Laparoscopic hysterectomy is least invasive

A new type of minimally-invasive hysterectomy can mean a short recovery time, little pain and fewer side effects.

Laparoscopic supracervical hysterectomy, the least invasive type of hysterectomy, is performed at Baptist Hospital East.

During the procedure, a laparoscope and small surgical instruments are inserted through tiny incisions in the abdomen to remove the uterus while leaving the cervix in place.

Because this procedure is much less invasive than the traditional “open” hysterectomy, patients often go home in 24 hours and return to normal activities in a week or two.

Hysterectomy is the second most common operation performed in the United States. About 556,000 of these surgeries are done annually. By age 60, approximately one out of every three American women will have had a hysterectomy.

For a physician referral, call the Baptist Hospital East Information Center at (502) 897-8131.