Ureteral complications from laparoscopic hysterectomy indicated for benign uterine pathologies: a 13-year experience in a continuous series of 1300 patients

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to evaluate the risk of ureteral injuries and to discuss how to avoid their occurence after laparoscopic hysterectomy indicated for benign uterine pathologies. METHODS: This observational study covers the period from January 1993 to December 2005 (retrospective study from 1993 to 2000 and prospective from 2001). We reviewed incidence, methods of diagnosis and management of ureteral injuries. RESULTS: The rate of ureteral injuries was 0.3% (four patients). Three patients presented a ureteral fistula diagnosed secondarily some time after the operation. The fourth patient presented a ureteral injury that was diagnosed peroperatively. Three out of four of the lesions were observed on the right side. In every case, there were preoperative risk factors connected with a past history of surgery, or the lateral location of uterine myomas. All four patients needed ureterovesical reimplantation. The outcome was good in all four cases. CONCLUSIONS: The rate of ureter complications after laparoscopic hysterectomy is low and comparable to that observed after hysterectomy by laparotomy. The risk should not prevent laparoscopic hysterectomy being used more widely. Prevention depends on training in the technique and the surgeon's experience.     

Laparoscopically assisted full thickness skin graft for reconstruction in congenital agenesis of vagina and uterine cervix

In patients with agenesis of the vagina and cervix but with a functional endometrium, the traditional treatment is hysterectomy with construction of a neovagina. We report successful treatment by laparoscopically assisted full thickness skin graft for reconstruction in a patient with congenital agenesis of the vagina and uterine cervix concomitant with haematometra and ovarian endometrioma in a 12 year old girl. Postoperatively, the vaginal skin graft healed well, and menstruation first appeared 4 weeks later. In our opinion, a combined laparoscopic and vaginal procedure with full thickness skin graft is an efficacious alternative in managing such genital defects.     

Ileal substitution of a radiologically injured duplex female ureter via novel antireflux technique

A 34-year-old female patient underwent total hysterectomy and pelvic irradiation for uterine malignancy, which led to iatrogenic fibrotic injury of the distal ureter. Reconstructive surgery was performed, and the ureter was replaced by an isolated ileal segment. Ureteroileal anastomosis was created using the antireflux serous-lined extramural tunnel technique, while the distal end of the isolated ileal segment was widely anastomosed with the bladder. Within a 1-year follow-up, excellent results were achieved, with complete recovery of the patient's renal function and previous quality of life. This technique could be a viable option when large ureteral defects are encountered.     

The value of intra-operative cystoscopy at the time of laparoscopic hysterectomy.

The aim of this study was to determine the usefulness of routine intra-operative cystoscopy in documenting ureteral injury during total laparoscopic hysterectomy with vault suspension and to document the incidence of this complication in a large series. The charts of 118 patients who underwent laparoscopic hysterectomy with vault suspension from January 1992 to January 1998 were retrospectively reviewed. The patients underwent intra-operative cystoscopic evaluation to verify ureteral permeability and bladder integrity. Intra-operative ureteral obstruction occurred in four patients (3.4%). All complications were immediately fixed and there were no postoperative ureteral problems. No late ureteral complications were observed. Intra-operative cystoscopy allows for early recognition and treatment of obstructive ureteral injuries and may reduce the rate of late postoperative complications during advanced laparoscopic procedures.     

经阴道广泛性子宫切除术中自宫颈支持韧带的应用解剖

目的为经阴道广泛性子宫切除术提供应用解剖学基础。方法经阴道逆行解剖观测8例(16侧)常规防腐女性盆腔尸体标本。结果 (1)膀胱宫颈韧带位于膀胱、子宫颈和阴道之间,可分为宫颈部(2.10±0.85)cm、阴道部(1.70±0.61)cm;膀胱宫颈韧带长度为(4.10±1.05)cm,输尿管膝部距离子宫动脉跨越处(2.14±0.40)cm。(2)输尿管穿过子宫主韧带,距子宫颈(1.71±0.22)cm,其上方有子宫动脉和静脉。(3)子宫骶韧带的颈部、中间部、骶骨部距离输尿管的长度为(0.82±0.50)cm、(2.42±0.81)cm和(4.00±0.71)cm。结论经阴道广泛性子宫切除术中对起自宫颈的三对韧带的应用解剖了解非常重要,可避免损伤输尿管和子宫动脉等重要结构。     

