If your doctor has recommended a hysterectomy for you, there are some very important things to consider.

Take these questions to your next appointment and ask your doctor the following:

How many hysterectomies do you perform each year?

What percent are abdominal?

Laparoscopic?
If your doctor only performs a few laparoscopic surgeries per year, you should consider a more qualified surgeon.

Would you recommend a laparoscopic hysterectomy for me?

• If yes, how many laparoscopic hysterectomies do you perform each year?
• If no, ask why?
  If you don’t feel comfortable with the answer, consider a new doctor.
• If no, you should definitely consider a second opinion.

How often do you remove the cervix?
Be aware of a Laparoscopic Supracervical Hysterectomy option.

How often do you remove the ovaries?
If ovaries are normal, the current recomendation is for the ovaries to not be removed at the time of hysterectomy unless 65 and older.

What is your conversion rate from laparoscopy to abdominal incision?
A conversion is where the doctor begins a laparoscopic surgery but decides to change to a more invasive abdominal surgery. The number should be less than 5 percent.

What is your complication rate?
Major complications should be under 5 percent.

LSH (Laparoscopic Supracervical Hysterectomy)

This is a type of laparoscopic hysterectomy that removes the uterus while leaving the cervix in place. This allows for an even less invasive option for some women who are candidates. It is important to have normal pap smears and continue doing annual pap smears after this approach.

I find that patients usually have the least amount of pain and are able to function at a normal level the soonest with this type of laparoscopic hysterectomy. Many patients just want to keep their cervix as long as it is normal and desire the least amount of surgery possible. This is a very safe form of hysterectomy with the lowest complication rate.

This is not for patients with abnormal pap smears or patients who don't follow up for routine screening. There is a small chance that the cervix would have to be removed in the future if there is continued bleeding or pain after a subtotal hysterectomy.