Hysterectomy for the massive leiomyomatous uterus

OBJECTIVE: To determine if the complication rate of abdominal hysterectomy is increased in women with greatly enlarged myomatous uteri. METHODS: Three groups of women undergoing abdominal hysterectomy were analyzed according to uterine size: group 1, 208 women with uteri less than 500 g; group 2, 63 women with uterine weights of 500-999 g; and group 3, 47 women with leiomyomata whose uteri weighed at least 1000 g. Logistic regression was used to compare the groups on the risks of having at least one major complication. Adjusted comparisons on other surgical outcomes were performed using a logistic model (for qualitative variables) or a general linear model (for quantitative variables). RESULTS: The risk of experiencing at least one perioperative complication, including blood loss over 500 mL, perioperative blood transfusion, major organ injury, therapeutic antibiotic use, and hospital readmission, increased significantly with uterine weight (P =.006). Group 3 women were at greater risk of having at least one of these complications than either group 1 or group 2 women, with adjusted odds ratios of 3.42 (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.62, 7.25) and 2.64 (95% CI 1.14, 6.13), respectively. Estimated blood loss with surgery also increased with increasing uterine weight (P <.001). Mean estimated blood losses for the study groups were 555.8 +/- 386.5 mL (group 3), 464.3 +/- 285.2 mL (group 2), and 387.6 +/- 281.4 mL (group 1) (P =.032). CONCLUSION: The complication rate from hysterectomy increases with increasing uterine weight, due mainly to an increased blood loss associated with surgery for larger uteri.     

Comparative study of vaginal,laparoscopically assisted vaginal and abdominal hysterectomies for uterine myoma larger than 6 cm in diameter or uterus weighing at least 450 g: a prospective randomized study

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to compare peri-operative morbidity, preoperative sonographic estimation of uterine weight and postoperative outcomes of women with uterine fibroids larger than 6 cm in diameter or uteri estimated to weigh at least 450 g, undergoing either vaginal, laparoscopically assisted vaginal or abdominal hysterectomies. METHOD: Ninety patients who met the criteria of uterine fibroids larger than 6 cm by ultrasonographic examination were included in our prospective study. Patients were randomized into laparoscopic-assisted vaginal hysterectomy (30 patients), vaginal hysterectomy (30 patients) and abdominal hysterectomy (30 patients) groups. RESULTS: The laparoscopically assisted vaginal hysterectomy group had significantly longer operative times than the abdominal and vaginal hysterectomy groups (109 +/- 22 min, 98 +/- 16 min, and 74 +/- 22 min, respectively, p < 0.001). Blood loss for vaginal hysterectomy was significantly lower than for either abdominal or laparoscopically assisted vaginal hysterectomies (215 +/- 134 ml, 293 +/- 182 ml, and 343 +/- 218 ml, respectively, p = 0.04). Vaginal hysterectomy and laparoscopically assisted vaginal hysterectomy groups had shorter hospital stays, lower postoperative pain scores, more rapid bowel recovery and lower postoperative antibiotic use than the abdominal hysterectomy group. Uterine weight in the abdominal hysterectomy group was significantly heavier than in the vaginal and laparoscopically assisted vaginal hysterectomy groups (1020 +/- 383 g, 835 +/- 330 g, and 748 +/- 255 g, respectively, p = 0.02). We estimated that when a myoma measured between 8 and 10 cm, the uterus weighed approximately 450 g, and the sensitivity of this prediction was 57.5%. For a myoma larger than 13 cm, the estimated uterine weight was more than 900 g and the sensitivity of this prediction was 71%. CONCLUSION: The study shows vaginal hysterectomy and laparoscopically assisted vaginal hysterectomy can be performed in women with uterine weight of at least 450 g. Preoperative ultrasonographic examination can provide the surgeon with valuable information on the size of the fibroid and the estimated weight of the enlarged uterus before implementing a suitable surgical method.     

Vaginal hysterectomy for the enlarged uterus

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of uterine weight on the perioperative outcomes of vaginal hysterectomy for benign gynecological conditions. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The medical records of 312 consecutive women who underwent vaginal hysterectomies for benign gynecological conditions without major pelvic reconstruction at Temple University Hospital between March 1994 and August 1999 were reviewed. 88 women with uterine weights > or =250 g were compared with 224 women with uterine weights <250 g. The risk of perioperative complications, operative time, perioperative hemoglobin change, length of postoperative hospital stay, and readmission were evaluated between the groups. RESULTS: Groups were similar with respect to age, parity, history of previous pelvic surgery and concurrent adnexal removal. Operative time was significantly increased for women with uteri weighing > or =250 g. Women with uterine weight > or =250 g had a higher risk for postoperative febrile morbidity. The risks of all other major complications, perioperative change in hemoglobin concentration, length of stay, and readmission risk were not statistically different between the groups (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Despite the increased postoperative febrile morbidity and prolonged operative time, women with uteri weighing > or =250 g who underwent vaginal hysterectomy were discharged from the hospital without any increase in other complications when compared to women with a smaller uterus.     

