Real Life Accounts of the Benefits of Laparoscopic Hysterectomy Surgery

Before laparoscopic hysterectomy surgery became popular, women had to stay in hospitals for days after surgery.  The at-home recovery time was anywhere from 4-10 weeks.  Also, large scars across the abdomen where the uterus had been removed were several inches long.

When women experiencing painful side-effects of endometriosis hear about laparoscopic hysterectomy surgery, it seems too good to be true.  Barely any scarring, quick recovery times, and the ability to leave the hospital the same day of surgery. 

It's all pretty impressive.  And the best thing of all is that it's realistic.  There are thousands of women who have delivered first-hand accounts as testimony.

Take Victoria Newlove from Great Britain for instance.

According to an article on dailymail.co.uk, Victoria was the first person in the UK to have the "belly button" hysterectomy.  Her surgeon made a small incision in the belly button and, using laparoscopic equipment, was able to seal the womb and remove it accordingly. 

John Erian, a UK gynecologist and pioneer of the "belly button" surgery, says "the procedure is a huge advancement as it frees women from discomfort quickly and safely, with little risk of infection,’ he says. ‘It’s suitable for everyone and I hope it will one day become the most common form of hysterectomy.’

This is just one of many laparoscopic methods used by gynecological surgeons in the world that's proven to be affective.

Another woman who had laparoscopic hysterectomy surgery, but not the same kind undergone by Victoria, is a woman referred to as Penelope.  She spoke to Women to Women – a women's health supplement company – about her experience with endometriosis and how surgeons used laparoscopic surgery to relieve her of her pain.

After the surgery, Penelope's diet surprised her.  She was actually hungry!  She wasn't nauseous for days after surgery and didn't experience any pain she couldn't handle.  As a past hospital patient for non-laparoscopic surgery, the difference between the aftermaths of the two different procedures was astounding.  After having her hysterectomy completed with modern technology and equipment, she saw how antiquated non-laparoscopic surgery really was.

Instead of "crashing" after her hysterectomy, she immediately started her new life, with little pain and scarring.

Women like Victoria and Penelope are testaments to the advantages of new surgical tactics - the same tactics used by Michelle Wong, MD.

With Laparoscopy and Modern Medicine, Hysterectomy Surgery Continues to Evolve

There have been significant improvements in hysterectomy surgery since the first documented one was performed by Charles Clay in 1843.  He was a surgeon based in the England and, after diagnosing the patient incorrectly, the surgery was unsuccessful in curing the woman's condition.  The surgery's failure was primarily due to the invasiveness of the procedure.

The first time an abdominal hysterectomy was successfully completed was in 1853 by a surgeon based in Massachusetts.  This was quite a feat for the time, but, again, the patient was diagnosed incorrectly.  It seemed surgeons were starting to catch on to how to complete a successful hysterectomy, but were doing it under the wrong circumstances.  Plus, even when they were done under the right circumstances, women would have to suffer through a painful post-op and be left with a large scar.

Thankfully, today, OBGYN surgeons have the technology and skills to successfully diagnose and treat women in need of a hysterectomy.  Laparoscopic hysterectomy surgery allows for minimally invasive surgical practices, short hospital visits, quick recovery times and minimal scarring.

Fast forward over 100 years from the 1800s to 1988 to just south of Massachusetts in Kingston, Pennsylvania.  This is where Harry Reich performed and successfully completed the first laparoscopic hysterectomy.  From that point forward, the surgery started to evolve.  Now, nearly 100% of laparoscopic hysterectomies performed by qualified doctors are successful in the U.S.  Over the years, the once-common problems with the minimally invasive surgery have been targeted and fixed.

Even though the majority of laparoscopic hysterectomies are successful today, sometimes there are minor complications.  However, as medicine evolves, these complications lessen.  Developments in pharmacology and interventional radiology are all being used and improved to increase patient comfort and reduce complications.

When Should I Start Visiting an OBGYN?

The exact age differs from person to person and depends on a number of factors including genetics, sexual activity and maturation rate.  Ideally, you’ll want to visit an obstetrician and/or gynecologist before the age of 18.  Your body goes through a lot of hormonal changes in these years that directly relate to the areas an OBGYN specializes in.

