparoscopic hysterectomy is the newest technique of the three options. It allows the uterus to be detached from inside the body by laparoscopic instruments while the doctor views the uterus, tubes and ovaries through a camera attached to a telescope. 

After the uterus is detached, it is removed through a small incision at the top of the vagina. A big advantage of laparoscopic hysterectomy is that the incisions are smaller - .5 inches - and much lower discomfort than that of an abdominal hysterectomy. The post-operative recovery is much faster. It also allows better exploration and slightly more complicated surgeries then the vaginal procedure

Laparoscopic hysterectomy does require considerable skill and experience on the part of the surgeon and Dr. Meyer is considered an expert in the field.  

“For me, the satisfaction of knowing that I've helped somebody is tremendous,”  Dr. Meyer said. “In my field it is particularly rewarding to assist a patient knowing that we had the best possible outcome while using the least invasive surgical approach.” 

A vaginal approach may be used if the uterus is not greatly enlarged, and if the reason for the surgery is not related to cancer. For this procedure, the uterus is surgically removed through the vagina. One or both ovaries and fallopian tubes may be removed during the procedure as well.  Vaginal hysterectomies are generally safe, though do carry a risk of blood loss or clots and infections, with the surgical risks higher in obese women or women with diabetes or high blood pressure.   There is also a risk of injury to other pelvic and abdominal organs, including the bladder, ureters and bowel. The risk becomes greater if large fibroids, severe endometriosis or cancer obstructs the view of the surgeon.

Dr. Thomas Meyer of Lake Barrington Women’s Health Center was selected in 2010 by TopTierMD as a Chicago Top Doctor - He was named a Best OB / Gyne, specializing in minimally invasive surgery, treatment of menopause, treatment of urinary incontinence, and treatment of abnormal pap smears.   He practices in Barrington, IL and Algonquin, IL and is affiliated with Advocate Good Shepherd.