Vaginal hysterectomy for the woman with a moderately enlarged uterus weighing 200 to 700 grams

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to compare the surgical outcomes of women with moderately enlarged uteri undergoing vaginal hysterectomy with those of women with uteri of normal size undergoing vaginal hysterectomy. A secondary objective was to investigate the roles of uterine morcellation and laparoscopically assisted vaginal hysterectomy in the treatment of these women. Study Design: Thirty consecutive women during a 2-year period with uterine enlargement to a weight of between 200 and 700 g underwent vaginal hysterectomy or laparoscopically assisted vaginal hysterectomy limited to lysis of adhesions or adnexectomy. These patients with uterine enlargement (group 1) were compared with 160 women with uteri weighing <200 g who also underwent vaginal hysterectomy or laparoscopically assisted vaginal hysterectomy during the same interval (group 2). The 2 groups were compared for total complications, operative time, hospital stay, perioperative hemoglobin concentration change, and use of vaginal uterine morcellation and laparoscopically assisted vaginal hysterectomy. Results: Operative time for vaginal hysterectomy was significantly longer for women in group 1 than for women in group 2 (66.6 ± 26.2 minutes vs 53.0 ± 25.5 minutes, P = .008). There was a linear relationship between uterine weight and operative time: Operative time = 47.156 + 0.056 × Uterine weight (r = 0.20, F = 7.66, degrees of freedom 1, 188, P = .006). Vaginal morcellation of the uterus was needed in 80.0% of the women in group 1 and in 10.0% of the women in group 2 (P < .001). Two women in group 1 (6.7%) and 9 women (5.6%) in group 2 had laparoscopically assisted procedures for lysis of adhesions, adnexectomy, or both, unrelated to uterine size (P = .69). There were no significant differences between the 2 groups with respect to perioperative hemoglobin concentration change or hospital stay. Finally, the rates of major surgical complications were similar in the 2 groups (3.3% in group 1 vs 4.3% in group 2, P > .99, 95% confidence interval –8.1% to 5.9%). Conclusions: Although vaginal hysterectomy requires a modest increase in operative time, it is as safe and effective for the woman with a moderately enlarged uterus as for the woman with a uterus of normal size. Vaginal uterine morcellation is the key to a successful operation and obviates the need for either abdominal or laparoscopically assisted hysterectomy solely to deal with moderate uterine enlargement. (Am J Obstet Gynecol 1999;180:1337-44.)     

New helical incision for removal of large uteri during laparoscopic-assisted vaginal hysterectomy

The objective of our study was to evaluate the feasibility of a new incision technique for vaginal removal of large uteri during laparoscopic-assisted vaginal hysterectomy (LAVH). The helical uterine incision with uterine arteries preligation was performed during LAVH. The medical records for 522 women with uterine tumors who underwent LAVH from January 2001 through November 2003 were studied retrospectively. The mean uterine weight of all 522 patients was 325 +/- 213 g (range 32-1350 g), and the mean operation duration was 73 +/- 21 minutes. The patients were divided into three subgroups: patients with uteri weighing less than 300 g (group A), patients with uteri weighing between 300 and 500 g (group B), and patients with uteri weighing more than 500 g (group C). The mean uterine weight was 172 +/- 69 g, 374 +/- 56 g, and 678 +/- 181 g for groups A, B, and C, respectively; and the mean operation duration was 67 +/- 17 minutes, 73 +/- 19 minutes, and 90 +/- 24 minutes for groups A, B, and C, respectively. No linear relationship between uterine weight and operation duration was noted in the regression analysis and analysis of variance testing in group B. Uteri weighing between 300 and 500 g were extracted vaginally without difficulty using the new helical uterine incision technique. Use of the helical incision technique reduced operation duration, and restoration of the uterine anatomy for pathologic examination was made easily. The complication rate was 0.8%, which is relatively low compared with our previous report (1.38%) in 580 LAVH procedures. In conclusion, the helical transvaginal uterine incision proved to be an efficient and safe procedure for removal of large uteri during LAVH.     

