SOUTHAVEN, Miss., July 6, 2009 – Baptist Memorial Hospital-DeSoto recently added laparoscopic hysterectomy, a minimally invasive surgery which can lead to shorter hospital stays and a faster recovery time for patients, to its surgical services.

Dr. Alok Kumar of Memphis Obstetrics and Gynecology Association, P.C., has already completed one laparoscopic hysterectomy at Baptist DeSoto and has several more scheduled for the near future.

“Laparoscopic hysterectomies involve longer operating times and more surgical skill, but the advantage is that patients can be home within 24 hours and return to normal activities within two to four weeks,” he said.

Traditional abdominal hysterectomies involve a large incision and at least a six week recovery time. With laparoscopic hysterectomies, women may experience less pain because the procedure involves only three or four small incisions on the abdomen, which leads to less abdominal tissue being disturbed.

“We are pleased to be able to offer the women of DeSoto County and the surrounding area a minimally invasive surgery that allows a quick recovery,” said Randy King, administrator and CEO of Baptist DeSoto. “With Dr. Kumar’s knowledge and skill in laparoscopic hysterectomies, he will be able to properly advise our patients the best way to have their procedure.”

Kumar received his medical degree and his residency training from the University of Tennessee in Memphis. He spent three years in private practice in Annapolis, Md., where he began performing laparoscopic hysterectomies.

Although he considers laparoscopic hysterectomy to be a wise choice for most women requiring a hysterectomy, he advises them to discuss their options with their doctor before proceeding.

“Only the patient and their physician can decide whether a laparoscopic hysterectomy is appropriate,” Kumar said. “I really believe it’s a promising and safe option available for many women, even those who have had previous abdominal surgeries such as a Caesarean section.”

Baptist DeSoto is a 339-bed hospital that offers diagnostic, surgical and rehabilitation services. In 2001, the hospital completed an expansion project that nearly doubled its size, expanded its labor and delivery services and added open-heart surgery and radiation therapy. In April 2001, the Baptist DeSoto Outpatient Diagnostic Center and Women’s Center opened, which houses DeSoto County’s first open MRI, mammography services and other diagnostic tools. In November 2006, Baptist DeSoto opened a new, 11-story tower, featuring all-private rooms, expanded operating suites and a new emergency room.

For more information, please call 662-772-4000 or visit desoto.baptistonline.org.

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