Laparoscopic hysterectomy versus total abdominal hysterectomy: a comparative study

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to compare the intraoperative and short-term postoperative complications of laparoscopic hysterectomy and total abdominal hysterectomy. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective study of 167 women who had laparoscopic hysterectomy and 119 women who had total abdominal hysterectomy. For assessing the learning curve, the laparoscopic hysterectomies were further subdivided to the first 30 hysterectomies and the later hysterectomies. For data analysis Student's t-test, chi2-test and Fisher's exact test were used. RESULTS: There were no statistically significant differences between the two groups for age, body mass index, previous abdominal surgery, uterine weight, first postoperative day hemoglobin drop, blood transfusion and major or minor complications rate. Operation time was significantly longer for laparoscopic than abdominal hysterectomy (156+/-40 and 91.2+/-33 min, respectively; P<0.001) but the length of hospital stay was significantly shorter (3.9 and 6.55 days, respectively; P<0.001). The conversion rate of laparoscopic hysterectomy was 1.8% (three cases). CONCLUSIONS: Laparoscopic hysterectomy can be safely done even during the learning curve with a low and reasonable complication rate, and a shorter hospital stay but with longer operation time. As experience is gained the operation time, complication rate and hospital stay are decreased.     

腹腔镜与开腹次全子宫切除术比较研究

目的:探讨腹腔镜次全子宫切除与开腹次全子宫切除的优缺点。方法:80例因子宫肌瘤等需次全子宫切除的患者,根据患者意愿,分为腹腔镜组和开腹组,每组40例,分析2种手术的手术时间、出血量、术后病率、肠功能恢复、平均住院天数等情况。结果:腹腔镜组平均手术时间为45.5±10.6min,明显短于开腹组(51.64±10.2min),P<0.05;腹腔镜组平均出血量为95.7±20.2ml,明显少于开腹组(123.3±27.7ml),P<0.01;腹腔镜组术后病率为7.5%(3/40),明显少于开腹组的25.0%(10/40);腹腔镜组术后平均排气时间为21.5±2.2h,明显少于开腹组(28.9±4.7h),P<0.05;腹腔镜组术后平均住院时间为4.2±1.5d,明显少于开腹组(6.6±0.5d),P<0.01。术后6个月随访时,除开腹组有2例伤口愈合不良外,其余无并发症。结论:腹腔镜次全子宫切除较开腹的优势更趋明显,如果腹腔镜操作技巧熟练,在腹腔镜下进行次全子宫切除是一种理想的术式。     

A comparison of total laparoscopic hysterectomy to robotically assisted hysterectomy: surgical outcomes in a community practice

STUDY OBJECTIVE: To compare gynecologic practice and perioperative outcomes of patients undergoing total laparoscopic hysterectomy and robotic hysterectomy before and after implementation of a robotics program. DESIGN: A retrospective chart review of the last 200 consecutive hysterectomy cases completed before and after implementation of a robotics program (Canadian Task Force classification III). SETTING: Community hospital. PATIENTS: All patients requiring hysterectomy for benign indications between November 2004 and January 2007. INTERVENTIONS: Patients were candidates for total laparoscopic, abdominal, or vaginal hysterectomy before February 2006 and were candidates for total laparoscopic, total abdominal, total vaginal, or robotic-assisted laparoscopic hysterectomy after February 2006. Perioperative characteristics and trends were studied. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: In all, 100 patients intended to be treated by laparoscopic hysterectomy before the implementation of a robotics program were compared with 100 patients treated by robotic hysterectomy after robot implementation. Overall the robotic cohort experienced longer operative times by an average of 27 minutes. The prerobotic cohort, however, when compared with the last 25 robotic cases had longer operative times (92.4 minutes [29.2], 95% CI 46.0-225.0 vs 78.7 minutes [29.5], 95% CI 66.0-91.2, p = .03). The mean blood loss in the prerobotic cohort was twice that of the robotic cohort (113 mL [85.9], 95% CI 95.9-130.1 vs 61.1 mL [60.9], 95% CI 48.9-73.2, p <.0001) and the mean length of hospital stay was half a day longer in the prerobotic cohort than in the robotic cohort (1.6 days [1.4], 95% CI 1.3-1.9 vs 1.1 days [0.7], 95% CI 1.0-1.3, p <.007). The incidence of adverse events was the same in both groups. The total number of exploratory laparotomies in the prerobotic cohort was significantly greater than in the robotic group (11% vs 0%). The rate of intraoperative conversions to total abdominal hysterectomy from laparoscopy was approximately 2-fold higher in the prerobotic cohort as compared with the robotic cohort (9% vs 4%). CONCLUSION: A higher likelihood of exploratory laparotomy for hysterectomy in the prerobotic cohort versus the robotic cohort and a higher likelihood of intraoperative conversion to laparotomy with the prerobotic cohort than with the robotic cohort existed. Reduced operative time, reduced blood loss, and shortened length of stay may be achieved in patients who are treated robotically versus a nonrobotic approach. Robotics may facilitate the minimally invasive treatment of patients while potentially reducing the rate of abdominal hysterectomies.     