However, if you’re 18 or older and haven’t visited a specialist yet, there are many qualified OBGYNs across the U.S. Talk to your friends, get some referrals and do your research.  This is the best way to find a specialist who’s right for you.  Also, if you’re a Texas native looking for a qualified Sugarland OBGYN, join other women who place their confidence in Michelle Wong, MD, for all obstetric and gynecological issues

If You’re Younger than 18, Visit a Specialist When …

You experience your first menstrual cycle.  Many OBGYNs encourage young women to start annual visits during their teenage years, or after their first period.  Although many women don’t require special tests after their first cycle, a great deal of knowledge can be gained from a gynecologist that may make you feel more comfortable.  In addition, you’ll make a habit of visiting your doctor annually at an early age. Which is a very good thing.

You become sexually active.  If you’ve already engaged in sexual activity, or are thinking of doing so, it’s highly recommended that you see a specialist.  An OBGYN can give you expert advice, prescribe birth control pills and test for STDs.

You experience discomfort.  You should never feel pain or discomfort in your private areas.  If you do, tell your parent or guardian and let them help you find a certified gynecologist who specializes in adolescent gynecology.  Most likely, what you’re experiencing is normal and curable with professional help.  Young women all around the world experience the same female issues as you on a daily basis.  There’s no reason to feel embarrassed about requesting expert counsel.

If You’re 18 or Older, Visit a Specialist When …

You want to have a baby.  This is when you’ll want to see an OBGYN or obstetrician – not just a gynecologist.  Both of these experts can provide clear direction on the best way to become pregnant.  Unfortunately, it’s not always as easy as it seems.  Sometimes tests are needed to test for factors prohibiting conception.

You become pregnant.  After conception, an OBGYN or obstetrician is required to track the process of your baby’s growth.  Using an ultrasound, the specialist can show you what your baby looks like.  The specialist can also detect and treat any problems that come along during your child’s growth process.

What to Expect With a Laparoscopic Hysterectomy

A laparoscopic hysterectomy is a surgical procedure in which a woman’s uterus is removed with the aid of a laparoscope. A laparoscope is a thin, telescope-like instrument that is inserted into the abdomen through small incisions. The laparoscope acts like a camera and guides the surgeon through the procedure. This operation is far less invasive than other hysterectomy procedures and has the advantage of usually keeping the patient’s cervix intact. However, it is more common that a doctor has to remove the cervix.

Advantages

The biggest benefit of undergoing a laparoscopic hysterectomy surgery is that it is a minimally invasive procedure. Typically, the doctor only needs to make small incisions that are between five and six inches long. This means that there is less blood loss, less scarring and less postoperative pain than with other hysterectomy methods. It can also be performed as an outpatient procedure as opposed to a more traditional hysterectomy, which usually requires a one night hospital stay. The recovery period after a laparoscopic procedure is also considerably shorter, with most patients being fully recovered after one to two weeks.

What to Expect

As with most surgical procedures, patients preparing to undergo a laparoscopic hysterectomy can expect to undergo a pre-op appointment that may include a physical examination, a blood test and a visit with an anesthesiologist. Patients are placed under general anesthesia for the procedure itself. Roughly, 85 percent of patients are allowed to return home the day of the procedure, and they are encouraged to remain active and resume normal activities almost immediately. Pain can be managed with ibuprofen or narcotic pain pills.

Overall, patients who undergo a laparoscopic hysterectomy will find that the procedure is much easier and less painful than many other hysterectomy options. As with any surgery, there are risks involved, so you will need to contact Dr. Wong to discuss if this procedure is right for you.

The Importance of Adolescent Gynecology

January is Cervical Health Awareness Month, so we'd like to take a few moments to shine a light on the importance of adolescent gynecology and early cervical screenings. Although more women than ever are being educated on the importance of cervical screenings, it's important to ensure that young people and their parents remain vigilant. 

Cervical Cancer

Cervical cancer was once the leading cause of female deaths in the United States. A lack of preventative measures and the limited chemotherapeutic options of past years combined to forge a deadly disease. Today, numerous strides in radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and other medical interventions have prolonged the life expectancy of women in almost all stages of cervical cancer, but it isn't always enough.

Unfortunately, the number of preventative options is still limited. The Human Papilloma Virus inoculation is known to prevent cervical cancers associated with HPV, but other causative factors remain. The single most important step in the prevention of cervical cancer is early screening, as pap smears and yearly gynecological visits drastically increase the chances of early detection and survival. Parents who highlight the importance of adolescent gynecology and reproductive education ensure that successive generations are protected.

