Laparoscopically Assisted Vaginal Hysterectomy
(LAVH)
Fall 2005
Fibroid tumors and endometriosis are two of the
most common medical reasons a hysterectomy is
performed. A hysterectomy is the removal of the
uterus and in certain cases, the Fallopian tubes
and ovaries.
Laparoscopically Assisted Vaginal Hysterectomy
(LAVH) is a surgical procedure that uses a laparoscope,
or viewing tube, to remove the uterus and/or Fallopian
tubes and ovaries through the vagina.
During the procedure, several small incisions
are made in the abdominal wall and thin, metal
tubes known as trocars are inserted to provide
a pathway for the laparoscope. A camera attached
to the laparoscope allows a magnified image to
be projected onto a television screen. Using the
laparoscopic tools, the uterus is detached from
the ligaments that attach it to the other structures
in the pelvis, and is then removed through an
incision in the vagina.
Compared to an abdominal hysterectomy, which requires
a vaginal incision as well as a four to six inch
long incision in the abdomen, an LAVH requires
small incisions, reducing the amount of blood
loss, scarring, pain and recovery time for the
patient. The LAVH also allows the Fallopian tubes
and ovaries to be easily removed; whereas, in
a vaginal hysterectomy — the removal of
the uterus through the vagina — the tubes
and ovaries may be more difficult to remove. For
certain women, the LAVH is the best option since
it allows the upper abdomen to be thoroughly evaluated
during the surgery.
However, an LAVH can be a longer and more expensive
operation than a vaginal or abdominal hysterectomy.
All hysterectomies cannot be done laparoscopically.
For certain conditions, an abdominal or vaginal
hysterectomy needs to be performed. Talk with
your doctor about whether an LAVH is right for
you.
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