A systematic arrangement of laparoscopic total abdominal hysterectomy: a new technique

This sequential, prospective, observational clinical trial evaluated a systematic arrangement of laparoscopic total abdominal hysterectomy and prophylactic, retroperitoneal posterior culdoplasty with vaginal vault suspension surgical techniques by suturing method. The uterus was extirpated laparoscopically in 25 consecutive patients using an extra- and intra-corporeal two-turn flat square knot method. Upon completion of uterine excision, a new prophylactic laparoscopic technique of retroperitoneal posterior culdoplasty and vaginal vault suspension were initiated to prevent pelvic relaxation. Retroperitoneal culdoplasty was performed using the anterior rectal fascia, the posterior uterovaginal fascia, and the deep layer retroperitoneal of the uterosacral ligaments. Vaginal vault suspension was performed using posteriorly the deep layer of the uterosacral ligaments; from a lateroposterior aspect, the vaginal vault was suspended to the cardinal ligaments bilaterally, and anteriorly, the vesicouterine fascia provided support for the vaginal apex. A systematic arrangement of surgical steps was evaluated. All predetermined samples of laparoscopic total abdominal hysterectomy with posterior retroperitoneal culdoplasty and vaginal vault suspension were accomplished in a prearranged systematic order. Neither technical failure nor conversion to laparotomy or transvaginal approach was encountered. This technique expedites uterine extirpation and prophylactic pelvic reconstruction with a low complication rate, can be executed with no transvaginal approach, and eliminates the morbidity and mortality associated with laparotomy itself.     

Surgery: Total laparocscopic hysterectomy: preliminary results

Total hysterectomy carried out entirely via laparoscopy benefited31 patients. In all cases the operation was carried out usingconventional, re-usable instruments (grasping forceps, laparoscopicscissors, bipolar coagulation). The mean duration of the operationwas 171 min. No serious peri-or post-operative complicationswere encountered and no transfusion was required. The mean dropin haemoglobin was 1.3 g/100 ml and the average length of hospitalstay was 4 days. In one case (3.26%) we converted to laparotomybecause a lateral myoma made it impossible to achieve haemostasisof the uterine pedicle under suitably safe conditions. Theseresults confirm that total hysterectomy via laparoscopy is asafe, feasible and reproducible technique. Future work willestablish the exact place and methods for laparoscopic surgeryfor hysterectomy; it can be suggested, however, that laparoscopicsurgery is only indicated when vaginal hysterectomy is contra-indicatedor impossible. So, laparoscopic hysterectomy constitutes analternative to laparotomy rather than to vaginal hysterectomy.The combination of an immobile uterus and poor vaginal accessibilityis the prime indication for total hysterectomy via laparoscopy.     

Surgical routes and complications of hysterectomy for benign disorders: a prospective observational study in French university hospitals

BACKGROUND: Despite the advantages of the vaginal and laparoscopic approaches, most hysterectomies carried out involve laparotomy. The objective of this prospective observational multicentre study was to examine the routes and complications of hysterectomy for benign disorders. METHODS: Of the 15 university hospitals belonging to Collégiale de Gynécologie-Obstétrique de Paris-Ile de France, 12 participated in this study that took place between June and December 2004. We analysed the characteristics of the patients, the indications for hysterectomy and intra- and post-operative complications (and their determinants) according to the surgical approach. RESULTS: In total, 634 women underwent hysterectomy for benign disorders during the study period. The patients' mean age (+/-SD), BMI, parity and previous Caesarean sections were 51.4 +/- 10.3 years, 25 +/- 5.7 kg/m(2), 2 +/- 1.6 children and 0.2 +/- 0.6, respectively. Hysterectomy was performed by the laparoscopic, laparoscopically assisted vaginal hysterectomy (LAVH), laparotomic and vaginal routes in 19.1, 8.2, 24.4 and 48.3% of cases, respectively. The operating time was shorter with the vaginal route than with laparoscopy, laparotomy and LAVH (P < 0.0001). Intra- and post-operative complications were significantly more frequent in the laparotomic group (18%) compared with the vaginal group (8.2%), the laparoscopic group (5.8%) and the LAVH group (8.2%) (P < 0.0001). In a multivariate logistic regression model, obesity [odds ratio (OR): 2.84, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.53-5.27, P = 0.001], history of pelvic surgery (OR: 2.47, 95% CI: 1.39-4.39, P = 0.002) and history of Caesarean section (OR: 2.04, 95% CI: 1.01-4.1, P = 0.046) were significantly associated with intra- and post-operative complications. Laparoconversion was necessary in 36 cases (7.5%) overall and was more frequent with laparoscopy and LAVH than with the vaginal route (P < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: This study confirms that the vaginal route is increasingly used for hysterectomy in France and that it is the route of choice for benign disorders.     

