LAPAROSCOPIC HYSTERECTOMY

The terminology of laparoscopically-assisted hysterectomies needs to b e simplified and clarified. Laparoscopic hysterectomy should be used a s a general term, whereas operative laparoscopy before hysterectomy, l aparovaginal, laparoscopic total and subtotal hysterectomy should be u sed to describe the types of laparoscopic hysterectomy. The complicati on rates from laparoscopic hysterectomy, abdominal hysterectomy and va ginal hysterectomy are similar. The lower febrile morbidity after lapa roscopic hysterectomy may be due to improved pelvic visualization comp ared to vaginal and abdominal hysterectomy. Controlled trials show tha t laparoscopic hysterectomy has advantages over abdominal hysterectomy which include reduced pain, reduced hospitalization time and earlier return to work. Most abdominal hysterectomies can be replaced by lapar oscpic or vaginal hysterectomies. Whether this happens will depend upo n adequate training facilities.