Laparoscopic Hysterectomy

Each year approximately 500,000 hysterectomies are performed in the United States. The vast majority is performed for non-cancerous conditions, such as fibroids, abnormal uterine bleeding, and prolapse of the pelvic organs.

What is Laparoscopic Hysterectomy?

Laparoscopic hysterectomy is a minimally invasive procedure that is designed to replace abdominal hysterectomy. It has been well established that patients who have a laparoscopic hysterectomy have less pain, less bleeding, less risk of infection and are quicker to return to work and normal activities than women who have an abdominal hysterectomy.

Laparoscopic hysterectomy is a vaginal hysterectomy performed with the aid of a laparoscope, a thin, flexible tube containing a video camera. Thin tubes are inserted through tiny incisions in the abdomen near the navel. The uterus is then removed in sections through the laparoscope tube or through the vagina.

In a robot-assisted laparoscopic hysterectomy, the doctor inserts the laparoscope and other instruments with the aid of robotic arms and then uses a computer station to control the instruments.

Minimally Invasive Gynecologic Surgery at Brigham and Women’s Hospital

The Division of Minimally Invasive Gynecologic Surgery provides comprehensive care for women with uterine fibroids, abnormal uterine bleeding, pelvic pain, endometriosis, pelvic organ prolapse, cervical incompetence, and ovarian cysts – offering the latest minimally invasive options for these conditions.

When a patient’s condition calls for a hysterectomy, we strive to provide a safer and more effective alternative to traditional open surgery by performing the vast majority of our procedures via laparoscopy. We get referrals from other providers for complicated cases that would otherwise be performed via a large abdominal incision. We are leaders in developing innovative minimally invasive procedures that offer our patients:

  • Faster recovery
  • Less pain
  • Smaller incisions
  • Early return to normal daily activities
  • Shorter hospital stay

We also collaborate with our gynecologic oncology surgical specialists, who offer traditional laparoscopic and robotic surgery as a means to treat patients with endometrial or cervical cancer.

Obstetrics and Gynecology Care at Brigham and Women’s Hospital

The faculty members and researchers at the BWH Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology are dedicated to doing everything possible to provide women and their families with the most advanced care available anywhere.

As a teaching hospital of Harvard Medical School, we are world-renowned for our expertise in obstetrics, and have been a trusted name in women’s health for more than 180 years. Our rich history includes landmark research that has helped guide the care provided to women around the world. Learn more about our research.

Our commitment to patient- and family-focused care has shaped our Center for Women and Newborns at the Mary Horrigan Connors Center for Women’s Health – world-renowned for the quality of our obstetrical and neonatal care and dedicated to the most comprehensive state-of-the-art obstetrical services under one roof. Brigham and Women’s Hospital is the birthing center most women in Massachusetts choose and U.S. News & World Report has repeatedly named Brigham and Women’s Hospital among the top hospitals in the nation in Gynecology.

Patient- and Family-focused Care

BWH has long been committed to not only the care of our patients but also the many other needs that they and their families have. This philosophy of patient- and family-focused care – involving systems and services that emphasize healing in a comfortable, relaxed environment – is a guiding force behind the care we provide.

Quality of Patient Care

BWH is committed to providing all of our patients with the safest, highest-quality care possible and follow established protocols that have been shown to improve patient outcomes. Our Inpatient Satisfaction Survey, sent to patients to assess their total care experience, helps us to monitor what we are doing well and where we could improve. We pride ourselves in the Quality of Patient Care we provide and how we compare with other hospitals.

Brigham and Women’s Minimally Invasive Gynecologic Surgery Team

The Minimally Invasive Gynecologic Surgery team is committed to patients and their families. Each patient's diagnosis and treatment plan will be designed and tailored to their needs. Our team of highly skilled doctors, nurses, and other health care professionals work together to deliver the highest quality care to every patient.

View our Minimally Invasive Gynecologic Surgery Team

Contact Us

If you believe you should have an evaluation and would like to schedule an appointment with one of our minimally invasive gynecologic surgery experts, call 1-800-294-9999 to speak to one of our knowledgeable coordinators, who can help to connect you to the doctor that best meets your needs, or fill out an online appointment request form.

Learn more about Brigham and Women's Hospital


For over a century, a leader in patient care, medical education and research, with expertise in virtually every specialty of medicine and surgery.

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