Comparison of two procedures for laparovaginal hysterectomy: a randomized trial

OBJECTIVE: To compare peroperative parameters of two variants of a laparovaginal hysterectomy in surgical management of gynecological conditions. METHODS: A prospective randomized study of 70 laparovaginal hysterectomies performed by the same two surgeons for disease of female pelvic organs. The following criteria were studied: indication for surgery, previous surgery, duration of the procedure, recovery, hospital stay, blood loss, tissue damage markers, hysterectomy proportions and complication incidence. Statistical analysis was performed using the non-parametric chi(2)-test and non-parametric Fischer's exact probability test when appropriate, with a level of significance P=0.05. RESULTS: Totals of 38 (54.3%) laparoscopy-assisted vaginal and 31 (45.7%) vaginally assisted laparoscopic hysterectomies were performed for fibroma as the main indication. Conversion to laparotomy was applied in only one patient. The VALH group (P=0.01) showed both fewer procedures and shorter hospital stay with insignificant blood loss. CONCLUSION: The two variants of a laparovaginal hysterectomy appear to be safe and appropriate, effective procedures for women with gynecological conditions. Furthermore, vaginally assisted laparoscopic hysterectomy has been shown to be superior to laparoscopy-assisted vaginal hysterectomy in terms of shorter operating time and greater palliative effect upon the complex of uterosacral ligaments. Laparoscopic surgery can alter the relationship between vaginal and abdominal hysterectomy.     

腹腔镜下不同子宫切除术2272例临床分析

目的　评价腹腔镜鞘膜内子宫切除术 (LISH)、腹腔镜子宫次全切除术 (LSH)、腹腔镜全子宫切除术(LTH)和腹腔镜辅助阴式子宫切除术 (LAVH)4种术式的临床效果。方法　回顾性分析各种腹腔镜子宫切除术 2272例的手术时间、出血量、并发症及术后恢复情况等。结果　保留子宫颈的两种术式中,LISH1323例(LISH组),手术时间为(91±21)min,出血量为 (93±23)ml,并发症发生率为 4 1%;LSH229例(LSH组),手术时间为(70±18)min,出血量为 (69±17)ml,无一例并发症发生;LISH组的手术时间、出血量及并发症发生率均高于LSH组,差异有统计学意义 (P<0.01)。去除子宫颈的两种术式中,LAVH588例(LAVH组),手术时间为(119±28)min,出血量为 (156±23)ml,并发症发生率为 1 0%;LTH132例(LTH组),手术时间为 (121±30)min,出血量为 (193±38)ml,并发症发生率 1 5%;LAVH组的手术时间、并发症发生率与LTH组比较,差异无统计学意义(P>0.05),而术中出血量LTH组明显多于LAVH组,差异有统计学意义(P<0.01)。结论　4种术式均为腹腔镜下子宫切除的有效术式,且各有利弊;应根据患者的具体情况选择适宜术式。     

Laparoscopic hysterectomy

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: In this review we intend to describe the recent developments and experience gained in recent years with the different types of laparoscopic hysterectomies, and to compare results with those of abdominal hysterectomy. RECENT FINDINGS: In the United States, in the last decade, there has been clear trend towards laparoscopic hysterectomy. An increase from 0.3% to 9.9% was observed within a 7-year period from 1990 to 1997. High costs and lack of appropriate educational systems for residents and fellows slows the anticipated spread of this relatively new modality. From some retrospective publications it seems that complication rates have increased in laparoscopic hysterectomies, especially those involving the urinary system. However, a recent analysis revealed a reasonable complication rate for the procedure, compared with abdominal hysterectomy, if the surgeon passes a learning curve of the first 30 procedures. A conflict arises in regard to preservation of the uterine cervix during laparoscopic hysterectomy. Alternative procedures, such as supracervical laparoscopic hysterectomy or classic intrafascial supra-cervical hysterectomy, have been proposed. However, careful long-term analysis of results demonstrates a high complication rate requiring further operations in 24% of patients. SUMMARY: Less intraoperative bleeding, shorter hospital stay with less morbidity and shorter convalescence period remains the obvious advantages of laparoscopic in comparison with abdominal hysterectomy.     

