Laparoscopic Myomectomy: Do Size,Number, and Location of the Myomas Form Limiting Factors for Laparoscopic Myomectomy?

STUDY OBJECTIVE: To assess whether it is possible for an experienced laparoscopic surgeon to perform efficient laparoscopic myomectomy regardless of the size, number, and location of the myomas. DESIGN: Prospective observational study (Canadian Task Force classification II-1). SETTING: Tertiary endoscopy center. PATIENTS: A total of 505 healthy nonpregnant women with symptomatic myomas underwent laparoscopic myomectomy at our center. No exclusion criteria were based on the size, number, or location of myomas. INTERVENTIONS: Laparoscopic myomectomy and modifications of the technique: enucleation of the myoma by morcellation while it is still attached to the uterus with and without earlier devascularization. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: In all, 912 myomas were removed in these 505 patients laparoscopically. The mean number of myomas removed was 1.85 +/- 5.706 (95% CI 1.72-1.98). In all, 184 (36.4%) patients had multiple myomectomy. The mean size of the myomas removed was 5.86 +/- 3.300 cm in largest diameter (95% CI 5.56-6.16 cm). The mean weight of the myomas removed was 227.74 +/- 325.801 g (95% CI 198.03-257.45 g) and median was 100 g. The median operating time was 60 minutes (range 30-270 minutes). The median blood loss was 90 mL (range 40-2000 mL). Three comparisons were performed on the basis of size of the myomas (<10 cm and >or=10 cm in largest diameter), number of myomas removed (or=5 myomas), and the technique (enucleation of the myomas by morcellation while the myoma is still attached to the uterus and the conventional technique). In all these comparisons, although the mean blood loss, duration of surgery, and hospital stay were greater in the groups in which larger myomas or more myomas were removed or the modified technique was performed as compared with their corresponding study group, the weight and size of removed myomas were also proportionately larger in these groups. Two patients were given the diagnosis of leiomyosarcoma in their histopathology and 1 patient developed a diaphragmatic parasitic myoma followed by a leiomyoma of the sigmoid colon. Six patients underwent laparoscopic hysterectomy 4 to 6 years after the surgery for recurrent myomas. One conversion to laparotomy occurred and 1 patient underwent open subtotal hysterectomy for dilutional coagulopathy. CONCLUSION: Laparoscopic myomectomy can be performed by experienced surgeons regardless of the size, number, or location of the myomas.     

Laparoscopic devascularization of uterine myomata followed by enucleation of the myomas by direct morcellation

Most intraoperative conversions of laparoscopic myomectomy to laparotomy reported in the literature occur because of intraoperative bleeding. Devascularization of a uterine myoma at the start of myomectomy would help reduce the blood supply to the uterus and hence to the myoma. Another advantage of the procedure is that the need to separate the myoma from the uterus completely before morcellation, as in conventional laparoscopic myomectomy, is obviated. The tumor can be enucleated only up to about half its circumference by standard enucleation before morcellation is begun. Traction accorded by the 15-mm traumatic serrated-edge claw forceps of the morcellator during morcellation causes progressive separation of the myoma from the uterine wall, thus completing enucleation. In two patients, myomas were devascularized at the outset of myomectomy, in one by intracorporeal suturing of uterine vessels and in the other by laparoscopic bipolar coagulation of uterine vessels.     