Laparoscopically assisted vaginal hysterectomy for large uterus: a comparative study

OBJECTIVE: To examine the safety and feasibility of laparoscopically assisted vaginal hysterectomy (LAVH) for uteri weighing 500 g or more as compared to uteri weighing less than 500 g in the management of benign gynecological diseases. METHOD: In this prospective comparative study, 189 women with different benign gynecological diseases were scheduled for laparoscopically assisted vaginal hysterectomy. They were divided into two groups, with uterine weight greater than 500 g and uterine weight less than 500 g. Outcome measures for both the groups were studied comparatively in terms of length of operative time, amount of blood loss, requirement of blood transfusion and length of hospital stay. RESULTS: Length of operation and amount blood loss were significantly greater in the uteri >o r = 500 g group than in the <500 g at 91.1 +/- 28.7 min versus 77.4 +/- 26.6 min (P < 0.01), and 570.5 +/- 503.6 ml versus 262.5 +/- 270.0 ml (P < 0.001), respectively. However, there was no difference in length of hospital stay and overall incidence of operative complications between the two groups. None of the women had any major complications though 17 minor complications were noted. There was no incidence of switching to abdominal laparatomy during the operation except for one patient who required "minilaparotomy" for removal of large surgical specimen (2400 g). Extreme intra-operative hemorrhage of more than 1000 ml occurred in five patients, however, they made full recovery after blood transfusion. Rate of blood transfusion was significantly lower in the uteri <500 g group (4.8% versus 34.9%, (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates that despite the increased operating time and blood loss, LAVH can be safely performed for large uterus. However, surgeons need to be aware of the high risk of blood transfusion in these patients.     

Total laparoscopic hysterectomy for very enlarged uteri

STUDY OBJECTIVE: To evaluate short-term outcome of total laparoscopic hysterectomy (TLH) performed in women with very enlarged uteri. DESIGN: Case control study (Canadian Task Force classification II-2). SETTING: Hospital gynecologic service. PATIENTS: Thirty-four consecutive women with very enlarged uteri. INTERVENTION: Total laparoscopic hysterectomy for benign pathology. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Women with uterine enlargement (group 1) were compared with 68 women with uteri weighing 300 g or less (group 2) who underwent TLH during the same period. Matching was based on patient age +/- 2 years, surgeon (experienced senior, fellow), whether or not Burch operation was performed, and whether or not adnexectomy was performed. The groups were compared for complication rates, operating time, hospital stay, change in perioperative hemoglobin concentration, and vaginal and laparoscopic uterine morcellation. They did not differ statistically significantly in terms of indications for surgery, parity, postmenopausal status, and preoperative hemoglobin levels. No difference was seen in complication rates between groups. Operating time was significantly shorter (p <0.001) in women with smaller uteri than in those with very enlarged uteri, 108 +/- 35 and 156 +/- 50 minutes, respectively. The groups did not differ significantly in day 1 hemoglobin level drop, analgesia requirement (oral, intravenous opioid), time to passing gas and stool, or hospital stay. No conversion to laparotomy was required in either group. CONCLUSION: A very enlarged uterus should not be considered a contraindication for TLH. However, it may be necessary to undertake certain surgical steps to ensure optimal exposure of the operative field and more effective and safer excision of the uterine vascular pedicle.     

Medical debulking with gonadotrophin-releasing hormone agonists to facilitate vaginal hysterectomy

Although the superiority of vaginal compared to abdominal hysterectomy is well established, most gynaecologists still prefer the abdominal route for removal of benign large uteri >14 weeks. Gonadotrophin-releasing hormone agonists such as goserelin can reduce uterine bulk by up to 60% and was initially used to convert a midline to Pfannenstiel incision in abdominal hysterectomy. The conversion of an abdominal to a potential vaginal hysterectomy by uterine size reduction would prove advantageous, and the authors present data from a case control study of 12 women with uteri >14 weeks who successfully underwent vaginal hysterectomy following preoperative treatment with goserelin. Women scheduled for hysterectomy for menorrhagia with non-prolapsing clinical uterine size of >14 weeks were offered an attempt at vaginal hysterectomy after pre-treatment with goserelin. A group of women with comparable uterine size who underwent abdominal hysterectomy for similar indication served as control. Pre- and postoperative data such as haemoglobin, myoma size, uterine weight, duration of procedure and complications were collected prospectively. Both groups had comparable preoperative haemoglobin, subjective preoperative uterine bulk (median 16 weeks) and body mass index. The vaginal hysterectomy group received a median of two goserelin injections prior to surgery, and the uterine weight at histology was similar in both groups (median 580 vs 609 g, p < 0.05). The duration of surgery was twice as long in vaginal compared to abdominal hysterectomy (153.7 vs 85 min, p < 0.05), but analgesia use and the length of inpatient stay were lower in the study group (2.62 vs 3.5 days, p < 0.05). In women with >14 week-size uteri, treatment with gonadotrophin agonists reduces uterine size sufficiently to allow safe vaginal hysterectomy. Although duration of surgery was longer, women who underwent vaginal hysterectomy required less analgesia and had shorter inpatient stay.     