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.     

Changing hysterectomy technique from open abdominal to laparoscopic: new trend in Oslo, Norway

STUDY OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the change in hysterectomy technique. DESIGN: Retrospective study (Canadian Task Force classification XXX). SETTING: University tertiary referring center in Norway. PATIENTS: A total of 1963 women treated with hysterectomy over a 5-year period in Oslo. INTERVENTIONS: The operative records and techniques were investigated in all treated patients. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: A total of 1963 hysterectomies were performed from 2001 through 2005. The operative patient records were investigated with the main focus on indication for surgery and the technique used in the operative procedure. In 2001, 62 (17.7%) laparoscopic hysterectomies were performed, while 256 (73.1%) of the hysterectomies were done with laparotomy. The operative technique has gradually changed during the last 5 years. In 2005, 220 (53.5%) of the surgical procedures were laparoscopic, 177 (43.1%) were done by laparotomy, while the vaginal approach in all these years was less than 10%. CONCLUSION: From 2001 to 2005, a trend shift of the operative technique has been observed in Oslo, increasing the endoscopic hysterectomy rate from approximately 18% to 54%. During the same time, enlarged uteri with myomas equivalent to 10 to 12 weeks' gestation and endometrial cancer were more often treated by laparoscopic hysterectomy instead of open abdominal hysterectomy. With modern equipment and trained staff, more routine hysterectomies can be managed with laparoscopy.     

Comparison of total laparoscopic and abdominal radical hysterectomy for patients with early-stage cervical cancer

OBJECTIVE: To compare intraoperative, pathologic, and postoperative outcomes of total laparoscopic radical hysterectomy with abdominal radical hysterectomy and pelvic lymphadenectomy for women with early-stage cervical cancer. METHODS: We reviewed all patients who underwent total laparoscopic radical hysterectomy or abdominal radical hysterectomy and pelvic lymphadenectomy between 2004 and 2006. RESULTS: Fifty-four patients underwent abdominal radical hysterectomy, and 35 underwent total laparoscopic radical hysterectomy. Mean age was 41.8 years, and mean body mass index 28.1. There was no difference in demographic or tumor factors between the two groups. Mean estimated blood loss was 548 mL with abdominal radical hysterectomy compared with 319 mL with total laparoscopic radical hysterectomy (P=.009), and 15% of patients who underwent abdominal radical hysterectomy required a blood transfusion compared with 11% who underwent total laparoscopic radical hysterectomy (P=.62). Mean operative time was 307 minutes for abdominal radical hysterectomy compared with 344 minutes for total laparoscopic radical hysterectomy (P=.03). On pathologic examination, there was no significant difference in the amount of parametrial tissue, vaginal cuff, or negative margins obtained. A mean 19 pelvic nodes were obtained during abdominal radical hysterectomy compared with 14 during total laparoscopic radical hysterectomy (P=.001). The median duration of hospital stay was significantly shorter for total laparoscopic radical hysterectomy (2.0 compared with 5.0 days, P<.001). For abdominal radical hysterectomy, 53% of patients experienced postoperative infectious morbidity compared with 18% for total laparoscopic radical hysterectomy (P=.001). There was no difference in postoperative noninfectious morbidity. There was no difference in return of urinary function. CONCLUSION: Total laparoscopic radical hysterectomy reduces operative blood loss, postoperative infectious morbidity, and postoperative length of stay without sacrificing the size of radical hysterectomy specimen margins; however, total laparoscopic radical hysterectomy is associated with increased operative time.     

