LASH – laparascopic supracervical hysterectomy

Laparoscopic Supracervical Hysterectomy (LSH) is a much less invasive procedure than either abdominal or vaginal hysterectomy that leaves the cervix and its mucous glands in place thus avoiding vaginal dryness which can be one of the most common complaints that women have post hysterectomy. It is thought that the cervix may play a more significant part in women’s experiences of orgasm and sex post hysterectomy than had previously been thought.

Laparascopic supracervical hysterectomy is performed by doing much of the surgical procedure via three cuts in the abdomen, including one in the belly button and two on either side of it. During the operation surgical instruments and cameras are placed in the abdominal cavity thus allowing the surgeon to view what is being done. This allows the surgeon to detach the uterus from the internal musculature and from the cervix as well, they are then able to remove it through the small incisions made in the abdomen.

Due to it’s minimally invasive nature, recovery is quicker than for an abdominal procedure but maybe not as quick as for a vaginal hysterectomy. However, there are few surgeons available that have been trained in this procedure and it may not be suitable for all women so a discussion needs to take place with your gynaecologist.