Hysterectomy can be performed one of two ways--through an abdominal incision, or through the vagina. Laparoscopic Assisted Vaginal Hysterectomy (LAVH) uses a telescope-like device inserted through a small incision in the abdomen to enable the doctor to see inside the body during surgery.
Incisions
Traditional abdominal hysterectomy requires a 4 to 6 inch incision in the abdomen. LAVH uses small incisions in the abdomen, which speeds healing and causes less scarring.
Post-operative Recovery
LAVH has a shorter post-operative recovery time, from as little as a few hours to a day or two. It may even be performed on an out-patient basis. Abdominal hysterectomy requires a hospital stay, usually two to four days.
Complications
A report published in the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology compared complication rates for abdominal hysterectomy, vaginal hysterectomy and LAVH. The complication rate in LAVH was 8 percent, compared to 27 percent for abdominal hysterectomy and 5 percent for vaginal hysterectomy.
Full recovery
Full recovery is usually much shorter after LAVH than after an abdominal hysterectomy. You may be able to return to work in as little as one to two weeks, compared to four to six weeks for abdominal hysterectomy.
Cost
Direct hospital costs are higher for LAVH than for traditional hysterectomy. The report in the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology, however, found that when the shortened recovery time and lower rate of complications were considered, LAVH was a more cost-effective method.
Tags: abdominal hysterectomy, American Journal, American Journal Obstetrics, Assisted Vaginal, Assisted Vaginal Hysterectomy