Benefits of outpatient surgery for Hysterectomy, Myomectomy and Sacrocolpopexy

Traditionally, patients have recovered in the hospital for several days after a major gynecological surgery such as hysterectomy, myomectomy and sacrocolpopexy, Customary justifications for the inpatient stay included better pain control and immediate recognition and care of postoperative complications. However, the following benefits of minimally invasive surgery (MIS) virtually eliminate the need for open abdominal surgery (laparotomy):

Replacement of laparotomy by MIS results in significant pain reduction. Incisions are smaller and disruption of internal tissues is minimized. Pain medications may be reduced versus open surgery.

Early (same day) postoperative ambulation improves total body blood circulation and lung ventilation, greatly decreasing the incidence of clot formation (DVT) and pneumonia. Because outpatient surgery is “less involved” than inpatient surgery, patients released home just hours after surgery feel good enough to move around a bit. They sleep in their own bed, eat in their own kitchen, and use their own bathroom (instead of a bed pan). Obviously, they have no IV’s or catheters, which also helps with ambulation.

Patients are not exposed to hospital borne infections.  

Universal implementation of MIS (vaginal and/or laparoscopic and/or robotically assisted laparoscopic methods) instead of laparotomy can eliminate inpatient hospital stays for patients undergoing major gynecological surgeries, such as hysterectomies, myomectomies and sacrocolpopexies. The combination of less pain, quicker ambulation, fewer infections and the convenience and comfort of recovering at home result is a speedier emotional and physical recovery.

Author

Dr. Nathan Mordel, MD Nathan Mordel, MD, is a board-certified gynecological surgeon at Atlanta Minimally Invasive Gynecologic Surgery Center in Atlanta, Georgia. He specializes in advanced robotic, laparoscopic, vaginal pelvic surgery, including for fibroids, endometriosis, heavy and/or painful menstrual periods, pelvic organ prolapse, and urinary incontinence.