Total Laparoscopic Hysterectomy (TLH)
What is Total Laparoscopic Hysterectomy (TLH)?
A Total Laparoscopic Hysterectomy (TLH) is a minimally invasive surgical procedure to remove the uterus. It’s a modern alternative to traditional open surgery, offering many benefits such as smaller incisions, faster recovery, and less discomfort. TLH is often recommended for various medical conditions such as heavy periods, fibroids, endometriosis, and pelvic pain when other treatments haven’t been effective.
At My Lady Doc, we specialize in providing personalized, compassionate care to help you feel confident and informed every step of the way.
Why Might You Need a TLH?
There are several reasons why your doctor might recommend a TLH, including:
- Heavy or abnormal menstrual bleeding that doesn’t respond to other treatments.
- Uterine fibroids – benign growths in the uterus causing pain or discomfort.
- Endometriosis – a condition where the tissue that lines your uterus grows outside it, causing pain and bleeding.
- Chronic pelvic pain related to various gynecological issues.
- Uterine prolapse, where the uterus slips into or out of the vagina.
- Cancer of the uterus, cervix, or ovaries (in some cases).
Your doctor will carefully assess your symptoms and overall health before recommending TLH as the best option for you.
How is TLH Performed?
During a Total Laparoscopic Hysterectomy, your surgeon makes small incisions in your abdomen. A laparoscope (a thin, lighted tube with a camera) is inserted through one incision, allowing the surgeon to view your pelvic organs on a screen. Other specialized instruments are inserted through additional tiny incisions to perform the surgery.
Unlike traditional open surgery, the uterus is removed in small sections through these small incisions, minimizing trauma to your body. The entire procedure is done under general anesthesia and typically takes 1-2 hours.
Benefits of TLH
Many women prefer TLH over traditional hysterectomy because it offers several advantages:
- Minimally invasive: Tiny incisions mean less visible scarring.
- Shorter recovery time: Most patients return to normal activities within 2-4 weeks, compared to 6-8 weeks for open surgery.
- Less pain and discomfort: The smaller incisions cause less postoperative pain, often reducing the need for strong pain medication.
- Lower risk of infection: Smaller incisions mean fewer chances of infection and other complications.
- Outpatient or short hospital stay: Most patients go home the same day or after a short hospital stay.
What to Expect Before and After TLH
Before Surgery:
- Your doctor will discuss your medical history, current medications, and any pre-existing conditions.
- You’ll need to fast for a few hours before surgery, and some blood tests may be required.
- Your surgeon will explain the procedure in detail, including any risks and what you can expect afterward.
After Surgery:
- You may experience some mild cramping, bloating, or spotting for a few days.
- Most patients can return home within 24 hours and resume light activities within a week.
- It’s important to avoid strenuous activities, heavy lifting, and sexual intercourse for 4-6 weeks, or until your doctor gives you the go-ahead.
- A follow-up appointment will be scheduled to monitor your recovery and ensure everything is healing as expected.
Risks and Complications
As with any surgery, TLH carries some risks. These include:
- Bleeding
- Infection
- Injury to nearby organs (such as the bladder or intestines)
- Blood clots
- Reaction to anesthesia
However, serious complications are rare, especially when performed by experienced surgeons like those at My Lady Doc.
FAQs About TLH
Is TLH safe?
Yes, TLH is considered a safe and effective procedure, especially when performed by skilled surgeons. Most women experience excellent outcomes with minimal complications.
How long will I be in the hospital?
Many women go home the same day, but some may stay overnight for observation.
Will I need hormone replacement after TLH?
If only your uterus is removed, you won’t need hormone replacement therapy (HRT). However, if your ovaries are removed as well, you may need HRT, which your doctor will discuss with you.
Can I still get pregnant after TLH?
No, once your uterus is removed, pregnancy is no longer possible.
Why Choose My Lady Doc for Your TLH?
At My Lady Doc, we understand that making the decision to undergo a hysterectomy can feel overwhelming. Our experienced team of gynecological surgeons is committed to providing personalized, compassionate care to guide you through every step of the process. We use the latest minimally invasive techniques to ensure the best possible outcome with minimal recovery time.