Decrease in the number of abdominal hysterectomies after introduction of laparoscopic hysterectomy

STUDY OBJECTIVE: To compare two 3-year periods before and after laparoscopic hysterectomy was introduced into our resident training program. DESIGN: Retrospective analysis (Canadian Task Force classification II-2). SETTING: Teaching hospital in the Netherlands. PATIENTS: Women undergoing hysterectomy from 1992 to 1994 and 1995 to 1997. INTERVENTION: Abdominal, vaginal, and laparoscopic hysterectomies. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Laparoscopic hysterectomy significantly (p<0.002) reduced the number of abdominal hysterectomies. CONCLUSION: To reduce the number of abdominal hysterectomies, it is essential that the laparoscopic procedure be taught to residents.     

Morbidity with total laparoscopic and laparoscopically assisted vaginal hysterectomy

We evaluated the operative and postoperative morbidity among 103 women who underwent total laparoscopic hysterectomy and 107 others who underwent laparoscopically assisted vaginal hysterectomy. Blood loss was significantly greater in the assisted vaginal hysterectomy group (178.0 ± 12.1 ml) than in the total hysterectomy group (130.2 ± 10.7 ml) (p < 0.001). Despite higher uterine weight in the total hysterectomy group, the operative time of both techniques was similar. The complications of both hysterectomies were also comparable. The results from our study suggest that the complication rates of laparoscopically assisted vaginal hysterectomy and total hysterectomy are similar. However, laparoscopically assisted vaginal hysterectomy is associated with increased blood loss.     

Elective cesarean hysterectomy vs elective cesarean section followed by remote hysterectomy: reassessing the risks

Objective: The purpose of this study was to compare the risks of elective cesarean hysterectomy with the risks of elective cesarean section followed by remote hysterectomy.Methods: A census of elective cesarean hysterectomies (n = 31) and a random sample of 200 cesarean sections and 200 hysterectomies performed by the authors between 1987 and 1996 were evaluated. Only elective repeat and primary cesarean section patients without labor were selected for study (n = 86). Total abdominal hysterectomies were drawn from the sample (n = 60), excluding cancer cases, patients over 50 years old, and those with ancillary procedures other than adnexectomy and lysis of adhesions. General probability theory was used to calculate a predicted complication rate of cesarean section followed by TAH from the complication rates of the component procedures done independently. This predicted combined complication rate was then compared to the observed rate of complications from cesarean hysterectomy to evaluate the risks of the two alternative treatment regimens.Results: Elective cesarean section and total abdominal hysterectomy had complication rates of 12.8% and 13.4%, respectively. The predicted combined complication rate for elective cesarean section followed by TAH was 24.5%. The observed rate of complications for elective cesarean hysterectomy was much lower (16.1%). Although bleeding complications were similar for the two regimens, the rate of transfusion was higher for cesarean hysterectomy (13.0%) than for cesarean section (0%) and TAH (3.4%) alone. Eighty percent of the cesarean hysterectomy patients would have been candidates for autologous blood donation, had it been available.Conclusions: Elective cesarean hysterectomy has a lower risk of complications than elective cesarean section followed by remote abdominal hysterectomy and should be preferred. Transfusion risks are higher for cesarean hysterectomy but can be decreased by the use of autologous blood.     

Hysterectomy: surgical route and complications

OBJECTIVES: To compare the morbidity associated with abdominal, vaginal and laparoscopic hysterectomies in a group of patients suitable for anyone of these surgical routes. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective analysis of 1000 consecutive hysterectomies. RESULTS: The 513 patients were deemed to be suitable for hysterectomy by anyone of the three surgical routes. The overall complication rates were 34, 24 and 21% for abdominal, vaginal and laparoscopic hysterectomy, respectively. Multiple regression analysis showed that the morbidity was similar when confounding factors were allowed for, in particular the use of peri-operative antibiotics. CONCLUSIONS: The route of hysterectomy is not a major determining factor of peri-operative complications when other confounding variables are taken into account.     