Uterine morcellation during vaginal hysterectomy: apropos of a series of 216 prospective cases

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to compare the surgical outcomes of women undergoing vaginal hysterectomy with and without morcelation. PATIENTS AND METHOD: Between December 1999 and December 2000, 216 women underwent vaginal hysterectomy without laparoscopic assistance at the Department of Gynecology of H?tel-Dieu hospital in Paris. The patients were divided into two groups: 114 of them underwent vaginal hysterectomies with morcelation whereas 102 underwent vaginal hysterectomies without morcelation. The two groups were compared as to demographic data, total complications, operative time, hospital stay length and peri-operative hemoglobin concentration change. RESULTS: Although women undergoing morcelation were significantly younger (mean 49 versus 52, p = 0.01) and less parous (mean 1.9 versus 2.3, p = 0.03), there were no significant differences in other surgical or anesthetic risks factors, including weight, BMI, nulliparity and preexisting surgical diseases. Mean uterine weight was significantly greater in those undergoing morcelation (331 versus 110 g, p < 0.001); operative time was increased in the group which had undergone morcelation (331 versus 110 g, p < 0.001). There were no significant differences between the two groups with respect to peri-operative hemoglobin concentration change or hospital stay length. Finally, the rate of surgical complication was similar in the two groups (17.5 versus 21.5%). CONCLUSION: Although vaginal hysterectomy requires an increase in operative time, morcelation at the time of vaginal hysterectomy is safe and facilitates the vaginal removal of enlarged uteri without increasing peri-operative morbidity.     

非脱垂子宫阴式子宫全切除术的适应证和禁忌证探讨

目的探讨非脱垂子宫阴式子宫全切除术(TVH)的适应证和禁忌证。方法回顾性分析我院1992年6月至2003年6月间2086例非脱垂子宫TVH的临床资料,按子宫体积、既往有无盆腹腔手术史、有无阴道分娩史、是否同时处理附件等分别进行统计,比较手术并发症的发生情况。结果(1)不同体积子宫比较:子宫体积>16孕周患者的非脱垂子宫TVH手术时间、术中出血量及术后盆腔感染率分别为(73±25)min、(237±86)ml、1.69%(7/413);子宫体积≤16孕周患者的非脱垂子宫TVH手术时间、术中出血量及术后盆腔感染率分别为(42±16)min、(101±58)ml、0.78%(13/1673),不同体积子宫上述各项指标比较,差异有统计学意义(P<0.01)。(2)既往有无盆腹腔手术史比较:既往有无盆腹腔手术史患者的非脱垂子宫TVH手术时间和术中出血量比较,差异无统计学意义(P>0.05),但有盆腹腔手术史患者非脱垂子宫TVH的术中并发症发生率升高;(3)有无阴道分娩史患者非脱垂子宫TVH的手术时间和术中出血量比较,差异也无统计学意义(P>0.05);119例合并卵巢囊肿患者均成功行非脱垂子宫TVH。结论子宫体积≤16孕周患者的非脱垂子宫TVH是安全、可行的,子宫体积>16孕周患者的非脱垂子宫TVH手术难度较大,是否行TVH,需根据术者的经验及患者的情况进行选择;既往有盆腹腔手术史,可增加非脱垂子宫TVH并发症的发生率;对于子宫体积≤16孕周的患者,有无阴道分娩史均不影响TVH的成功率;TVH同时处理直径≤6cm的卵巢单纯性囊肿是可行的。     

Laparoscopic-assisted vaginal hysterectomy with in situ morcellation for large uteri

STUDY OBJECTIVE: To estimate whether laparoscopic in situ morcellation (LISM) can facilitate laparoscopic-assisted vaginal hysterectomy (LAVH) for large uteri. DESIGN: Prospective study (Canadian Task Force classification II-1). SETTING: University-affiliated hospital. PATIENTS: In all, 147 women with myoma or adenomyosis weighing more than 500 g from January 2004 through December 2007 were enrolled. The patients were divided into 4 subgroups: patients with uteri weighing 500 to 749 g who had traditional LAVH without LISM (group 1A, n = 69) or with LISM (group 1B, n = 16); and patients with uteri weighing 750 g or more who were treated by traditional LAVH without LISM (group 2A, n = 38) or with LISM (group 2B, n = 24). INTERVENTIONS: Laparoscopic-assisted vaginal hysterectomy with or without LISM. MEASUREMENT AND MAIN RESULTS: No significant differences existed in age, body mass index, preoperative diagnoses, complications, or duration of hospital stay among groups. The mean uterine weights were 608 +/- 75, 597 +/- 66, 989 +/- 179, and 935 +/- 226 g for groups 1A, 1B, 2A, and 2B, respectively. The operative time (120 +/- 16 vs 157 +/- 36 minutes, p <.001; 140 +/- 19 vs 224 +/- 57 minutes, p <.001) were significantly shorter in patients with LISM than without in both groups 1 and 2. The estimated blood loss was highest in group 2A. Six (16%) patients lost more than 500 mL of blood and 3 (8%) of them needed blood transfusions. Conversion to laparotomy occurred in 1 (2.6%) of 38 patients in group 2A. No repeated surgery or surgical mortality occurred. CONCLUSION: Laparoscopic-assisted vaginal hysterectomy with LISM was an efficient and safe procedure for removal of large uteri during LAVH.     

