What is laparoscopic total hysterectomy?

A total laparoscopic hysterectomy (TLH) is surgery to take out the uterus and cervix. The doctor makes one or more small cuts in the belly. These cuts are called incisions. They let the doctor insert tools to do the surgery. One of these tools is a tube with a light on it. It's called a laparoscope, or scope. The scope and other tools allow the doctor to free the uterus and remove it through the small cuts.

You may go home the day of surgery or stay in the hospital 1 to 2 days after surgery. And you may need about 4 to 6 weeks to fully recover. The recovery time may be shorter for some people.

After the surgery, you will not have periods or be able to get pregnant. Most people can have sex without problems after they recover.