In laparoscopic supracervical hysterectomy, the uterus is cut off right above the cervix, and the uterus is cut into small pieces by a morcellator and removed from the abdominal cavity. This method allows us to leave the cervix in place, while removing the uterus through a very small incision, leaving the patient with very short recovery time as well as minimal post-operative pain.
During a Vaginal Hysterectomy, the uterus is removed through the vagina. This procedure also allows for a rapid recovery and less pain compared to an abdominal hysterectomy because we can avoid a large incision on the abdomen. Sometimes a laparoscope is used in conjunction and it is called a laparoscopically assisted vaginal hysterectomy. The cervix is always removed during a vaginal hysterectomy.
Sometimes, even with skilled hands of the surgeons of West End Ob/Gyn, an abdominal hysterectomy is warranted if the uterus is extremely enlarged, or if there are scar tissues or bleeding that makes laparoscopic or vaginal approach very difficult.