Preliminary experience with robot-assisted laparoscopic myomectomy

The following retrospective case series evaluated the technique and feasibility of integrating robot-assisted technology in the performance of a laparoscopic myomectomy in order to overcome the limitations of conventional laparoscopy. We attempted 35 robot-assisted laparoscopic myomectomies in a university hospital setting with a conversion rate of 8.6%. There were a total of 48 myomas removed in 31 patients with completed robot-assisted laparoscopy. The mean number of myomas removed/patient was 1.6 (range 1-5). The mean diameter of myomas removed was 7.9 +/- 3.5 cm (95% CI 6.63-9.13), with the majority greater than 5 cm. The mean myoma weight was 223.2 +/- 244.1 g (95% CI 135.8-310.6). Mean operating time was 230.8 +/- 83 minutes (95% CI 201.6-260). The average estimated blood loss was 169 +/- 198.7 mL (95% CI 99.1-238.4). One patient experienced cardiogenic shock from vasopressin, two developed postoperative infections, and one was found to have adenomatous adenomyosis instead of a leiomyoma. The median length of hospital stay was 1 day. Overall, robot-assisted laparoscopic myomectomy is a promising new technique that may overcome many of the surgical limitations of conventional laparoscopy.     

Oxytocin infusion in laparoscopic myomectomy may decrease operative blood loss

STUDY OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the influence of oxytocin on operative blood loss during laparoscopic myomectomy (LM). DESIGN: Prospective clinical study (Canadian Task Force classification I). SETTING: Tertiary care university hospital. PATIENTS: Sixty women scheduled for myomectomy because of symptomatic uterine myomas. INTERVENTION: Two ampules of oxytocin (10 u/mL/amp) were added to 1000 mL of saline solution running at the rate of 40 mU/min during the course of LM. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Blood loss and blood transfusion rate were significantly greater in the group without oxytocin infusion (group B) than in the group with oxytocin infusion (group A), with 445.0 +/- 268.6 mL (95% CI 344.7-545.3) versus 269.5 +/- 225.8 mL (95% CI 185.2-353.8)/(p <.05), and 36.7% versus 6.7% (p <.05), respectively. There was no significant difference in average age, body weight, or numbers of vaginal delivery and cesarean sections between the 2 groups. There was no significant difference in mean total myoma weight, main myoma size, postoperative stay, and complications between the 2 groups. CONCLUSION: Oxytocin infusion combined with skillful surgical techniques may decrease operative blood loss and blood transfusion during LM.     

A systematic review of randomized controlled trials to reduce hemorrhage during myomectomy for uterine fibroids.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the effectiveness and safety of interventions to reduce blood loss during myomectomy. METHODS: Electronic searches of the Cochrane Library, MEDLINE, and EMBASE, between 1966 and 2006 for randomized controlled trials (RCTs). RESULTS: We found significant reductions in blood loss with vaginal misoprostol (weighted mean difference [WMD] -149.00 mL, 95% confidence interval [CI] -229.24 to -68.76); intramyometrial vasopressin and analogues (WMD -298.72 mL, 95% CI -593.10 to -4.34); intramyometrial bupivacaine plus epinephrine (WMD -68.60 mL, 95% CI -93.69 to -43.51); and pericervical tourniquet (WMD -1870.00 mL, 95% CI -2547.16 to -1192.84). There was no evidence of effect in blood loss with myoma enucleation by morcellation and oxytocin. CONCLUSION: There is limited evidence from a few RCTs that some interventions may reduce bleeding during myomectomy. There is need for adequately powered RCTs to shed more light on the effectiveness, safety, and cost of different interventions to reduce blood loss during myomectomy.     

Laparoscopic uterine artery occlusion combined with myomectomy for uterine myomas

We sought to evaluate the clinical feasibility and mid- to long-term effects of laparoscopic uterine artery occlusion before myomectomy in the treatment of uterine myomas. A total of 566 patients with uterine myoma were treated by laparoscopic uterine artery occlusion before myomectomy from October 2001 through July 2007. Mean blood loss was 88.2 +/- 52.7 mL (95% CI 82.7-93.8). The highest postoperative temperature was 37.8 +/- 0.3 degrees C, and the postoperative morbidity was 5.7% (32/566). Number of days to the return of bowel movement was 1.9 +/- 0.5d and in hospital stay after surgery was 7.7 +/- 2.5d. Complications included 2 instances of subcutaneous emphysema, 1 of vaginal bleeding, and 3 of mild intestinal obstruction. At a median of 26.3 months (range 6-69 months) of follow-up, the rate of myoma recurrence was 3.0% (15/517), uterus volume reduction was 48.9%, and correction of menstruation abnormality was 97.1% (502/517). Laparoscopic uterine artery occlusion before myomectomy can expand myomectomy indications with better results.     

