Total Vaginal Hysterectomy

Total Vaginal Hysterectomy or TVH is the removal of the uterus through the vagina. The only incision is at the top or apex of the vagina where the cervix comes into the vagina. A circular incision is made around the cervix and the uterus is gradually removed from the cervix to the top of the uterus. The ovaries and tubes can also be removed if indicated with this and any of the other techniques. I perform many vaginal hysterectomies. The procedure can be done with an overnight stay in the hospital and I have had many patients go home the same day. Rarely is a catheter needed in the bladder other than for the surgical procedure itself. Pain is similar to bad menstrual cramps with low back pain. Depending on the demands on you personally, patients are back to normal activities within a week although since the healing incision is at the top of the vagina, prolongued standing, heavy lifting and certainly sexual intercourse are generally avoided for six weeks until the incision is fully healed. Prolapse procedures and surgery for incontinence is easily performed if needed with this approach for the female experiencing problem periods with incontinence and/or prolapse.