Approximately one-third of women in the United States will undergo a hysterectomy by the age of 60, according to health professionals with the Obstetrics and Gynecology Department at Pennsylvania State University, Hershey. A laparoscopic hysterectomy is a minimally invasive procedure that involves removing a woman's uterus in tiny pieces through small incisions within her vagina or abdomen. Before undergoing laparoscopic hysterectomy, women should discuss the potential complications with a surgeon.
Intestinal Injury
Injury to the intestinal tract is a common complication of gynecologic laparoscopic surgery, UpToDate reports. Women who have a laparoscopic hysterectomy can experience constipation due to intestinal injury complications during surgery. Constipation results in difficult bowel movements that can produce hard, solid stools.
Intestinal injury complications of laparosocpic hysterectomy are typically minor and resolve with further medical interventions. Rarely, additional surgery may be required to repair more extensive intestinal injury sustained during laparoscopic hysterectomy. If a woman develops constipation following the procedure, a doctor may prescribe a stool softener or laxative to help alleviate uncomfortable bowel movements.
Urinary Tract Damage
A surgeon can accidentally damage a woman's urinary tract during a laparoscopic hysterectomy. If this occurs, affected women can experience urinary complications such as difficulty urinating or urinary retention. Urine that remains within the bladder can increase a woman's risk of developing a urinary tract infection. In fact, the University of Maryland Medical Center reports that approximately half of women who have a hysterectomy develop urinary tract infection complications following surgery. Additional antibiotic medication may be necessary to resolve urinary tract infection symptoms in affected women.
Bleeding or Hemorrhage
Extensive bleeding or hemorrhage can occur during or following a laparoscopic hysterectomy, though such complications are generally rare. Unusual blood loss can require additional surgery or a blood transfusion to resolve bleeding complications.
Infection
Women who have a laparoscopic hysterectomy can develop an infection as a complication. Infection complications typically include increased pain or a fever that exceeds 100 degrees Fahrenheit, the Cleveland Clinic warns. Affected women should seek medical care immediately, as additional medication is generally necessary to treat the infection.
Blood Clots
Pelvic surgical procedures increase a woman's risk of developing blood clots following treatment. A blood clot is a thick mass of blood components that can block blood flow through a woman's veins. Blood clot complications of laparoscopic hysterectomy can be life-threatening and require immediate medical attention. The risk of fatal complications is highest in women who develop blood clots that restrict blood flow to the lungs, heart or brain.