腹腔镜下复杂子宫肌瘤剔除术的可行性分析

目的探讨腹腔镜下进行复杂子宫肌瘤剔除术的可行性。方法对67例多发、多部位的子宫肌瘤(即复杂子宫肌瘤)患者在腹腔镜下,使用输尿管红外线显示系统和(或)自制肌瘤分离棒,行子宫肌瘤剔除术,观察手术并发症、手术时间、术中出血量及术后恢复情况。其中多发子宫肌瘤(肌瘤≥5个)者29例,单发子宫肌瘤直径≥7 cm者23例(子宫肌壁间肌瘤19例,子宫浆膜下肌瘤4例),子宫阔韧带肌瘤6例,子宫颈肌瘤9例。剔除子宫肌瘤最多达17个,子宫肌瘤直径≥10 cm者11例,其中直径最大的达15 cm(为阔韧带肌瘤,重2100g)。结果所有病例手术均获成功,无一例中转开腹,无手术并发症发生。平均手术时间(114±32)min,平均术中出血量(114+78)ml,术后平均住院时间5．1d。子宫多发肌瘤、肌壁间肌瘤及宫颈肌瘤术中出血量及手术时间明显多于子宫阔韧带肌瘤及子宫浆膜下肌瘤,差异有统计学意义(P＜0．05)。结论复杂子宫肌瘤剔除术可在腹腔镜下完成,输尿管红外线显示系统的应用,扩大了腹腔镜子宫肌瘤剔除术的手术指征,手术器械的不断创新及熟练的手术技巧是手术成功的关键。     

Disseminated peritoneal leiomyomatosis: an unusual complication of laparoscopic myomectomy

INTRODUCTION: We report a case of disseminated peritoneal leiomyomatosis arising after laparoscopic myomectomy. CASE REPORT: The patient presented with a large abdominopelvic mass 9 months post laparoscopic myomectomy. Clinical examination and imaging revealed a mass lying separately from the uterus and the ovaries. The large myoma and several small peritoneal myomas were removed by a laparotomy. CONCLUSION: Disseminated leiomyomas have rarely been reported after laparoscopic myomectomy and hysterectomy. They could be bits left after morcellation or could be parasitic myomas. Hence, this rare condition must be kept in mind whenever a patient presents with abdominal masses following myomectomy or hysterectomy.     

Reproductive outcome after laparoscopic myomectomy in infertile women

OBJECTIVE: To assess reproductive outcome after laparoscopic myomectomies for interstitial and/or subserosal myomas in infertile women with or without associated infertility factors. STUDY DESIGN: In this observational study, 91 women with infertility for one year and at least one interstitial and/or subserosal myoma > 20 mm were treated with laparoscopic myomectomy. All patients were mailed questions about fertility and pregnancy outcome. Cumulative pregnancy rates were calculated by the Kaplan-Meier method. The log rank test and Cox's model were used for comparing the spontaneous pregnancy rate in patients with and without associated infertility factors. RESULTS: The mean age of the patients was 35 +/- 4 years. The mean duration of infertility was 44 +/- 33 months. Twenty-five patients (27.5%) had no associated infertility factors, and 66 (72.5%) had one or more. The mean size of the largest myomas was 45 +/- 19 mm. The mean number of myomas removed was 2.0 +/- 1.4. Eighty-six patients had laparoscopic myomectomy (94.5%), and five had laparoscopically assisted myomectomy (5.5%). There were no conversions to laparotomy. Ten patients were lost to follow-up (11.0%). Among the 91 patients treated surgically, 81 (89.0%) of them were evaluated. Forty-three (53.1%) conceived, resulting in a total of 51 pregnancies. The two-year overall cumulative conception rate was 51.2% (95% confidence interval [CI], 39.2-63.2%). The two-year spontaneous pregnancy rate was 43.9% (95% CI, 32.1-55.7%). This rate was 69.9% (95% CI, 50.3-89.5%) for patients with no associated factors and 31.5% (95% CI, 18.4-44.6%) for patients with associated factors (P < .001). This result was not affected by adjusting for age or duration of infertility. CONCLUSION: Laparoscopic myomectomy seems to be a good procedure for patients with myomas and no other infertility factors. In cases with associated infertility factors, the need for myomectomy has to be studied.     