A case-control study to compare the variability of operating time in laparoscopic and open surgery.

The purpose of this study was to compare the variability of operating times for some of the most common gynaecological procedures performed laparoscopically and by open surgery. The case notes of 60 women randomly selected from a cohort of 600 who had undergone laparoscopic surgery for ectopic pregnancy, ovarian cysts, leiomyoma and hysterectomy were reviewed. These patients were matched with an equal number of women who had been treated by open surgery for similar indications. Additional matching criteria included age (+/-2 years), size of the lesion in cases of ovarian cysts and fibroids (+/-3 cm), the period of amenorrhoea in ectopic pregnancies, and uterine size and pelvic pathology in women undergoing hysterectomy. Comparison of laparoscopy and laparotomy showed that the mean procedure times were similar for the two routes of surgery, with the exception of hysterectomy which took significantly longer if done laparoscopically. The duration of laparoscopic surgery for ectopic pregnancy, ovarian cystectomy and hysterectomy was significantly less predictable than at laparotomy. These data indicate that with the exception of hysterectomy, the average operating time for laparoscopic procedures is comparable to that for laparotomy. In contrast, the variability of duration of laparoscopic surgery tends to be much greater than with laparotomy for all procedures considered.     

Morbidity of 10 110 hysterectomies by type of approach.

BACKGROUND: Since the late 1980s, the option of laparoscopic hysterectomy has raised questions about the most suitable approach to hysterectomy. METHODS: To evaluate the influence of the type of approach, in causing or avoiding certain complaints in hysterectomies a prospective nationwide study was conducted comprising all hysterectomies for benign disease performed in Finland during 1996. The primary outcomes of interest were the operation-related morbidity, common surgical details and post-operative complications. RESULTS: A total of 10 110 hysterectomies, including 5875 abdominal, 1801 vaginal and 2434 laparoscopic operations showed a low rate of overall complications, 17.2, 23.3 and 19.0% respectively. Infections were the most common complications with incidences of 10.5, 13.0 and 9.0% in the abdominal, vaginal and laparoscopic group respectively. The most severe type of haemorrhagic events occurred in 2.1, 3.1 and 2.7% in the abdominal, vaginal and laparoscopic group respectively. Ureter injuries were predominant in laparoscopic group [relative risk (RR) 7.2 compared with abdominal] whereas bowel injuries were most common in vaginal group (RR 2.5 compared with abdominal). Surgeons who had performed >30 laparoscopic hysterectomies had a significantly lower incidence of ureter and bladder injuries (0.5 and 0.8% respectively) than those who had performed < or =30 operations (2.2 and 2.0% respectively). A decreasing trend of bowel complications was also seen with increasing experience in vaginal hysterectomies. CONCLUSIONS: This large-scale observational study on hysterectomies provides novel information on operation-related morbidity of abdominal, vaginal or laparoscopic approach. The results support the importance of the experience of the surgeon in reducing severe complications, especially in laparoscopic and vaginal hysterectomies.     

腹盆腔段输尿管及其周围结构的数字化解剖研究

目的　探讨输尿管腹盆腔段与周围结构的解剖学特征,为广泛性子宫切除术中安全游离输尿管提供解剖学依据。 方法　收集2017年4月至2018年12月女性盆腔CTA数据65例,对盆部动脉、输尿管、子宫进行三维重建,测量输尿管到盆腔动脉、子宫的间距,观察输尿管腹盆段与周围结构的毗邻关系。 结果　输尿管跨越髂动脉有3种类型：左侧：髂总动脉（33.84%）、髂总动脉分叉处（13.85%）、髂外动脉（55.38%）;右侧：髂总动脉（27.69%）、髂总动脉分叉处（20.00%）、髂外动脉（52.30%）。“输尿管隧道”入口处对应宫颈旁占66.15%,输尿管进入膀胱处对应阴道占70.7%。腹主动脉分叉处与输尿管间距：左侧（32.45±6.24）mm,右侧（39.3±5.78）mm;髂总动脉分叉处与输尿管间距：左侧（10.55±4.85）mm,右侧（13.34±5.49）mm;输尿管隧道入口处与宫体间距：左侧（16.94±6.83）mm,右侧（18.11±6.53）mm;输尿管与宫颈内口外侧缘间距：左侧（19.26±7.62）mm,右侧（22.5±7.41）mm;输尿管与宫颈外口外侧缘间距左侧（17.06±6.19）mm,右侧（22.49±4.94）mm。以上左右两侧的比较均具有统计学差异（P<0.05）。 结论　熟悉腹盆段输尿管与周围结构的解剖关系,对广泛性全子宫切除术中预防输尿管损伤十分重要。     

