1. Laparoscopic hysterectomy obviates the need to create a traditional large abdominal incision. Through the laparoscope, surgical steps similar to those of a traditional abdominal hysterectomy are done prior to removal of the uterus via the vagina. 2. The dramatic improvement in postoperative recuperation in laparoscopic hysterectomy is the result of several factors: avoidance of laparotomy incision; minimal degree of traumatized and devitalized tissue as finer instrumentation is used; minimal use of suture material, reducing the chance of tissue reaction; and avoidance of postoperative bowel function compromise. 3. In the long run, laparoscopic hysterectomy will not replace all traditional abdominal and vaginal hysterectomies. Not all hysterectomies are candidates for laparoscopic surgery, such as patients with large pelvic masses or marked distortion of the anatomy due to various disease processes (ie, cancer).