All You Need to Know About Laparoscopically Assisted Vaginal Hysterectomy (LAVH)

Laparoscopically Assisted Vaginal Hysterectomy (LAVH) is one of the operative gynaec endoscopic surgeries. LAVH, as a medical terminology, is unknown to many. So, let us explore this briefly.

LAVH, or laparoscopically assisted vaginal hysterectomy, refers to a surgical procedure that uses equipment named a laparoscope to guide medical professionals while removing the uterus, ovaries, or fallopian tubes through the birth canal or vagina. All the hysterectomies don’t need to be done by LAVH.

The LAVH procedure at the Sunflower Infertility & IVF Center generally begins with the doctor making cuts or small incisions in the abdominal wall through which trocars, i.e., slender metal tubes, are inserted to create a passage for microsurgical tools.

The laparoscope behaves like a tiny telescope with a camera. It allows medical professionals to view zoomed images on the television continuously. In case they need to remove ovaries and fallopian tubes, the surgeon will detach them from the blood supply and their ligaments. Finally, the tissue and organs are removed with the help of an incision in the vagina.

The cuts made during the LAVH procedure are comparatively small. The pain, recovery time, and scars from LAVH are relatively less than abdominal hysterectomy requiring a 4 to 6-inch long vaginal incision.

Moreover, the procedure is physically less traumatizing as compared to a routine vaginal hysterectomy. It is also possible to do a vaginal hysterectomy in patients who are unable to conceive.

You are not eligible for undergoing LAVH if you suffer from advanced cancer. Before the procedure, your doctor will conduct a physical examination, including a pap smear, blood, and imaging tests.

Please remember to inform your doctor or nurse about the drugs you take according to the prescription and the supplements, herbs, or drugs you purchased without the doctor’s recommendation. According to the medication discussion, you may be recommended to stop consuming aspirin, warfarin, ibuprofen, and other blood-clotting drugs. Also, take advice on what drugs you can take on the surgery day.

Lastly, depending on your surgery time, the doctors will ask you not to eat or drink anything for 6 to 12 hours before the surgery.

Compared to conventional surgeries, recovering from laparoscopic surgery is less painful and faster. After your LAVH procedure, you will not suffer from vaginal bleeding. Moreover, there will not be any hormonal changes during the preservation of varies. However, you might experience some dryness, which will be treated using lubricants and estrogen cream.

Before transferring you to the observation unit, doctors will monitor or take you to the recovery room. They might advise you to refrain from eating or drinking for a particular period on the basis of your surgery’s length. You will be prescribed necessary medications for symptoms like shoulder pain, bloating, cramps, or sore throat.

LAVH has its advantages in the healthcare field. However, medical professionals will not conduct this procedure in every case. So, make sure to get yourself evaluated and clear all the confusion regarding the same. Also, do not forget to consider several factors like doctor’s experience, facilities, and endoscopic surgery cost in India before choosing the medical facility.