Laparoscopically assisted vaginal hysterectomy (LAVH) removes the uterus through the vagina. The cervix is usually removed too. In some cases, the ovaries and fallopian tubes are taken out at the same time.
The doctor makes one or more small cuts in the belly. These cuts are called incisions. They let the doctor insert tools to do the surgery. One of these tools is a tube with a light on it. It's called a laparoscope, or scope. The scope and the other tools allow the doctor to free the uterus. Then the doctor makes a small cut in the vagina. The uterus is taken out through this cut.
You may go home the day of surgery or stay in the hospital 1 to 2 days after surgery. And you may need about 4 to 6 weeks to fully recover. The recovery time may be shorter for some people.
After the surgery, you will not have periods or be able to get pregnant. Most people can have sex without problems after they recover.
Surgery can be stressful. This information will help you understand what you can expect. And it will help you safely prepare for surgery.
Laparoscopically assisted vaginal hysterectomy (LAVH) removes the uterus through the vagina. Your doctor used a lighted tube and surgical tools inserted through small cuts (incisions) in the belly. Then the doctor made a small cut in the vagina. Your uterus was taken out through this cut.
You can expect to feel better and stronger each day. But you might need pain medicine for a week or two. After a laparoscopy, you may have shoulder pain. This is caused by the air your doctor put in your belly to help see your organs better. The pain may last for a day or two. You may get tired easily or have less energy than usual. This may last for several weeks after surgery. And you also may have light vaginal bleeding for a few weeks.
It's important to avoid lifting while you are recovering so that you can heal. It may take about 4 to 6 weeks to fully recover. The recovery time may be shorter for some people.
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