A randomized study of total abdominal, vaginal and laparoscopic hysterectomy.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate operative time, blood loss and inflammatory response in patients submitted to hysterectomy. METHODS: Sixty patients referred for hysterectomy were prospectively randomized to total abdominal hysterectomy (n=20), vaginal hysterectomy (n=20), or laparoscopic hysterectomy (n=20). The operative time, blood loss (variation in erythrocyte and hemoglobin) and inflammatory answer (CRP and interleukin-6 dosages) were compared by using Kruskal-Wallis, Dunn non-parametric test and variance analysis with repeated measurements. RESULTS: Operative time was shorter for vaginal hysterectomy, and there was no significant difference between total abdominal hysterectomy and laparoscopic hysterectomy. Reduction in erythrocyte and hemoglobin was more noticeable after vaginal hysterectomy, followed by total abdominal hysterectomy and laparoscopic hysterectomy. CRP levels increased steadily from vaginal hysterectomy to laparoscopic hysterectomy and then to total abdominal hysterectomy. The increase in interleukin-6 was substantially higher in total abdominal hysterectomy, whereas no difference was noted between vaginal and laparoscopic hysterectomy. CONCLUSIONS: Vaginal hysterectomy presents superior results in terms of operative time and inflammatory response when compared with total abdominal and laparoscopic hysterectomy and it should be the first option for hysterectomy. Laparoscopic hysterectomy should be considered when the vaginal approach is unfeasible, showing clear advantages over abdominal hysterectomy.     

A comparison of laparoscopic supracervical hysterectomy and total abdominal hysterectomy outcomes

STUDY OBJECTIVE: To compare operative and postoperative results of laparoscopic supracervical hysterectomy (LSH) and total abdominal hysterectomy (TAH). DESIGN: Cohort retrospective analysis of consecutive patients (Canadian Task Force classification II-3). SETTING: Department of gynecology at a metropolitan medical center. PATIENTS: Two hundred-twenty women who underwent LSH with or without bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy (BSO). Two hundred-twenty women who underwent TAH with or without BSO. Both groups had similar surgical indications and final pathology. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Women who underwent LSH had a shorter operating time than those in the TAH group (47.7 +/- 14.6 min vs 74.9 +/- 25.6 min). Hospital stay was significantly shorter in the LSH group, and those patients returned to work sooner. The operative complication rate was higher in the TAH group (2.7% vs 0.9%). Postoperative complication rate for the TAH group was higher than the LSH group (25% vs zero). CONCLUSION: Laparoscopic supracervical hysterectomy is a safe and effective surgical treatment for patients in need of a hysterectomy with or without BSO. The procedure can be performed in an outpatient setting. Patients experience a much quicker recovery than those who undergo TAH, and the complication rate is significantly lower.     

Learning curve and surgical outcome for robotic-assisted hysterectomy with lymphadenectomy: case-matched controlled comparison with laparoscopy and laparotomy for treatment of endometrial cancer