腹盆腔段输尿管及其周围结构的数字化解剖研究

目的　探讨输尿管腹盆腔段与周围结构的解剖学特征,为广泛性子宫切除术中安全游离输尿管提供解剖学依据。 方法　收集2017年4月至2018年12月女性盆腔CTA数据65例,对盆部动脉、输尿管、子宫进行三维重建,测量输尿管到盆腔动脉、子宫的间距,观察输尿管腹盆段与周围结构的毗邻关系。 结果　输尿管跨越髂动脉有3种类型：左侧：髂总动脉（33.84%）、髂总动脉分叉处（13.85%）、髂外动脉（55.38%）;右侧：髂总动脉（27.69%）、髂总动脉分叉处（20.00%）、髂外动脉（52.30%）。“输尿管隧道”入口处对应宫颈旁占66.15%,输尿管进入膀胱处对应阴道占70.7%。腹主动脉分叉处与输尿管间距：左侧（32.45±6.24）mm,右侧（39.3±5.78）mm;髂总动脉分叉处与输尿管间距：左侧（10.55±4.85）mm,右侧（13.34±5.49）mm;输尿管隧道入口处与宫体间距：左侧（16.94±6.83）mm,右侧（18.11±6.53）mm;输尿管与宫颈内口外侧缘间距：左侧（19.26±7.62）mm,右侧（22.5±7.41）mm;输尿管与宫颈外口外侧缘间距左侧（17.06±6.19）mm,右侧（22.49±4.94）mm。以上左右两侧的比较均具有统计学差异（P<0.05）。 结论　熟悉腹盆段输尿管与周围结构的解剖关系,对广泛性全子宫切除术中预防输尿管损伤十分重要。     

The female inferior hypogastric (= pelvic) plexus: anatomical and radiological description of the plexus and its afferences—applications to pelvic surgery

AIM OF THE STUDY: We wanted to determine the anatomical features of the inferior hypogastric plexus (IHP), and the useful landmarks for a safe surgical approach during pelvic surgery. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We dissected the IHP in 22 formolized female anatomical subjects, none of which bore any stigmata of subumbilical surgery. RESULTS: The inferior hypogastric plexus (IHP) is a triangle with a posterior base and an anterior inferior top. It can be described as having three edges and three angles; its inferior edge stretches constantly from the fourth sacral root to the ureter's point of entry into the posterior layer of the broad ligament; its cranial edge is strictly parallel to the posterior edge of the hypogastric artery, along which it runs at a distance of 10 mm; its posterior (dorsal) edge is at the point of contact with the sacral roots, from which it receives its afferences. They most frequently originate from S3 or S4 (60%) and then, in one or two branches, often from S2 (40%), never from S1 and in exceptional cases from S5 (20%). There are sympathetic afferences in 30% of cases, usually through a single branch of the second, third or fourth sacral ganglion. All IHPs have at least one sacral afference and sometimes there may be up to three afferences from the same sacral root. Its dorsal cranial angle, which is superior, comes after the SHP (hypogastric nerve or presacral nerve filament); its anterior inferior angle is located exactly at the ureter's point of entry into the posterior layer of the broad ligament. This is the top of the IHP; its posterior inferior angle is located at the point of contact with the fourth sacral root. At its entrance at the base of the parametrium the pelvic ureter is the anterior, fundamental positional reference for the IHP. The vaginal efferences come out of the top of the IHP through branches leading to the bladder, the vagina and the rectum, which originate through two trunks exactly underneath the crossing point of the ureter and the uterine artery: (i) one trunk leading to the bladder runs along and underneath the ureter and divides into two groups, which are lateral and medial, trigonal. (ii) the trunk leading to the vagina runs along the inferior edge of the uterine artery. At the point of contact with the lateral edge of the vagina, it splits into two groups: anterior thin and posterior voluminous. Some of its branches perforate the posterior wall of the vagina and are distributed to the rectovaginal septum in a tooth comb pattern. The inferior branches, which emerge from the inferior edge of the IHP, reach the rectum directly. The dissection of the 22 specimens allowed us to describe three efferent plexuses: a vaginal rectal plexus, a vesical plexus and a inferior rectal plexus. So the IHP's anterior, fundamental positional reference is the pelvic ureter at the point where it enters at the base of the parametrium, then at the crossing point of the uterine artery. The ureter is the vector for vesical efferences, the uterine artery is the vector for vaginal efferences, which are thus sent into the vesicovaginal septum and the rectovaginal septum. This surgical point of reference is of vital importance in nerve sparing during the course of a simple or extended hysterectomy. Any dissection carried out underneath and outside of the ureter inevitably carries a risk of lesions to its efferent, lateral vesical or medial, rectovaginal fibres.     