Transvaginal hysterectomy or laparoscopically assisted vaginal hysterectomy for nonprolapsed uteri

BACKGROUND: To define a rational guideline for the use of either laparoscopically assisted vaginal hysterectomy (LAVH) or transvaginal hysterectomy in dealing with a nonprolapsed uterus. METHODS: A total of 452 patients receiving LAVH or transvaginal hysterectomy were retrospectively studied between October 2002 and October 2004. The operative time, estimated blood loss, uterine weight, and complications were all recorded for analysis. RESULTS: Significant linear correlations of uterine weight with operative time and estimated blood loss could be seen only in the transvaginal hysterectomy group. Transvaginal hysterectomy required significantly shorter operative time, but longer duration when the uterine weight exceeded 350 g. These 452 patients were stratified into 4 subgroups according to the uterine weight and hysterectomy procedure. Data are expressed as the mean +/- standard deviation. For uterine weight less than 350 g, transvaginal hysterectomy had significantly shorter operative time than LAVH (80 +/- 27 minutes compared with 118 +/- 21 minutes, P < .05) but similar blood loss (70 mL compared with 74 mL). For uterine weight 350 g or less, transvaginal hysterectomy had not only significantly longer operative time (139 +/- 30 minutes compared with 118 +/- 17 minutes, P < .05) but also more blood loss (242 +/- 162 mL compared with 66 +/- 51 mL, P < .05) than LAVH. CONCLUSION: In view of the shorter operative time and less blood loss, LAVH is preferable for uterine weight 350 g or more, whereas transvaginal hysterectomy is better in dealing with uteri weighing less than 350 g.     

Does medical debulking with gonadotrophin-releasing hormone agonist facilitate vaginal hysterectomy with a moderate enlarged uterus? A randomized control study

Background

Vaginal hysterectomy is considered the method of choice for removal of the uterus but most gynecologists still prefer the abdominal route for removal of benign uteri >14 weeks in size. Conversion of an abdominal to a potential vaginal hysterectomy by uterine size reduction would be advantageous. Gonadotrophin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonists can reduce uterine bulk by up to 50%.

Objective

To evaluate the efficacy of the preoperative administration of a GnRH agonist for women with enlarged non-prolapsing uteri in order to facilitate vaginal hysterectomy, in comparison with patients with enlarged uteri who underwent direct total abdominal hysterectomy (TAH) for the same indication (menorrhagia).

Study design

Randomized controlled study. Women scheduled for hysterectomy for menorrhagia with a non-prolapsing uterus of ≥14 weeks size (by clinical and sonographic assessments) were offered a trial of vaginal hysterectomy after pre-treatment with a GnRH agonist (goserelin) for 3 months (study group = Group 1 = 40). A group of women with uteri of comparable size who underwent abdominal hysterectomy for similar indications served as controls (Group 2 = 40). Pre- and post-operative data such as hemoglobin, myoma size, uterine weight, duration of procedure and complications, pain score and length of hospital stay were collected prospectively.

Results

The weight of the uterine specimen was significantly lower in Group 1 (511.7 ± 217 g) compared to Group 2 (736.8 ± 212 g); P < 0.001. The mean objective decrease in clinical uterine bulk preoperatively in Group 1 was 20.1%. The duration of surgery was nearly 1.5 times as long in vaginal (119.6 ± 41.7 min) compared to abdominal hysterectomy (81.1 ± 34.1 min), P < 0.001, but analgesia use and the length of inpatient stay were significantly lower in Group 1 (2.6 ± 1.3 days) compared to Group 2 (4.12 ± 1.7 days), P < 0.001. There was no significant difference between the two groups as regards the rate of occurrence of surgical complications.

