Laparoscopic Supracervical Hysterectory

I would like to hear from some of you that have had this procedure done.
I am 55 and still pre-menoposal but I have a history of cancer, including ovarian, in my immediate family.
This is a relatively new procedure here in Idaho but I understand it is the wave of the future, and would appreciate any feedback
Thanks,

(((Ariel))), what procedure does your DR recommend for YOU? The LSH is one option among many, and like all types of surgeries, it has its advantages and disadvantages. If you do a search in the Post Op forum for threads with LSH* in the title (the * is necessary because the site's search facility needs four characters to work with), you will come up with several threads by ladies who have had the surgery.

There are also some very helpful links on the different types of hysterectomy in our Resources directory. To get there, just click on Resources in the banner at the top of any page on this site, and scroll down to the Hysterectomy Options and Alternatives section.

Ultimately, your DR is the best one to help you decide which type of surgery to have (if any). My ... if you have worries about cancer, I would personally want to avoid surgeries in which morcellation is involved. The reason is because if there happen to be cancer cells in there, the use of a morcellator can spread them through the pelvis during the surgery. Here's a link to a recent thread about that concern:

http://www.hystersisters.com/vb2/sho...hreadid=166280

I hope this helps! Good luck with your decision.
s,
-Linda

Hi,

I am scheduled for this on Nov. 10. It is a new surgery. It involves three small incisions. Ordinarily you keep your cervix. But if you have a history of cancer in your family you may want to consider whether to have that removed...?

I would second the suggestion to do a search on the site. I did so, and there are lots of good posts from women who have undergone this surgery.

Wishing you luck,

Cindy

I am 2 years post LSH/BSO. Although I think this procedure has merit and is very good for some people, I personally had complications. Unfortunately, due to the tight quarters they work in during this type of procedure, they cut a main artery during surgery.

I still believe this procedure is beneficial for some, as it is suppose to be a much easier recovery and much less invasive on your body. I also beleive that all procedures have risks, so it is important to know everything you can about all your options -then choose the best one for YOU - not your surgeon.

Here are a few suggestions based on my experience:

DO ask your surgeon if they perform any of the other Hysterectomy/Oophorectomy and if so, why did they select this procedure for you. If they only perform the LSH, you may want to consult with a surgeon that does both LSH and others to determine which is best for you. My surgeon ONLY did LSH, and therefore that was my only choice with him. However, in hindsight, it may not have been the best for me.

DO ask your surgeon how many of these exact procedures they have performed and what complications they have had.

Do donate your own blood. This proceedure has a higher risk of complications (even though all procedures have risks). It is better to have your own blood if needed. Unfortunately, I let my doctor talk me out of it (he didn't think I would need it...).

DO understand all the ramifiations of this surgery. Ask what you can expect immediatly after surger, 1 week, 1 month, 6 months, 1 year, 2 years, etc. I believe these procedures are often the only solution, but I also know that most of us go into it not CLEARLY understanding what our bodies will be going through afterwards. Ask the sisters, ask your doctors, READ the recommended books. If your surgeon tells you the biggest side effect is going to be hot flashes... you might want to talk to another surgeon/doctor. Knowledge and understanding BEFORE surgery is a very powerful thing!

DO talk with your surgeon about scarring (inside and out) and how they might affect you later. What the size of the scars will be, what they can do during surgery to minimize them, etc.

DO understand YOU must be the champion of your own health. Altough your doctors may be brilliant, they are only human and are only 'practicing' medicine. They have lots of patients - so their sole attention is not on you, nor do they have all the answers anyway. So take it upon yourself to GET INFORMED about all the proceedures available (you can get great help on this forum as the Sisters have had all the procedures available) and compile a list of questions and concerns (pros and cons) to discuss with your doctor. Don't let them minimize your questions or concerns. Just keep asking until you are satisfied you have all the information you need. Once you have done this, you will feel you have made and INFORMED and QUALIFIED decision!

DON'T get too overwhelmed. You have a great support group here. Take advantage of it.

Good luck and I will be thinking about you -

Hi Areil,

I had a LSH six months ago and I have been very pleased with my surgery results.

I had two large fibroids and I was a candidate for a LSH after I did three months of lupron shots to shrink my fibroids enough for surgery. I had no complications with my surgery and I think I had a normal recovery. I also chose to keep my ovaries.

My LSH gave me my health back. Now, I am fibroid free and have lots of energy. In pre-op, I had pelvic pressure 24/7, no energy and I had bladder incontinence.

Best wishes.

Mary