Laparoscopic-assisted vaginal hysterectomy for benign uterine pathologies: could this be the first-line treatment?

Hysterectomy is traditionally performed by the abdominal route, and is frequently done for benign uterine pathologies. Laparoscopic procedures have been used widely because of advances in technological development and increased laparoscopic experience. We therefore wished to evaluate the role of laparoscopic hysterectomy in comparison with traditional abdominal hysterectomy.

A prospective study.

Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Akdeniz University School of Medicine, Turkey.

We recorded details from all patients between 1998 and 2000 with indications for hysterectomy on account of benign uterine pathologies. Both types of hysterectomy were performed throughout this period. The operating times, complications and analgesia dosage were compared.

In all 84 patients underwent hysterectomy. Of these patients, 38 (45.2%) had laparoscopic-assisted vaginal hysterectomy, 34 (40.4%) had total abdominal and 12 (14.2%) had vaginal hysterectomy. Laparoscopic hysterectomy showed the advantages of shorter hospital stay, less analgesic medication and earlier postoperative recovery.

Laparoscopic hysterectomy, with the advantages of laparoscopic surgery, was the preferable approach to hysterectomy for benign uterine pathology in this series. It can replace traditional hysterectomy in patients who are suitable for laparoscopic surgery.