Total Laparoscopic Hysterectomy (TLH)

This procedure involves removing the uterus by operating through the scopes and passing the tissue out through the vagina or through one of four of the tiny half-inch abdominal incisions. Massive uteruses and ovarian cysts, cancer and pre-cancer can all be treated by laparoscopic hysterectomy. Because there is no operating through the vagina (though tiny pieces of tissue can be passed down through it), there is no requirement for a wide vagina or loose ligaments from childbirth, and no problem with increased urinary incontinence risk later. There is no hospital stay and blood loss is about half. Pain is less and time off from work is less than a week, not six. There is no increase in risk of urinary leakage after this type of procedure, and some report that mild leakage was corrected. This is because Dr. Ribot and Dr.Barfield connect the inner end of the vagina where the uterus was attached to the three ligaments that originally held up the uterus (Round ligament, Uterosacral ligament and Cardinal ligament).