Education and the Gynecological Setting

It is unfortunate that some American women do not visit an OBGYN until they are 18 years of age or older. In fact, many women make it a point to avoid any doctor's visit unless they are sick. With the right parental guidance, young adults can better understand the importance of these visits and be conscious of their own responsibilities for their physical health. 

Mothers are the classic choice for OBGYN introduction, but circumstances don't always allow for this. Regardless, any parent that cares about their daughter's health should educate themselves on the subject so that they can explain things before they schedule the first appointment.

Parents should have a clear understanding of:

• What to expect at the first appointment.
• What a pap smear is.
• What a breast exam is.
• Their child's immunizations.
• Each parent's family history of cervical disease.

This information should be made available to your child so that she can feel more comfortable speaking with her gynecologist. Knowledge empowers young girls and women and allows them to take more control over their own bodies and health.

Visit One of the Best OBGYNs in Houston

Visiting the gynecologist for the first time might be one of the most anxiety-inducing experiences in a young girl’s life. However, a high-quality and experienced doctor will make all the difference in the world. Dr. Michelle Wong, considered by many to be the best OBGYN in Houston, specializes in treating women who require reproductive health services, including obstetrics.

Adolescent girls should begin seeing a gynecologist ideally after menstruation begins and before they become sexually active. Teenage girls between 13 and 15 should begin having exams, though a pelvic examination is usually not necessary. The doctor will typically begin by reviewing the patient’s medical and sexual history and then move on to discussing sexually transmitted infections and contraception. Women who are sexually active or 21 years of age should be receiving a pelvic exam and pap smear once a year.

There are some circumstances in which women should a give gynecologist a call outside of regular check-ups. Women who experience irregular periods, ovarian cysts, and excessive menstrual pain should see the doctor. Pregnant women experiencing gestational diabetes, pre-eclampsia, and other disorders should also book appointments as soon as they experience symptoms.

Dr. Wong is considered to be one of the best OBGYNs in Houston because she offers care with both compassion and education. As a graduate of Cornell University and George Washington University medical school, Dr. Wong has extensive experience working with women of all ages. She is a great choice for a first time visit, especially when emotions and anxiety run high. Women who are afraid or under stress need to see a reassuring doctor, and Dr. Wong is an excellent choice.

What Does a Gynecologist Do?

A gynecologist specializes in health issues related to the woman's reproductive system, including the vagina, uterus and urinary tract. These professionals also usually work in obstetrics, meaning that they assist women before, during and after the give birth. Visiting a Dr. Michelle Wong's practice in Sugar Land, Texas is the best way to get preventative care and to ensure that any conditions are caught early and treated appropriately.

There are many reasons that women see gynecologists:

Ø  Many women begin making appointments to learn about their birth control options; they may learn about intrauterine devices, birth control pills, Depo Provera and other methods to prevent conception during sexual intercourse. Some of the hormonal options are also used to treat certain ailments and disorders.

Ø  These specialists can also check for potentially fatal diseases, such as cervical cancer. This and other conditions make it important to see a gynecologist to avoid the negative consequences of neglecting reproductive health. If abnormalities are found during an examination, women may require additional testing, treatments or, potentially, a hysterectomy.

Ø  Women should also see their doctors throughout the course of pregnancy and after they have given birth to ensure that the healing process is moving along smoothly.

What Happens During a Visit

A typical gynecological examination begins with patient being asked to undress from the waist down and to put on a paper gown, either once the nurse or doctor has left the room or in a separate bathroom. The doctor will then enter and ask questions about the patient's sexual history, menstrual cycle, birth control methods, and whether or not the individual has any concerns about her body. The gynecologist will ask the patient to lie down on the bed before using a speculum that will help to swab the cervix for a cancer screening, also known as a Pap smear. Patients can also ask for a sexually transmitted disease test that may involve a urine sample or swabbing with a Q-tip.

Every woman who is either sexually active or is at least 18-years old should be visiting a gynecologist in Sugar Land TX on an annual basis. The Dr. Wong can answer any questions patients have about their reproductive health as well as offer services and treatments based on need. While, many women feel nervous about seeing a gynecologist for the first time, it is an essential part of taking care of one's health that becomes much easier with experience.