Study ObjectiveTo determine the learning curve for robotic-assisted hysterectomy with lymphadenectomy for surgical treatment of endometrial cancer.DesignAn analysis of robotic-assisted hysterectomy with lymphadenectomy vs total laparoscopic hysterectomy with lymphadenectomy and laparotomy with total abdominal hysterectomy with lymphadenectomy (Canadian Task Force classification II-1).SettingSolo, experienced, minimally invasive gynecologic oncology practice in a tertiary hospital.PatientsOne hundred forty-eight patients including 56 patients who underwent robotic-assisted hysterectomy with bilateral pelvic and paraaortic lymph node dissection, 56 patients who underwent total laparoscopic hysterectomy with bilateral pelvic and paraaortic lymph node dissection, and 36 patients who underwent traditional total abdominal hysterectomy with bilateral pelvic and paraaortic lymph node dissection performed by the same surgeon for treatment of endometrial cancer.InterventionsRobotic-assisted hysterectomy with bilateral lymphadenectomy, total laparoscopic hysterectomy with bilateral lymphadenectomy, and traditional total abdominal hysterectomy with bilateral lymphadenectomy were performed. Data were categorized by chronologic order of cases into groups of 20 patients each. The learning curve of the surgical procedure was estimated by measuring operative time with respect to chronologic order of each patient who had undergone the respective procedure.Measurements and Main ResultsFor the 3 surgical procedures, data analyzed included mean age, body mass index, operative time, blood loss, lymph node retrieval, and complications. Mean (SD); 95% confidence interval [CI]) operative time for the 3 procedures was statistically significant: 162.5 (53) minutes (95% CI, 148.6–176.4]), 192.3 (55.5) minutes (95% CI, 177.6–207.0), and 136.9 (32.3) minutes (95% CI, 126.3–147.5), respectively. Analysis of operative time for robotic-assisted hysterectomy with bilateral lymph node dissection with respect to chronologic order of each group of 20 cases demonstrated a decrease in operative time: 183.2 (69) minutes (95% CI; 153.0–213.4) for cases 1 to 20, 152.7 (39.8) minutes (95% CI, 135.3–170.1) for cases 21 to 40, and 148.8 (36.7) minutes (95% CI, 130.8–166.8) for cases 41 to 56. For the groups with laparoscopic hysterectomy with lymphadenectomy and traditional total abdominal hysterectomy with lymphadenectomy, there was no difference in operative time with respect to chronologic group order of cases. There was a difference between the number of lymph nodes retrieved between robotic-assisted hysterectomy with bilateral lymphadenectomy (26.7 [12.8]; 95% CI, 23.3–30.1) compared with laparoscopic hysterectomy with bilateral lymphadenectomy (45.1 [20.9]; 95% CI, 39.6–50.6) and traditional total abdominal hysterectomy with lymphadenectomy (55.8 [23.4]; 95% CI, 48.2–63.4). The rate of intraoperative complications for laparoscopic hysterectomy with bilateral lymphadenectomy was 12.5% (7 of 56) compared with 0 % for robotic-assisted hysterectomy with bilateral lymphadenectomy. The rate of postoperative complications was 14.3% (8 of 56), 21.4% (12 of 56), and 19.4% (7 of 36), respectively, for the 3 groups. There was less blood loss with robotic-assisted hysterectomy with bilateral lymphadenectomy (89.3 [45.4]; 95% CI, 77.4–101.2) compared with laparoscopic hysterectomy with bilateral lymphadenectomy (209.1 [91.8]; 95% CI, 185.1–233.1) and traditional total abdominal hysterectomy with lymphadenectomy (266.0 [145.1]; 95% CI, 218.6–313.4). Duration of hospitalization was shorter in the group with robotic-assisted hysterectomy with bilateral lymphadenectomy (1.6 [0.7]; 95% CI, 1.4–1.8) compared with the groups who underwent laparoscopic hysterectomy with bilateral lymphadenectomy (2.6 [0.9]; 95% CI, 2.4–2.8) or traditional total abdominal hysterectomy with lymphadenectomy (4.9 [1.9]; 95% CI, (4.3–5.5).ConclusionThe learning curve for robotic-assisted hysterectomy with lymph node dissection seems to be easier compared with that for laparoscopic hysterectomy with lymph node dissection for surgical management of endometrial cancer.     

The medical and economic impact of laparoscopically assisted vaginal hysterectomy in a large, metropolitan, not-for-profit hospital

Objective: Our purpose was to evaluate the medical and economic impact of operative laparoscopy on the surgical approach to hysterectomy for benign disease in a large, metropolitan, not-for-profit hospital.Study design: Retrospective analyses were performed on 2563 hysterectomies (without vaginal or bladder repair) for benign disease, performed and stapling devices were not used at any time during the study period. Electrosurgery and sutures were used for hemostasis. Parameters analyzed included surgical approach (total abdominal hysterectomy, vaginal hysterectomy, laparoscopically assisted vaginal hysterectomy, and failied laparoscopically assisted vaginal hysterectomy), operative time, postoperative diagnosis, operative blood loss, length of stay, complications, uterine weight, and hospital changes. Changes in each of these parameters were analyzed and compared in 6-month increments.Results: During the study period the percent of hysterectomies performed abdominally declined from 65% to 36%. Laparoscopically assisted vaginal hysterectomy increased from 12% to 45%, and vaginal abdominal hysterectomy, 102 minutes (=2.3 minutes) for laparoscopically assisted vaginal hysterectomy, and 63 minutes (±2 minutes) for vaginal hysterectomy. Hospital stay was 68 hours (±1.5 hours) for total abdominal hysterectomy, 44 hours (±1.2 hours) for laparoscopically assited vaginal hysterectomy, and 43 hours (±4.1 hours) for vaginal hysterectomy. The average hospital charge was $6552 (±$108) for total abdominal hysterectomy, $6431 (±$100) for laparoscopically assisted vaginal hysterectomy, and $5869 (±$116) for vaginal hysterectomy.Conclusions: Contrary to previously published studies, our study demonstrates (1) laparoscopically assisted vaginal hysterectomy is a cost-effective procedure when performed with reusable instruments, (2) laparoscopically assisted vaginal hysterectomy is a safe procedure, even when performed by a variety of gynecologists with different skill levels, and (3) the number of hysterectomies performed abdominally was decreased by 29% without incurring more complications or reducing the number of vaginal cases.     