Conclusions

In women with ≥14 week size uteri, treatment with a GnRH agonist reduces uterine size sufficiently to allow safe vaginal hysterectomy. Although duration of surgery was longer, women who underwent vaginal hysterectomy required less analgesia and had a shorter inpatient stay.     

Laparoscopic-assisted vaginal hysterectomy with uterine artery ligation through retrograde umbilical ligament tracking

STUDY OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the clinical outcomes of uterine artery ligation through retrograde tracking of the umbilical ligament (RUL) in laparoscopic-assisted vaginal hysterectomy (LAVH). DESIGN: Prospective study (Canadian Task Force classification II-3). SETTING: University-affiliated hospital. PATIENTS: Two hundred twenty-five women with myomas or adenomyosis. INTERVENTION: Laparoscopic-assisted vaginal hysterectomy with uterine artery identification and ligation through RUL. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: The median age of the patients was 46 years, and the median weight of the extirpated uteri was 340 g, with 26.2% of uteri weighing more than 500 g. The median operation time was 135 minutes, and the median blood loss was 50 mL. The median intramuscular meperidine requirements were 1 ampoule (50 mg), and the median hospital stay was 3 days. It took approximately 10 minutes from identification of the umbilical ligament to ligation of the uterine artery. Uterine weight of 500 g or more required a significantly longer operation time compared with uteri weighing less than 500 g (164 min vs 127 min median, p <.001), and there was more blood loss (100 mL vs 50 mL median, p <.001). There were no differences in the median intramuscular meperidine requirements or hospital stay between the two groups. No blood transfusion was needed in either group, even in patients with a uterine weight of more than 1000 g. By regression analysis, uterine weight was significantly related to blood loss and operation time. A linear relationship was found among uterine weight, operation time, and blood loss: Uterine weight = 87.589 + 1.881 x operation time + 0.48 x blood loss (R = 0.531, F = 35.694, degrees of freedom 184, p <.001). No complications related to RUL were observed, although two bladder injuries related to severe pelvic adhesion with endometriosis and previous cesarean section occurred. CONCLUSION: Minimal blood loss and a low complication rate were noted in LAVH by uterine artery ligation through RUL. This technique should be a valid approach, especially in patients in whom minimal blood loss must be achieved.     

Abdominal or vaginal hysterectomy for enlarged uteri: a randomized clinical trial

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to compare advantages, disadvantages, and outcomes in patients who undergo vaginal or abdominal hysterectomy for enlarged symptomatic uteri. STUDY DESIGN: In a prospective, randomized study, 60 vaginal hysterectomies (study group) were compared with 59 abdominal hysterectomies (control group); all of the hysterectomies were performed for symptomatic uterine fibroids from January 1997 through December 2000. We excluded from the study the other common causes of hysterectomy such as prolapse, bleeding, adenomyosis, and endometrial or cervical carcinoma. In both groups, uterine weights ranged from 200 g to 1300 g. For enlarged uteri, vaginal hysterectomies were performed with the use of volume reduction techniques: Intramyometrial coring, corporal bisection, and morcellation. The evaluated parameters included patient age, weight, parity, uterine weight, operative time, blood loss, demand for analgesics, eventual surgical complications, length of admission, and hospital charges. The Mann-Whitney U test and chi(2) tests were applied for statistical analysis. Probability values of <.05 were considered statistically significant. RESULTS: There were no major differences in patient age, weight, parity, and uterine weight between the two groups. Operative time was significantly lower for the vaginal route as compared with the abdominal route (86 minutes vs 102 minutes, P <.001). No intraoperative complications were noted both in the study and control groups or the control group. Surgical bleeding (expressed by hemoglobin loss) was not significantly different between the two groups. In the postoperative period, we found a higher incidence of fever (30.5% vs 16.6%, P <.05) and demand for analgesics (86% vs 66%, P <.05) in the abdominal group as compared with the vaginal group. Significant advantages of vaginal hysterectomy were a reduction in the hospital stay (3 days vs 4 days, P <.001) and cost. CONCLUSION: These results should lead to the choice of vaginal hysterectomy as a valid alternative to the abdominal hysterectomy, even for enlarged uteri.     