Role of laparoscopic uterine artery coagulation in management of symptomatic myomas: A prospective study using ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging

STUDY OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of laparoscopic uterine artery coagulation (LUC) in symptomatic myomatous patients. DESIGN: Prospective study (Canadian Task Force classification II). SETTING: Tertiary care center PATIENTS: Twenty-one women with myomatous uteri. INTERVENTIONS: Laparoscopic uterine artery coagulation. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Laparoscopic uterine artery coagulation for myoma was performed by three-puncture laparoscopy, and the difference in uterine and/or myoma volume was determined every 3 months for 12 months clinically and using ultrasonographic and MRI calculations of uterine volume. In addition, pre and postprocedure uterine Doppler indices were determined. Main outcome measures were symptomatic improvement after LUC and reduction in volume calculated by ultrasonography and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). All treated women reported less bleeding after treatment. At 12 months, a 57% reduction in bleeding was seen in these patients. The mean postoperative pictorial blood loss assessment was significantly lower at 12 months: 303 +/- 30.4 mL (95% CI 284-328) baseline versus 173.5 +/- 17.8 mL (95% CI 164-184) after treatment, p < .05. Postoperative pain was documented in all the patients with a visual analog scale, with a mean of 1.6 cm recorded. The mean reduction in uterine volume (pre- to post-LUC) was 195 +/- 24.3 cm3 (range 89-438). The mean operating time was 52.1 +/- 7.2 minutes (95% CI 49.8-55.4), and the mean estimated blood loss was 65.2 +/- 11.8 dL (95% CI 59.6-70.8). Mean hospitalization time was 32.3 +/- 6.6 hours (95% CI 29.2-35.4). The complication rates were low with the procedure (fever, infection). No patient required hysterectomy due to complications. Ninety percent of the women were satisfied with the procedure. CONCLUSION: Laparoscopic uterine artery coagulation is effective in the management of symptomatic myomas, reducing bleeding and the volume of both uterus and myomas as documented by ultrasonography and MRI. Laparoscopic uterine artery coagulation is a cost-effective and low-morbidity option compared with conventional approaches such as myomectomy or hysterectomy. If the patient's predominant complaint is the feeling of a mass and/or bleeding, alternative treatment options should be explored. The results of this study are encouraging, but more research is needed to validate the cost-effectiveness and long-term results.     

Analysis of arterial blood vessels surrounding the myoma: relevance to myomectomy

