There are different types of hysterectomies, in terms of what organs are removed and what are kept in place; as well there are different types of hysterectomies in terms of the operative procedures used to perform them. The laparoscopic hysterectomy recovery times can vary depending upon the type of procedure used.

Overall, laparoscopic hysterectomy recovery times are lower than abdominal hysterectomy recovery because the latter involves a sizeable incision on the belly and hence a longer, more painful recovery, whereas the laparoscopic methods are considered to be minimally invasive. Let us look at the types of laparoscopic procedures used for hysterectomies and their respective recovery times.

Laparoscope Assisted Vaginal Hysterectomy (LAVH)

This sort of surgery is done by way of the vagina and is assisted by a laparoscope, which is basically a lighted camera that is inserted into the pelvic cavity to let the surgeon see within without having to make a big incision.

Here the uterus is removed through the vagina; in some cases the ovaries, fallopian tubes and the cervix may also be removed. If the cervix is left in place this is called a laparoscopic supracervical hysterectomy.

This type of surgery is not suitable for all women however – women with a previous C section, or those who have a large uterus either due to large fibroids or otherwise, are not suitable candidates for this type of surgery.

The laparoscopic hysterectomy recovery for this procedure is about two weeks. Other advantages are a shorter hospital stay and less pain as well as fewer possibilities of complications so long as the surgeon is highly skilled and experienced.

Total Laparoscopic Hysterectomy

In this procedure, there are several tiny incisions made in the abdomen about the navel. These are known as keyhole incisions, through which the laparoscope as well as the other surgical instruments are inserted into the abdomen. The recovery time for this procedure is also about two weeks and there is less pain and a shorter hospital stay involved here as well.

In addition, there are now available robot assisted laparoscopic hysterectomies as well however these procedures are less widely available.

More information about laparoscopic hysterectomy recovery times-

What a woman needs to know about laparoscopic procedure recovery times is not just the fact that they take about 2 weeks of recovery and a shorter hospital stay (1 to 3 days depending upon the kind of surgery) versus 6 weeks of recovery time for an abdominal hysterectomy, but certain other facts as well.

The internal healing where internal organs have been removed may take a significant amount of time. Women would still have to abstain from heavy lifting, strenuous activity, and sexual intercourse for a certain length of time.

The emotional and hormonal impact of the procedure will also be the same whether it is an abdominal or laparoscopic procedure. Also laparoscopic procedures are more expensive and need a very high degree of skill and experience from a surgeon else they could go very wrong indeed.

So these are all of the factors, other than laparoscopic hysterectomy recovery times that women should take into account and consider before coming to a conclusion about what is suitable for them.