Vaginal hysterectomy in generally considered contraindications to vaginal surgery

Objective The objective was to evaluate the feasibility and complication rate of vaginal hysterectomy with or without adnexectomy in women with enlarged uteri and/or other considered contraindications to the vaginal route.Study design Over a period of 2 years, a total of 204 women underwent vaginal hysterectomy for benign pathology. Normally considered contraindications to the vaginal route were: moderate to excessive uterine enlargement, nulliparity or no prior vaginal delivery, previous cesarean or pelvic surgeries and adnexal pathologies. Laparoscopy was used only if it became necessary. Patients with uterine prolapse were excluded. The clinical outcomes and complication rate were analyzed even with regards to the type of contraindication.Results The mean age of the patients was 46.96±4.8 years (range: 38–68). The mean uterine weight was 427.74±254.75 g (range: 150–2,000). The operative time ranged from 30 to 140 min (mean: 61.59±21.80 SD) for vaginal hysterectomy alone, increasing up to 170 min (mean: 83.6±38.28 SD) in case of adnexectomy or laparoscopic assistance. The patient characteristics, the uterine weight and the postoperative results and clinical outcome did not differ among the groups of contraindications. Overall, the complication rate was 9.8%. No patient required a transfusion for surgical blood loss, a return to the operating room or readmission to the hospital. During vaginal hysterectomy, adnexectomy was possible in 90.6% of the cases in which it was indicated (unilateral in 21.8% because of adnexal pathology) and was technically impossible in 9.3%. In 4 cases (1.9%) it was not possible to complete vaginal hysterectomy owing to the presence of thick adhesions obliterating the cul-de-sac, of severe endometriosis or other unforeseen circumstances. In these few cases with a difficult access to the ovaries (2.9% of all VH) or with difficulties in mobilizing the uterus, we resorted to laparoscopy. The pneumoperitoneum was achieved by means of an insufflation tube inserted via the vagina into the abdominal cavity and packing the vagina. Thus, the risks associated to the insertion of the Veress needle were avoided. In all but two cases in which conversion to laparotomy was necessary, laparoscopy was successfully completed.Conclusions Vaginal hysterectomy appears to be feasible in about 97% of cases in which this approach would have been judged unsuitable. This figure decreases to 94.2% when oophorectomy is indicated.     

Challenging generally accepted contraindications to vaginal hysterectomy

OBJECTIVE: A number of preexisting clinical conditions are generally accepted as contraindications to vaginal hysterectomy. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the validity of this concept. STUDY DESIGN: The study vaginal hysterectomy group consisted of 250 consecutive patients undergoing vaginal hysterectomy. These patients (1) had a large uterus (>180 g), (2) either were nulliparous or had no previous vaginal delivery, or (3) had a previous cesarean delivery or pelvic laparotomy. Three control groups used for comparison underwent (1) laparoscopically assisted vaginal hysterectomy, (2) vaginal hysterectomy, or (3) abdominal hysterectomy. The records for all patients were analyzed for age, weight, parity, primary diagnosis, uterine size, operative time, blood loss, analgesia, hospital stay, resumption of diet, incidence of morcellation, and surgical complications. Sample size calculations were based on previous studies of complications associated with vaginal hysterectomy (alpha =.05; beta =.20). RESULTS: Hysterectomy was successfully completed by the intended vaginal route in all study patients. Major and minor complications (3.2%) were significantly less (P <.001) than in the other groups as follows: vaginal hysterectomy, 10.4%; laparoscopically assisted vaginal hysterectomy, 11.6%; and abdominal hysterectomy, 13.6%. The decrease in hematocrit was 5.7% in the study vaginal hysterectomy group compared with 6.2% for vaginal hysterectomy, 6.5% for abdominal hysterectomy (P =.009), and 6.6% for laparoscopically assisted vaginal hysterectomy (P =.002). Hospital stay was shorter for the study group (2.1 days) than for vaginal hysterectomy (2.3 days; P <.001) and abdominal hysterectomy (2.7 days; P <.001). Operative time was shorter in the study vaginal hysterectomy group (49 minutes) than with laparoscopically assisted vaginal hysterectomy (76 minutes; P <.001) or abdominal hysterectomy (61 minutes; P <.001), although morcellation was carried out more frequently in the study group (34%) than with vaginal hysterectomy (4%) or laparoscopically assisted vaginal hysterectomy (11%). CONCLUSION: Our data indicate that a large uterus, nulliparity, previous cesarean delivery, and pelvic laparotomy rarely constitute contraindications to vaginal hysterectomy.     

Systematic Implementation of Laparoscopic Hysterectomy Independent of Uterus Size: Clinical Effect