OBJECTIVE: The optimal direction of myomectomy incision in relation to the blood vessels is unclear. Accordingly, we evaluated the location and course of arterial blood vessels surrounding the myoma. METHODS: This study is a retrospective analysis of 592 arterial blood vessels in 60 patients with symptomatic uterine leiomyomata undergoing uterine artery embolization. RESULTS: We encountered 592 arterial blood vessels surrounding the myoma. The vessels could be seen encircling the surface of the myoma. The dominant myoma was located on anterior (n=30), posterior (n=17), and fundal part of the uterus (n=13). There was no difference in the diameter (6.9+/-2.7 cm, 5.8+/-0.7 cm, and 6.7+/-0.5 cm) and volume of the myoma (268.6+/-52.7 cm(3), 197.0+/-64.5 cm(3), and 199.3+/-40.5 cm(3)) among anterior, posterior, and fundal, respectively. The vessels were graded as coursing with angles of 0-30 degrees, 30-60 degrees, and 60-90 degrees. There were significantly more blood vessels in the 30-60 degree group among anterior myoma (n=88, 42.5%) than in 0-30 degree (n=59, 28.5%, P=.004, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.36-0.81) and 60-90 degree groups (n=60, 29.0%, 95% CI 1.2-2.7). Similar findings were found among posterior myoma (0-30 degrees n=26, 21.7%; 30-60 degrees n=59, 49.2%; P<.001, 95% CI 0.16-0.50; 60-90 degrees 35 (29.2%), P<.002, 95% CI 1.37-3.9). Among fundal myomas, there was no difference in the number of vessels in the 0-30 degree (n=28, 28.6%), 60-90 degree (n=40, 40.8%), and in 60-90 degree groups (n=30, 30.6%). CONCLUSION: Arterial blood vessels travel mostly diagonally on the surface of anterior and posterior myomas. There was no predominant pattern in the course of the arteries on fundal myomas. These findings suggest that regardless of the direction of the myomectomy incision, arterial blood vessels on myoma surface could be injured. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: II.     

Evaluation of adhesion formation after laparoscopic myomectomy by systematic second-look microlaparoscopy

STUDY OBJECTIVE: To evaluate adhesion formation after laparoscopic myomectomy by second-look laparoscopy using a microlaparoscope. DESIGN: Prospective, nonrandomized study. (Canadian Task Force classification II-1). SETTING: University hospital. PATIENTS: One hundred fifteen women who underwent laparoscopic myomectomy and 51 who underwent second-look minilaparoscopy. INTERVENTION: Laparoscopic myomectomy, in which fibrin glue spray was applied to prevent postoperative adhesion formation, and second-look laparoscopy. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: The mean interval between surgeries was 5.1 +/- 3.0 months (range 2-18 mo). The mean size of enucleated myomas was 6.1 +/- 1.5 cm (range 3.0-10.5 cm), and mean number of myomas removed/patient was 3.0 +/- 2.2 (range 1-9 myomas). At assessment of 152 myomectomy sites, the rate of adhesions was 29.4%/patient and 11.2%/myomectomy site. Risk factors that influenced adhesion formation were posterior location and intramural myoma. In most cases the organ adhered to the myomectomy site was sigmoid colon. The frequency of adnexal adhesions was 17.6%/patient and 9.8%/site. CONCLUSION: The rate of adhesion formation after laparoscopic myomectomy was low, and routine second-look microlaparoscopy was useful to evaluate the efficacy of the first surgery.     

Laparoscopic Myomectomy: An Alternative Approach to Tackling Submucous Myomas?

Study ObjectiveTo evaluate the differences in perioperative outcomes and immediate complication rates between laparoscopic myomectomy for submucous myomas and laparoscopic myomectomy for myomas in other locations.DesignRetrospective cohort study.SettingUniversity-affiliated hospital in London.PatientsA total of 350 patients with symptomatic uterine myomas underwent laparoscopic myomectomy. Thirty-three of these were performed for submucous myomas (group 1), and 317 were for myomas in other uterine locations (group 2).InterventionsAnalysis of prospectively collected data on patient demographics, myoma characteristics, perioperative outcomes, and immediate complications.Measurements and Main ResultsPatient demographics, including age, body mass index, and parity, were similar in the 2 groups. No significant differences in myoma characteristics were seen between groups 1 and 2, including the mean dimension of largest myoma (7.1 vs 7.8 cm, respectively; p = .35), mean number of myomas removed (3.8 vs 4.1; p = .665), and mean mass of myomas removed (142.0 g vs 227.3 g; p = .186). There were also no significant between-group differences in any perioperative outcomes, including mean blood loss (226.8 mL vs 266.4 mL; p = .373), duration of surgery (103 minutes vs 113 minutes; p = .264), and duration of hospital stay (1.4 days vs 1.7 days; p = .057). No complications arose from laparoscopic resection of submucous myomas.ConclusionLaparoscopic myomectomy for submucous myomas has similar perioperative outcomes and immediate complications as laparoscopic myomectomy for other myomas and can be considered for large or type 2 submucous myomas.     