Ureteral endometriosis: clinicopathological and immunohistochemical study of 7 cases

Ureteral endometriosis is a rare yet important entity that can lead to renal failure due to silent obstruction of the ureter. Awareness of clinical and morphologic features can help in early detection and treatment. We analyzed the clinical, pathologic, and immunohistochemical findings of 7 cases of ureteral endometriosis. Mean age of patients was 51 years. All patients presented with hydroureter, accompanied in the most cases by hydronephrosis. Superimposed pyelonephritis was experienced by 2 of 7 patients. Most patients (4 of 7) had previously undergone total abdominal hysterectomy with bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy. In 6 of 7 cases, endometriosis involved the left ureter. The distal one third of the ureter was involved in 6 cases, whereas the middle third was involved in 1 case. In 4 cases, endometriosis was located extrinsic to the ureter, whereas in 3 cases, the ureter showed intrinsic involvement by endometriosis. One case showed simple endometrial hyperplasia. Surgical management included nephrectomy in 2 cases, distal ureterectomy with reimplantation in 3 cases, ureteral stent placement followed by ureteroureterostomy in 1 case, and relief of ureteral obstruction by resection of pelvic endometrioma in 1 case. Immunostains for cytokeratin-7 (CK7) and progesterone receptor (PR) were positive in all of the cases, whereas immunostains for estrogen receptor (ER) were positive in 83% of cases and immunostains for CK20 were negative in all cases. CA125 immunostains were positive in 67% of cases. The stromal cells were positive for CD10, ER, and PR immunostaining. Our findings suggest that the diagnosis of ureteral endometriosis is preceded in most cases by hysterectomy and bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy, possibly because of prior symptoms related to adenomyosis or pelvic endometriosis and that ureteral endometriosis has a strong predilection for involvement of the lower third of the left ureter. Ureteral endometriosis should be included in the differential diagnosis of obstructive ureteral lesions in women, particularly those involving the lower third of the left ureter, even in postmenopausal patients. Immunostains for ER, PR, CK7, CA125, and CD10 can be helpful in challenging cases.     

腹腔镜子宫切除术单极电凝对机体电解质及子宫超微结构的影响

目的: 探讨腹腔镜全子宫切除术单极电凝对机体电解质及子宫超微结构的影响。方法: 选取暨南大学第三附属医院2009年12月-2010年12月期间行腹腔镜下全子宫切除术的患者60例,按术中采用不同止血方式,将其分为2组:单极电凝组30例和力确刀组30例。所有患者分别于术前、术中及术后24 h、48 h测血电解质(钾、钠、氯、钙),了解机体血电解质变化;随机抽取2组术后子宫标本各5个,标本取两侧宫角部与输卵管电凝离断部位,取焦痂下10 mm、在光镜下观察未发生变化的组织制作电镜标本,寻找共性组织改变摄片,了解2组超微结构改变情况及变化范围。结果: 2组病例术中血钾均较术前有所升高,血钠由于术中及术后补液无明显变化,血氯、血钙均较术前有所下降;24 h及48 h后随机体的调节,电解质水平逐渐恢复至术前水平。2组电解质水平无显著差异。电镜下细胞膜的形态学出现破损,线粒体扩张,染色质出现边集、核浓缩、核碎裂、核溶解。结论: 单极电凝对10 mm外的光镜下组织结构无改变,而电镜下已发生了改变。     

