The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) has issued full guidance to the NHS in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland on laparoscopic techniques for hysterectomy.

Description

Hysterectomy is the surgical removal of the uterus. This may be used to treat women with various conditions including chronic pelvic pain, heavy periods, fibroids, or cancer of the uterus or the ovaries. Conventional hysterectomy is performed through an incision in the abdomen or through the vagina. In laparoscopic techniques for hysterectomy, special surgical instruments are inserted through small incisions made in the abdomen, and the operation is carried out with the aid of an internal telescope and camera system. This is sometimes described as 'keyhole surgery'. Part of the operation may also be performed vaginally.

Coding and clinical classification codes for this guidance.