Meet Dr. Tihomir Savchev, a specialist in the Endoscopy Sector at the “Vita” Medical Center’s Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology. So, what exactly is laparoscopic supracervical hysterectomy, you ask? Well, it’s a procedure where the uterus is removed using small instruments inserted through four tiny holes in the abdominal wall. The best part? Usually, there’s no need to remove the ovaries and tubes, and we keep the cervix intact, provided there are no issues found after diagnostic tests like smears, colposcopy, and, if needed, biopsy.

Now, when do we opt for this surgery? It’s a go-to for treating various gynecological conditions like uterine fibroids, adenomyosis, and benign growth of the uterine lining causing troublesome bleeding.

Wondering how the operation pans out? Picture this: under general anesthesia, we make small incisions (about 0.5-1 cm) in the abdomen. Through one of these incisions, we insert a camera connected to optics to closely monitor the procedure. This top-notch visibility helps us work precisely without causing much damage to surrounding tissues. We remove the uterus through one of these tiny openings while keeping the ovaries, fallopian tubes, and cervix intact unless there are any red flags.

Now, why go for the laparoscopic route instead of the traditional open surgery? Well, for starters, it’s minimally invasive, which means less bleeding, minimal tissue trauma, and a quicker recovery compared to open surgery. Though in rare cases, we might need to switch to open surgery, extending the hospital stay by 1-2 days and recovery time a bit.

Alright, but what’s the recovery like? Generally, patients stay in the hospital for 1 to 2 days. We encourage them to start moving early to speed up recovery. Light walks are recommended in the first few weeks, gradually increasing in time and distance. Heavy lifting and intense physical activity should be avoided. After 4 to 6 weeks, we schedule a follow-up to check on the patient’s progress. Usually, by this time, they’re ready to get back to their normal routine.

Lastly, can regular check-ups spare you from surgery? While regular check-ups are crucial for early diagnosis and less invasive treatment options, it’s not a guarantee against surgery. Every condition has its own symptoms and progression rate. But hey, even if surgery is needed, rest assured we’ve got modern methods that promise good outcomes with minimal risk.