Uterus and endometrium: Transvaginal ultrasound studies of vascular and morphological changes in uteri exposed to diethylstilbestrol in utero

The aim of this prospective study was to establish complementarydata of uteri exposed to diethylstilbestrol (DES) in utero fortransvaginal analysis and vascularity changes during the menstrualcycle. A total of 28 women with DES-exposed uteri were comparedwith 60 non-exposed women. Transvaginal ultrasound and colourDoppler imaging were performed on days 5 and 22 of the menstrualcycle. Uteri were measured on sagittal and transverse scans.Uterine length, width, thickness and uterine cavity length andwidth were measured. Uterine volume and uterine cavity areawere calculated. DES-exposed uterine volume was equal to 31.84± 337 cm³. The cavity area of DES-exposed uterus wasequal to 35.85 ± 3.93 cm². Cervix length of DES-exposeduterus was significantly smaller than that of non-exposed uterus.The uterine artery pulsatility index (PI) of DES-exposed uteruswas significantly higher than that of normal uterus. Blood flowremained stable throughout the menstrual cycle. The PI of DES-exposeduterus remained stable during the menstrual cycle, as in non-exposeduterus, and it decreased during the luteal phase. This lackof modification in vascularity of DES-exposed uterus may explainmiscarriages and obstetric complications such as intrauterinegrowth retardation or pre-eclampsia. The data may have implicationsfor the assessment of reproductive status and the design offuture studies on disorders of implantation in DES-exposed uterus.     

大子宫阴式子宫切除36例临床观察

目的探讨大子宫阴式切除方法的安全性、可行性及临床价值。方法我院对36例大子宫肌瘤,子宫腺肌症,子宫增大如孕12~14周行阴式子宫切除术。结果36例全部经阴式子宫全切除,成功率100%,无一例膀胱,直肠损伤。结论大子宫经阴道切除是安全有效的手术。     

Immunology: Bone marrow-derived cell populations in uterine and ectopic endometrium

Uterine endometrium contains numerous bone marrow-derived cells.The spectrum of cell types is different from that of any othertissue, and the differences in endometrium from women with endometriosismay reflect a different endometrial phenotype in these women.The cell types of bone marrow origin found in ectopic endometriummay indicate the degree of differentiation of the tissue. Itwas found that, in normal endometrium, the CD45⁺ cell populationcomprised T cells, macrophages, CD56⁺ large granular lymphocytes,some CD16⁺ cells and a few B cells. Changes in these cell populationsduring the menstrual cycle were similar in endometrium fromboth controls and patients with endometriosis, and resembledthat reported previously by others. In ectopic endometrium,the frequency of CD45⁺ cells remained within the same rangeas that of uterine endometrium but without any obvious patternof change during the menstrual cycle. CD56⁺ large granular lymphocytes,an immune cell type characteristic of uterine endometrium, werealso found in ectopic endometrium. Our results indicate thatectopic endometrium, as well as comprising both glandular andstromal cells, contains bone marrow-derived cell populationssimilar to those of uterine endometrium. This suggests thatthe same processes of cell migration and/or differentiationoccur in ectopic and uterine endometrium.     

Surgery: Hysterectomy for patients without previous vaginal delivery: results and modalities of laparoscopic surgery

The great majority of hysterectomies in nulliparous patientshave been carried out via laparotomy. The purpose of this studywas to establish whether laparoscopic surgery can be of usein an attempt to reduce the number of iaparotomies when hysterectomyis indicated in patients without previous vaginal delivery.A retrospective study was carried out on 66 women who had nothad a previous vaginal delivery who underwent hysterectomy fromJanuary 1993 to May 1995. Laparotomy was required for only 19.7%of cases (13 patients). For the 53 patients (80.3%) who underwentlaparoscopic hysterectomy, the average duration of the operationwas 152.24±45.7 min, and the average weight of the uteruswas 2383±154.1 g. The duration of the laparoscopic operationwas correlated in a statistically significant fashion with theweight of the uterus (P=0.0005), the necessity of associatedprocedures during the hysterectomy (P=0.01) and the surgeon'sexperience (P=0.01). These results demonstrate that laparoscopicsurgery decreases the number of laparotomies necessary for patientswith no previous vaginal delivery who require hysterectomy.When vaginal access is poor, simple laparoscopic preparationis inadequate and the only possibility of avoiding laparotomyis to carry out the hysterectomy entirely via the laparoscopicroute.