Laparoscopic excision of very large myomas

STUDY OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the feasibility, complications, and conversion rate of laparoscopic excision of very large myomas. DESIGN: Prospective study (Canadian Task Force classification II-2). SETTING: Private endoscopy center. PATIENTS: Fifty-one women with at least one myoma larger than 9 cm. INTERVENTION: Laparoscopic myomectomy. MEASUREMENTS AND RESULTS: We removed 78 myomas laparoscopically in these 51 patients. Three patients had two myomas larger than 9 cm, three had two myomas between 5 and 9 cm (in addition to 1 > 9 cm), and one had three myomas between 5 and 9 cm (in addition to 1 > 9 cm). Mean number of myomas removed/patient was 1.53 +/- 1.17 (range 1-6); 12 women (23.5%) had multiple myomectomy. The largest myoma removed was 21 cm. Mean myoma weight was 698.47 +/- 569.13 g (range 210-3400 g). Mean operating time was 136.67 +/- 38.28 minutes (range 80-270 min). Mean blood loss was 322.16 +/- 328.2 ml (range 100-2000 ml). One patient developed a broad ligament hematoma, two developed postoperative fever, and one underwent open subtotal hysterectomy 9 hours after surgery for dilutional coagulopathy. CONCLUSION: Myomectomy by laparoscopy is a safe alternative to laparotomy for very large myomas.     

Laparoscopic removal of large submucous myomas

The aim of this study was to analyze the feasibility and technique of removing large submucous myomas laparoscopically. This technique decreases the complications of removing the submucous myoma hysteroscopically. The design was based on a retrospective review (Canadian Task Force Classification II-1) in a dedicated high volume gynecological laparoscopy centre. The subjects were twenty-two women who underwent laparoscopic removal of submucous myomas at our center. Laparoscopic removal of submucous myoma was done in all patients in whom the size of the myoma was more than 5 cm. The results revealed the following: (1) median clinical size of the uterus was 12 weeks (6, 18); (2) median size of the myoma was 7 cm (5, 10); (3) median weight of the specimen was 200 g (60, 460); (4) median total duration of surgery was 75 min (40, 120); (5) median total blood loss was 50 ml (10, 500); and the total morcellation time was 15 min (5, 45). Laparoscopic myomectomy for large submucous myomas is a technically feasible procedure. It can be performed by experienced surgeons irrespective of the size or depth of the myoma. It prevents the complications of hysteroscopic removal of the myoma.     

Vaginal and laparoscopic myomectomy for large posterior myomas: results of a pilot study

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the feasibility and complications of vaginal and laparoscopic myomectomy, and analgesic drug consumption. METHODS: We conducted a pilot study involving 24 women with single, large (>5cm) symptomatic posterior uterine leiomyomas. Twelve women underwent vaginal myomectomy and 12 laparoscopic myomectomy. The main outcome measures were the operating time, peri- and post-operative complications, and analgesic drug consumption. RESULTS: There was no difference in mean age, the rate of nulliparity, and the mean size of myomas between the two groups. The mean operating time was shorter in the vaginal group (96+/-38min versus 166+/-78min; P<0.01). There was no difference in mean blood loss or fibroid weight between the two groups. One of the 12 patients in the vaginal myomectomy group required laparoscopic conversion for an inaccessible fundal myoma. Post-operative morphine consumption was lower in the vaginal group (37.2+/-64mg versus 150.8+/-42mg; P<0.003). No post-operative complications occurred in either group. Gas and stool recovery, the length of hospital stay, and the time required to return to normal activity were similar in the two groups. CONCLUSION: Vaginal myomectomy is feasible and safe, and was associated with a shorter operating time and lower morphine consumption than laparoscopic myomectomy.     

