Laparoscopic Hysterectomy in Sharjah
Medically reviewed by Dar Al Kamal Team
What is laparoscopic hysterectomy?
Laparoscopic hysterectomy is an operation that removes the womb (uterus) using a thin camera and fine instruments passed through small cuts in the abdomen. The surgeon works from a magnified image on a screen, and the womb is usually brought out through the vagina, so the abdominal cuts stay small.
Hysterectomy is a family of operations, and the word alone leaves out the details that matter most. A total hysterectomy removes the womb and the cervix. A subtotal hysterectomy removes the body of the womb and keeps the cervix. Separately, the ovaries may be kept or removed, and the fallopian tubes are often removed at the same time because they serve no purpose once the womb has gone. Each of these choices is agreed with you in writing before the day.
At Dar Al Kamal Hospital, Sharjah, laparoscopic hysterectomy is performed in-house by the gynaecology team. It is one of the operations described on the laparoscopic gynaecology surgery page; this page follows hysterectomy itself.
Who needs it
Laparoscopic hysterectomy is considered when a problem in the womb is affecting daily life and other treatments have been tried or are unsuitable, and when you have completed your family. Common reasons include:
- fibroids causing heavy periods, pressure or pain
- heavy menstrual bleeding that persists after medical treatment
- adenomyosis, where the womb lining grows into the muscle wall and causes painful, heavy periods
- some cases of prolapse, persistent pelvic pain or abnormal cells in the cervix
The alternatives depend on the cause. For fibroids they include medicines and removal of the fibroids alone, covered on the uterine fibroid treatment page. For heavy bleeding they include hormonal treatments and a hormone-releasing coil. The surgeon talks through which options fit your situation, how large your womb is, and whether the keyhole route suits you, and you choose with that information in hand.
What happens
Laparoscopic hysterectomy is done under general anaesthesia. Once you are asleep, a urinary catheter is placed and a small instrument is positioned in the vagina so the surgeon can move the womb gently during the operation.
The surgeon makes a small cut at or near the navel and a few smaller cuts lower on the abdomen, and fills the abdomen with gas to create working space. The blood vessels and supports of the womb are sealed and divided in turn, and the ureters and bladder are identified and protected. In a total hysterectomy the top of the vagina is then stitched closed from inside; in a subtotal hysterectomy the cervix stays in place. The removed tissue is sent to the laboratory for examination. The small cuts are closed with dissolving stitches or skin glue.
You wake in the recovery area, the catheter is usually removed once you are up and about, and you go home when you are eating, walking and passing urine comfortably.
Preparing for it
A pre-operative assessment includes blood tests, a check for anaemia (common after months of heavy bleeding) and an anaesthetic review. If your blood count is low, it is usually corrected before surgery. Bring a list of all your medicines, including blood thinners, diabetes medicines and supplements, and follow the fasting instructions you are given.
This is the time to confirm three decisions with your surgeon: total or subtotal, ovaries kept or removed, and tubes removed. Bring loose, comfortable clothes and sanitary pads for the journey home, and arrange a lift and help at home. If surgery falls near Ramadan, raise it early so the timing of fasting and recovery can be planned together.
Afterwards
Shoulder-tip ache from the gas, some abdominal soreness and light vaginal spotting or discharge are expected in the first days. Walking little and often from the first day helps recovery and circulation. Keep the small wounds clean and dry; in the Sharjah heat, loose cotton clothing and plenty of water help the wounds stay comfortable.
The top of the vagina heals internally, so baths, swimming, tampons and intercourse wait until your surgeon confirms healing at follow-up. Heavy lifting also waits. Your surgeon gives you a personal plan for driving and returning to work, which differs for desk work, driving jobs and manual work. The laboratory report on the removed womb is discussed at your follow-up visit.
Contact the hospital urgently if you have a fever, a wound that reddens or leaks, foul-smelling discharge, burning or difficulty passing urine, or pain that keeps increasing. **Go to the emergency department straight away for heavy vaginal bleeding, severe abdominal pain, a swollen painful calf, chest pain or breathlessness.**
Cost and insurance
Most UAE insurance plans cover hysterectomy when there is a medical reason, and it requires pre-approval supported by the scan report and a record of treatments already tried. Some plans ask for evidence that medical treatment was tried first. Dar Al Kamal Hospital, Sharjah can help you check your cover and start the approval early on 06 599 7777.
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Frequently asked questions
What are the risks of laparoscopic hysterectomy?
Laparoscopic hysterectomy carries the risks of any major operation, including bleeding, infection, blood clots and a reaction to the anaesthetic. Specific risks include injury to the bladder, bowel or ureters, and, uncommonly, a separation of the stitched top of the vagina. The surgeon may need to change to an open operation if the keyhole route becomes unsafe. Your surgeon explains how these risks apply to you.
What is the difference between a total and a subtotal hysterectomy?
A total hysterectomy removes the womb and the cervix, while a subtotal hysterectomy removes the body of the womb and leaves the cervix in place. After a subtotal hysterectomy you still need regular cervical screening, and some women have light monthly spotting from the remaining cervix.
Will I go into menopause after a hysterectomy?
A hysterectomy that keeps the ovaries does not cause immediate menopause, because the ovaries continue to make hormones, although menopause may arrive somewhat earlier. If both ovaries are removed before menopause, menopause begins straight away and hormone treatment is discussed with you.
Can I get pregnant after a hysterectomy?
Pregnancy is not possible after a hysterectomy, because the womb has been removed, and your periods stop. This is why hysterectomy is usually offered only to women who are sure their family is complete.
Do I still need cervical screening after a laparoscopic hysterectomy?
Cervical screening is usually no longer needed after a total hysterectomy if your previous results were normal, and it continues after a subtotal hysterectomy because the cervix remains. Your surgeon confirms the right plan once the laboratory report is back.
Can every hysterectomy be done by keyhole surgery?
Not every hysterectomy can be done by keyhole surgery, because a very large womb, extensive scarring from earlier surgery or certain medical conditions can make an open or vaginal operation safer. The surgeon assesses this with your scan and examination and discusses the recommended route with you.
When can I drive after a laparoscopic hysterectomy?
You can drive after a laparoscopic hysterectomy once you can wear a seatbelt comfortably, brake firmly and turn to check your mirrors, and are free of painkillers that cause drowsiness. The timing varies between women, so confirm it with your surgeon and check your insurer's terms.
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