7 Disadvantages of Laparoscopic Hysterectomy - Is It Fatal?

Laparoscopic hysterectomy is an invasive surgery; however, it may seem disadvantageous due to different reasons, one of them being potential complications. But doesn’t that come with other surgeries too?

Well, come with us as we explore the truth behind this claim and give you a complete rundown of the procedure and the extent of disadvantages.

The procedure is also known as keyhole surgery and is minimally invasive. It is usually done to manage abnormal bleeding, pelvic pain, fibroids, and lastly, cancer.

The following sections will look into the procedure, list all the advantages, and explore if the disadvantages of the condition are fatal or just a myth.

Is Laparoscopic Hysterectomy a big surgery?

Laparoscopic surgery is a minimally invasive procedure that removes the cervix, uterus, fallopian tubes or ovaries. There are a variety of reasons why someone would get it done. Usually this is an option when other treatments fail for the following conditions:

• Abnormal bleeding

• Endometriosis

• Fibroids

• Abnormal uterine bleeding

• Chronic pelvic pain

• Adenomyosis

• Uterine polyps

• Pelvic inflammatory disease

• Cervical, ovarian, or uterine cancer

This procedure is one of the three ways the hysterectomy is done. The other two types being vaginal and abdominal hysterectomies. Choosing the other two ways to perform the hysterectomies depends on the different criteria, such as

• Size of the fibroids (larger ones require abdominal hysterectomy)

• Severity of endometriosis

• In case of uterine prolapse, vaginal hysterectomy is usually preferred.

Difference between the three ways of performing hysterectomy

 

Laparoscopic	Abdominal	Vaginal
Performed through small incisions in the abdomen	The hysterectomy is performed through a large incision in the lower abdomen	Does not involve any incisions and performed through the vagina
Limited access to the reproductive system, pelvis and abdomen	Greater access to pelvis, abdomen and reproductive system	Lesser access than abdominal hysterectomy, better access than laparoscopic surgery performance.

Laparoscopic Hysterectomy Recovery Time

The recovery time can be around 2 to 4 weeks. It is comparatively lower than abdominal hysterectomy (4-6 weeks.) Recovery times can vary from woman to woman. Some might be feel ready to rejoin in just a few weeks while others may need a full month or more to properly heal.

It is best to listen to your body’s need instead of rushing back to work until your feel your best. The first two weeks are especially important for proper recovery. Your only job during this time should be resting and staying on top of pain management.

Think of it as an investment in your long-term pain-free health. Take it easy now to heal faster. Whatever you do, do not lift anything heavy or push yourself too soon. One wrong move could set you back, possibly taking you back to the hospital.

While you’ll start feeling like yourself soon enough, it is important that you continue following your doctor’s advice. Within 4 to 6 weeks you can consider yourself fully recovered, however, getting back to work depends:

• Desk job? You can get back after 3 weeks of full rest.

• Physically demanding work? Plan complete rest for 6 weeks.

A few important things to keep in mind:

• Avoid intercourse

• No heavy lifting

• No intense workouts

And your body will thank you for taking it slow and easy.

Why Individuals Choose Laparoscopic Hysterectomy

If you are considering hysterectomy, you may have already heard about the laparoscopic approach. In comparison to traditional abdominal or vaginal surgeries, this method offers some great benefits. They are listed below:

• Less pain: No one wants a surgery that causes a lot of pain. The tiny ‘keyhole’ incision means you’ll go through less trauma. Meaning fewer pain meds.

• Faster recovery times: Smaller cut means you heal faster and bounce back into your routine quicker. Most individuals get back to their normal routine quickly after the surgery.

• Lower risk of infection: Small wounds close up fast giving germs less chances to sneak in and wreak havoc.

• Less scarring: The surgeon makes small incisions only, which means dime-sized marks instead of large scar. For some people, this is far more important that you think.

Disadvantages of Laparoscopic Hysterectomy

Despite providing several advantages, such as less scarring, there are a few potential disadvantages:

1. Changes in bladder or bowel function: You may notice changes in bathroom habits after the surgery. This is usually temporary but may be permanent in some cases.

2. Anesthesia-related complications: Just like any other surgery, there is a small chance of blood clots or respiratory issues as a reaction to the anesthesia. Rare, but worth keeping in mind.

3. Infection: There’s a small chance of infection as no surgery is 100% infection-proof.

4. Postoperative Pain and Shoulder Pain: Shoulder pain due to the gas used during the procedure can be uncomfortable for the patient when considering the postoperative pain. Both pains can be managed with the help of pain medications.

5. Early-onset menopause: When removing both ovaries, pre-menopausal women may experience immediate onset of menopause and the associated symptoms.

6. Injury to surrounding organs: Your surgeon is working in a tight space with other important neighbors; accidental damage to them is inevitable.

7. Bleeding: Serious bleeding is less common in this surgery. But, it can still occur during or after it and you might need transfusions.

These were all the potential disadvantages of the procedure, and when looking at the list, it may seem common. Particularly in the case of an invasive surgery, these are common postoperative effects seen in a patient.

With time, these get better, and they are not fatal, as most of these can be brought under control with medication. While we have looked at the potential risks, their chance of occurring is quite small.

Think of it like flying, when you’re in good hands there are rarely ever mishaps. Yes, there is always the possibility of allergic reactions, blood clots as with any surgery. You can prevent even these when you are in good shape before your procedure.

Stacking the odds in your favor, thereby supporting your own recovery.

The Next Steps

If you’re considering options for your gynecological health, let us take care of it. Our team at Yapita Health is here to guide you every step of the way. Our network of carefully selected specialists are skilled and come with a lot of experience!

You get transparency, personalized treatment plans and expert care. Because when it comes to your health, you deserve exceptional care and peace of mind.

The right solution is just a click away!