Robot-assisted laparoscopic myomectomy versus abdominal myomectomy: a comparison of short-term surgical outcomes and immediate costs

STUDY OBJECTIVE: To compare surgical outcomes of myomectomy by robot-assisted laparoscopy with those performed by traditional laparotomy and to analyze the financial impact of these 2 approaches. DESIGN: Retrospective case-matched analysis (Canadian Task Force classification III). SETTING: University teaching hospital. PATIENTS: A total of 58 patients with symptomatic leiomyomata. INTERVENTION: Myomectomy by robot-assisted laparoscopy or traditional laparotomy was administered. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: An equal number of case-matched patients based on age, body mass index, and myoma weight were analyzed in each group. Among these 3 variables, there were no statistically significant differences between the robotic and laparotomy groups. Mean age was 36.59 +/- 4.93 years (95% CI 34.71-38.46 years) versus 34.86 +/- 4.41 years (95% CI 33.18-36.54 years), mean body mass index was 25.22 +/- 3.85 kg/m(2) (90% central range [CR] 20.30-31.20 kg/m2) versus 28.3 +/- 6.95 kg/m2 (90% CR 21.50-42.80 kg/m2), and mean myoma weight was 227.86 +/- 247.54 g (90% CR 11.60-680.00 g) versus 223.76 +/- 228.28 g (90% CR 11.50-660.00 g), respectively. Patients with robot-assisted laparoscopic myomectomy had decreased estimated blood loss (mean 195.69 +/- 228.55 mL [90% CR 50.00-700.00 mL] vs mean 364.66 +/- 473.28 mL [90% CR 75.00-1550.00 mL]) and length of stay (mean 1.48 +/- 0.95 days [90% CR 1.00-3.00 days] vs mean 3.62 +/- 1.50 days [90% CR 3.00-8.00 days]) when compared with the laparotomy group. Both of these differences were statistically significant at p <.05. Operative times were significantly longer in the robotic group: mean 231.38 +/- 85.10 minutes (95% CI 199.01-263.75 minutes) versus mean 154.41 +/- 43.14 minutes (95% CI 138.00-170.82 minutes, p <.05) in the laparotomy group. Complication rates were higher in the laparotomy group. Professional charges (mean $5946.48 +/- $1447.17 [90% CR $4034.46-$8937.00] vs mean $4664.48 +/- $642.11 [90% CR $3944.36-$6010.90, p <.0002]) and hospital charges (mean $30084.20 +/- $6689.29 [90% CR $22939.81-$45588.22] vs mean $13400.62 +/- $7747.26 [90% CR $8703.20-$26771.22, p <.0001]) were statistically higher for the robotic group. Although professional reimbursement was not significantly different between groups (mean $2263.02 +/- $1354.97 [90% CR $0.00- $4831.08] versus mean $1841.99 +/- $827.51 [90% CR $0.00-$3376.97, p = .2831]), mean hospital reimbursement rates for the robotic group were significantly higher: $13181.39 +/- $10752.00 (90% CR $1081.76-$37396.03) versus $7015.24 +/- $3467.97 (90% CR $2492.48-$10394.83, p = .0372). CONCLUSION: As a new technology, it is not unexpected that a robotic approach to myomectomy costs more than a traditional laparotomy. On the other hand, decreased estimated blood loss, complication rates, and length of stay with the robotic approach in the end may prove to have a significant societal benefit that will outweigh upfront financial impact.     