Study ObjectiveTo investigate the effect of uterine weight on the mode of hysterectomy and on perioperative outcomes and to explore how the increasing experience in endoscopic techniques influenced our choice of surgical approach to hysterectomy to treat benign conditions.DesignRetrospective analysis (Canadian Task Force classification II-2).SettingUniversity-based department of obstetrics and gynecology.PatientsA series of 1518 consecutive women with benign uterine conditions other than pelvic organ prolapse who underwent hysterectomy at our department between January 2000 and December 2011.InterventionsGradual implementation of the laparoscopic approach over years, with the goal of attempting endoscopic hysterectomy whenever possible and irrespective of uterine weight. Comparisons were made on the basis of various approaches to hysterectomy including vaginal hysterectomy (VH), abdominal hysterectomy (AH), and total laparoscopic hysterectomy (TLH) and on uterine weight.Measurements and Main ResultsHysterectomies performed included 568 VH (37.4%), 234 AH (15.4%), and 716 TLH (47.2%). Postoperative complications were lower in the TLH group vs the AH group; no significant difference was observed between the VH vs TLH groups or the AH vs VH groups. A marked reduction in the need for open surgery was noted between 2000 and 2011 (p for trend <.001). Restricting the analysis to TLH, an increase in operative time and blood loss was observed, parallel to increasing uterine weight. Hospital stay and rate of intraoperative and postoperative complications were independent of uterine weight. In 45 women with uterus weight ≥1000 g, the initial approach was via laparoscopy, with a success rate of 95.6% (n = 43). A marked tendency toward reduction in the use of open surgery was observed through the years when uterine weight was ≥1 kg (p for trend <.001).ConclusionSystematic implementation of laparoscopic hysterectomy enables a marked reduction in the need for AH. In experienced hands, even very large uteri (≥1 kg) can be safely removed via laparoscopy.     

Hysterectomy in obese women: a comparison of abdominal and vaginal routes

OBJECTIVE: To compare perioperative outcome measures of abdominal and vaginal hysterectomies in obese women. METHODS: We reviewed the charts of all obese women (body mass index more than 30 kg/m(2)) who underwent abdominal or vaginal hysterectomy for benign gynecologic conditions in our institution between 1997 and 2002. Laparoscopically assisted vaginal hysterectomies and hysterectomies with concomitant major pelvic or abdominal surgery were excluded. The rate of operative and postoperative complications, length of hospitalization, operative time, and perioperative change of hemoglobin concentration were analyzed for abdominal hysterectomy and vaginal hysterectomy. RESULTS: The study group consisted of 369 obese women, of whom 189 (51.2%) underwent abdominal, and 180 (48.8%), vaginal hysterectomy. Patient characteristics were statistically comparable between the groups except for uterine weight, which was higher in the abdominal group, and parity, which was greater for women who underwent vaginal hysterectomy (P <.05). After controlling for all the significantly different variables, vaginal hysterectomy resulted in lower incidence of postoperative fever (odds ratio [OR] 0.22, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.12-0.39), ileus (OR 0.21, 95% CI 0.06-0.75), urinary tract infection (OR 0.21, 95% CI 0.06-0.75), shorter operative time (126.8 +/- 58.7 minutes compared with 109.7 +/- 68.5 minutes) and length of hospital stay (3.5 +/- 1.9 days compared with 1.9 +/- 1.1 days). Seven women (3.7%) who underwent abdominal hysterectomy developed wound infections during their hospital stay compared with none in the vaginal hysterectomy group. CONCLUSION: For obese women, vaginal hysterectomy is superior due to its lower incidence of postoperative fever, ileus, and urinary tract infection and shorter operative time and hospital stay. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: II-2     

Recovery from vaginal hysterectomy compared with laparoscopy-assisted vaginal hysterectomy: a prospective, randomized, multicenter study

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate short-term recovery of vaginal hysterectomy with those of laparoscopic assisted vaginal hysterectomy performed in a prospective, randomized multicentric study. STUDY DESIGN: Eighty patients referred for hysterectomy for benign pathology were randomized to either vaginal hysterectomy (40 patients) or laparoscopic assisted vaginal hysterectomy (40 patients). Inclusion criteria were uterine size larger than 280 g and one or more of the following: previous pelvic surgery, history of pelvic inflammatory disease, moderate or severe endometriosis, concomitant adnexal masses, and indication for adnexectomy. No upper limit of uterine size was set. All the laparoscopic and the vaginal hysterectomies were done under endotracheal general anesthesia. RESULTS: There was no statistically significant difference in terms of patient's age, parity, postmenopausal state, indication for surgery and mean uterine weight between the 2 groups. Laparoconversion was performed in three women in the laparoscopic group. Operative time was significantly shorter in the vaginal versus the laparoscopic groups 108+/-35 and 160+/-50 respectively (p<0.001). The use of paracetamol, non steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and opioid during hospitalization were similar in the 2 groups. There was no difference in the 1st day hemoglobin level drop, time of passing gas and stool, or hospital stay between the 2 groups. CONCLUSION: In contrast with earlier reports, there was no difference in short-term recovery between patients undergoing vaginal or laparoscopic hysterectomy. No advantage was found performing laparoscopic assisted vaginal hysterectomy in comparison with the standard vaginal hysterectomy.