Hysterectomy Causes Permanent Bladder Injury and Incontinence

I perform laparoscopic hysterectomies on a regular basis – more or less 2 per month. I perform other routes of hysterectomy frequently as well. I have additional expertise in advanced laparoscopy (beyond a standard hysterectomy) and serve as a resource for others with complicated cases. Complications overall are not common with a laparoscopic hysterectomy – but standard complications that patient should be informed of can include (but are not limited to) bladder injury, bleeding, ureteral injury, pain, bowel injury or need for an open incision. Careful dissection of the bladder off of the uterus – sometimes with aid of backfilling the bladder with fluid to better delineate planes – can help avoid injury. Experience and appropriate case selection is also important. If there is any question of a bladder injury during the case intra-operative diagnosis is important. Possible use of a cystoscopy can aid in this process as well.