Preoperative Hematocrit Level and Associated Risk of Transfusion for Myomectomy Based on Myoma Burden and Surgical Route

Study ObjectiveTo determine the association between preoperative hematocrit level and risk of blood transfusion for laparotomic and laparoscopic myomectomy based on myoma burden and surgical route.DesignA cohort study of prospectively collected data.SettingAmerican College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program participating institutions.PatientsA total of 26 229 women who underwent a laparotomic or laparoscopic myomectomy from 2010 to 2020.InterventionsThe primary outcome assessed was the risk of transfusion based on preoperative hematocrit level. This was evaluated with respect to myoma burden and surgical route.Measurements and Main ResultsThere were 26 229 women who underwent a myomectomy during the study interval, 2345 women (9%) of whom required a blood transfusion. Compared with patients who did not require transfusion, those who did had lower median preoperative hematocrit levels (34.7 vs 38.2). Patients were stratified by surgical approach (laparotomic vs laparoscopic) and myoma burden (1–4 myomas/weight ≤250 g or ≥5 myomas/weight >250 g) using Current Procedural Terminology codes (58140, 58146, 58545, 58546). In all categories, there was an inverse relationship between blood transfusion and preoperative hematocrit level with increasing risk depending on preoperative hematocrit range. The odds ratios comparing hematocrit level of 29% with 39% were 6.16 (95% confidence interval [CI], 5.15–7.36), 4.92 (95% CI, 4.19–5.78), 4.85 (95% CI, 3.72–6.33), and 5.2 (95% CI, 3.63–7.43) for patients with laparotomic (1–4 myomas/≤250 g, ≥5 myomas/>250 g) and laparoscopic myomectomy (1–4 myomas/≤250 g, 5 myomas/>250 g), respectively.ConclusionIncremental increases in hematocrit result in a significantly decreased risk of blood transfusion at the time of myomectomy.     

Sydney Contained in Bag Morcellation for Laparoscopic Myomectomy

Study ObjectiveTo demonstrate a new technique of contained in bag morcellation of a myoma after laparoscopic myomectomy.DesignStep-by-step explanation of the technique in a narrated video.InterventionContained In Bag Morcellation of myoma after laparoscopic myomectomy.Measurements and Main ResultsRecent controversy regarding the risk of disseminating occult leiomyosarcomatous tissue during morcellation means we need to revise our current approach to tissue extraction at laparoscopic myomectomy and morcellation in general. Herein we present a novel technique, conceived by Dr. Danny Chou, called the Sydney Contained In Bag Morcellation technique for laparoscopic myomectomy. In this technique an EndoCatch bag (EndoCatch II Auto Suture Specimen Retrieval Pouch; Covidien, Mansfield, MA) is introduced in the typical fashion, the myoma is retrieved, and the mouth of the bag is exteriorized onto the abdominal wall. A 12-mm trocar is then introduced within the bag, and pneumoperitoneum is created before introducing an optical balloon tip port (KII Balloon Blunt Tip System; Applied Medical, Rancho Santa Margarita, CA) and the power morcellator device. Morcellation is then performed within the bag, under direct vision.This technique may offer a safer approach to morcellation because the bowel is not within the morcellation field and there is lower risk of disseminating occult leiomyosarcomatous tissue during morcellation. Subsequent to the morcellation process, suctioning of the bag removes any aerosolized particles of myoma, further minimizing the risk of possible dissemination.ConclusionThis technique may enable a minimally invasive approach to myomectomy to continue as a viable option in the era since the warning by the US Food and Drug Administration.     

Two case reports of bowel leiomyomas and review of literature

We report two cases of two women underwent laparoscopic hysterectomy and myomectomy. During surgery, three myomas were identified as completely detached from the uterus, and attached to the bowel. Patients's history revealed a laparoscopic myomectomy. Our first hypothesis therefore was that these were lost myomas of the first surgery. However, only one leyomyoma was removed in both patients. Therefore, we can assume that these myomas were not certainly not lost-myomas and we may conclude that it could be either as residues of previous morcellation or they were pedunculated-myomas that have been spontaneously detached from the uterus and re-implanted onto the bowel.