Surgery

Our operating theater is equipped for all conventional open surgeries, as well as for laparoscopic gynecological surgery, pelvic cancer surgery, sacrocolpopexy for prolapse, and breast surgery, particularly for breast cancers. Robotic surgery with the assistance of the da Vinci robot for major surgeries is also part of our expertise.
 

Hysterectomy
 

What is a hysterectomy?
A hysterectomy is a surgical procedure in which the uterus is removed. It can be total, meaning both the uterus and cervix are removed, or subtotal, where the cervix is not removed. The procedure can be combined with the removal of the ovaries, which is referred to as "radical" when the ovaries are removed, and "non-radical" when the ovaries are not removed.

When is a hysterectomy performed?

• In cases of cancer of the uterus, cervix, or ovaries.
• In cases of uterine pathologies, such as fibroids with symptoms that significantly affect daily life.
• In cases of bleeding or pain.

What type of procedure is this?
The most frequently performed procedure at the Cliniques de l'Europe is laparoscopy. This involves introducing a camera through the belly button, and three small instruments are inserted into the lower abdomen to remove the uterus. Another type of surgery is a laparotomy, which is performed less often and is used when the uterus is too large or in cases of certain cancers. A third approach is an exclusively vaginal procedure, which can also be done with cameras.

How long does the procedure take?
The procedure takes about one hour under general anesthesia. Some types of surgery, such as exclusive vaginal approaches, can be performed under spinal anesthesia.

How long is the hospitalization?
When a hysterectomy is performed by laparoscopic surgery, the patient stays one night in the hospital. When it is done via laparotomy (where the abdomen is opened), the patient stays 2 to 3 days in the hospital.

What about postoperative follow-up?
The patient is typically reviewed one month after the operation. During the first postoperative week, she may experience pain similar to muscle soreness, as if she had done a lot of physical activity. This pain, which can sometimes radiate to the shoulders, generally responds well to the pain medications prescribed upon discharge. The patient should also receive medication for about ten days to prevent postoperative thrombosis. For one month, the patient should not lift heavy objects, engage in sexual intercourse, take baths, or swim.

Laparoscopic Surgery

Most gynecological surgeries can be performed using laparoscopy. This involves placing a camera through a small incision near the belly button, and working with two or three instruments placed in the lower abdomen. Sometimes, in cases of endometriosis or blocked fallopian tubes, we use a laser. The robot is also occasionally used. Laparoscopy helps to reduce the duration of hospitalization, as patients generally experience much less pain compared to laparotomy (a larger abdominal incision). Thus, we can perform most of our surgeries on an outpatient basis.