What is LAVH?
LAVH is a special form of hysterectomy – removal of the uterus. The uterus is a reproductive organ in the lower abdomen. It holds the fetus during pregnancy. When a woman is not pregnant, the uterus sheds it’s lining each month during her menstrual period.
The uterus can be removed in two ways. When it is removed through an incision in the abdomen, the procedure is called an abdominal hysterectomy. When it is removed through the vaginal, it is called a vaginal hysterectomy. After a vaginal hysterectomy, women often have less pain, a shorter hospital stay, and a quicker recovery time than after an abdominal hysterectomy. Sometimes a laparoscope allows a vaginal hysterectomy to be done when it could not be done safely otherwise.
LAVH involves the use of a small, telescope-like device called a laparoscope. The laparoscope is inserted into the abdomen through a small cut. It brings light into the abdomen so that Dr. Swor can see inside. He views the organs on a special TV-like screen.
During laparoscopy, other small cuts are made in the abdomen. These allow Dr. Swor to insert other devices to help move organs into view, perform parts of the surgery, and remover the uterus through the vagina.
The laparoscope also can be used before hysterectomy to look at the pelvic organs to help Dr. Swor see what conditions are present. Then, he can decide whether the uterus can be removed through the vagina.
LAVH – page 2 –
Reasons for LAVH
Hysterectomy may be offered as a treatment option for problems with the uterus. Following are reasons to perform LAVH:
• ADHESIONS: Adhesions are bands of scar tissue that can cause the pelvic organs to stick together. They may occur in the abdomen because of past surgeries or pelvic infection. By using a laparoscope, Dr. Swor can cut adhesions to free the uterus. This allows the uterus to be removed through the vagina.
• ENDOMETRIOSIS: In this condition, patches of tissue that normally line the uterus grow outside the uterus and become attached to other pelvic organs. This may lead to cysts and severe adhesions. Dr. Swor may want to use the laparoscope to treat the endometriosis and to do your hysterectomy.
•FIBROIDS: Fibroids are benign (not cancer) growths on the uterus. If they are large, they can make it hard to remove the uterus through the vagina. Using a laparoscope may help.
•SALPINGO-OOPHORECTOMY: If the ovaries and fallopian tubes also are removed during hysterectomy, it is called salpingo-oophorectomy. Removing the tubes and the ovaries through the vagina may be difficult, but using the laparoscope may help.
Dr. Swor and you will discuss whether LAVH is the best approach for you. If you have any questions regarding LAVH, please feel free to call Dr. Swor’s office at 941-330-8885.
THE PROCEDURE:
Before LAVH, certain steps will be taken to prepare you for the procedure:
•Your pelvic area and abdomen may be shaved.
•You will be given an intravenous line (IV).
•You will be given anesthesia. You will not be awake for the procedure.