Hysterectomies in patients with no history of vaginal delivery. A study of 243 cases

OBJECTIVE: The object of this study was to audit the policy of hysterectomy in nulliparous women in a university hospital. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A retrospective medical records analysis of all hysterectomies performed during an 8-year period. Patients with no history of vaginal delivery were stratified into three groups: group 1, patients who underwent abdominal hysterectomies; group 2, patients undergoing vaginal hysterectomy (2a) or laparoscopy-assisted vaginal hysterectomy (2b). The groups were compared as to demographic data, surgical complications and outcomes. RESULTS: During the study period, there were 243 hysterectomies in patients with no history of vaginal delivery. Among these, vaginal hysterectomies (group 2) were undertaken in 75% (182 patients) and successfully performed in all but 13 patients (7.1%). Mean uterine weight was 943 grams in group 1 and 370 grams in group 2. Abdominal route (group 1) was associated with longer operative time (average: 105 min) than vaginal route (group 2a; 81 min) but shorter operative time that laparoscopy-assisted vaginal route (group 2b; 173 min). There was no significant difference in mean estimated blood loss and complications rates between groups 1 and 2. Hospital stay was shorter in group 2. Laparoscopic assistance was not associated with bigger uteri, neither with fewer complications. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: Nulliparity should no longer be considered a contraindication to vaginal hysterectomy. In such patients, many more hysterectomies should be carried out vaginally and laparoscopic assistance does not offer obvious advantages over the standard vaginal approach.     

Benign Hysterectomy Operative Times and 30-Day Complications: A Cohort Study

Study ObjectiveTo evaluate the 30-day complication rate among different hysterectomy routes and operative times.DesignA retrospective cohort study.SettingAmerican College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database from 2011 to 2019.PatientsA total of 216 621 total cases including total abdominal hysterectomies (TAHs), total vaginal hysterectomies, total laparoscopic-assisted vaginal hysterectomies, and total laparoscopic hysterectomies.InterventionsEligible cases included benign hysterectomies with operative times between 20 minutes and 500 minutes. We excluded cases involving disseminated cancer, emergency surgery, supracervical approaches, or concomitant procedures.Measurements and Main ResultsMultivariable logistic regression was used to evaluate the relationship between postoperative complications and operative time for each operative route. Multivariable logistic regression with a linear spline term was used to analyze differences in the association between postoperative complications and operative time below and above threshold operative times.Multivariable logistic regression demonstrated a significant association between operative time and overall complication rates for all hysterectomy routes. Spline logistic regression demonstrated a significant increase in adjusted odds of a complication occurring at or above the thresholds of 100 minutes for TAH.ConclusionPatients undergoing a TAH for benign indications had a significantly increased odds of developing a complication within 30 days when operative time exceeded 100 minutes. Operative time may play a larger role in preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative management than previously recognized for TAH in contrast to other hysterectomy routes.     

Pilot study assessing robotic laparoscopic hysterectomy and patient outcomes

STUDY OBJECTIVE: To examine the operative variables and complications associated with robotic-assisted total laparoscopic hysterectomy. DESIGN: Canadian Task Force classification II-1. SETTING: Gynecology service affiliated with a major cancer center in Southern California. PATIENTS: Twenty women with a benign gynecologic condition. INTERVENTION: Robotic-assisted total laparoscopic hysterectomy. Patient status was evaluated in terms of operative morbidity, length of surgery, anesthesia time, estimated blood loss, and hospital stay. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Mean operative time was 3.2 hours, and anesthesia time was 4 hours. Mean estimated blood loss was 81 mL, and patient postoperative hospital stay was 2 days. The complication rate in this study was low. The surgical procedure was converted to a laparotomy and abdominal hysterectomy in two patients because of poor visualization during robotic-assisted surgery. CONCLUSIONS: While the number of patients and nonrandomized nature of this single-institution experience are insufficient to draw any definitive conclusions regarding potential treatment efficacy, the patient postoperative stay and low complication rates suggest that this procedure is feasible and promising. Additional study comparing the efficacy and cost of robotic laparoscopic hysterectomy with standard laparoscopic hysterectomy with a larger patient population is warranted.