Operating time and blood loss during laparoscopic-assisted vaginal hysterectomy with in situ morcellation.

OBJECTIVE: To develop a regression-based prediction equation for operative time and estimated blood loss in laparoscopically assisted vaginal hysterectomy (LAVH) for large uteri, as required, by combined laparoscopic in situ and vaginal morcellation. DESIGN: Prospective study (Canadian Task Force classification II-1). SETTING: University-affiliated hospitals. SAMPLE: Fifty-six patients who underwent LAVH. Methods. Evaluation of all patients who had LAVH with laparoscopic in situ morcellation and vaginal morcellation during a 2-year period. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Operative time, estimated blood loss, total uterine weight by laparoscopic or vaginal morcellation, complications and length of hospital stay. RESULTS: Mean operative time was 133 ± 22 minutes, and mean blood loss 133 ± 101 ml. Mean uterine weight was 383 ± 187 g by laparoscopic and 251 ± 103 g by vaginal morcellation. Greater total uterine weight and morcellation were associated with longer operative times. Blood loss correlated with uterine weight when vaginal morcellation was also used. A regression equation is presented for estimating the likely operating time and blood loss. CONCLUSIONS: An increase in the operative time and a higher blood loss can be expected as the uterine weight increases and can be predicted taking morcellation methods into account.

Simultaneous enucleation and in situ morcellation of myomas in laparoscopic myomectomy.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the outcome of myoma enucleation by morcellation while it is attached to the uterus (in situ morcellation) in laparoscopic myomectomy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 82 patients diagnosed with myoma or adenomyosis in 2007 were enrolled. The patients were divided into three groups according to the myoma weight. The operative time, myoma weight, blood loss, duration of hospital stay, and complication experienced were recorded for analysis. RESULTS: The mean myoma weight was 265 ± 240 g and the mean operative time was 93 ± 30 minutes. The patients were divided into three groups: group A with myomas less than 150 g; group B with myomas 150-349 g; and group C with myomas greater than 350 g. The mean myoma weights were 73 ± 34 g, 214 ± 52 g, and 571 ± 218 g for groups A, B, and C, respectively; the mean operative times were 79 ± 17 minutes, 84 ± 22 minutes, and 121 ± 32 minutes, respectively. The operative time increased with myoma weight. Two patients (8%) in group C had excessive intraoperative hemorrhage and one (4%) required a blood transfusion. There was no conversion to laparotomy. CONCLUSION: In situ morcellation was an efficient and safe procedure for removal of large uterine myoma during laparoscopic myomectomy.

Comparison between transumbilical and transabdominal ports for the laparoscopic retrieval of benign adnexal masses: a randomized trial.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the feasibility, operative time, specimen retrieval time, and effect on postoperative pain of laparoscopic retrieval of benign adnexal masses between a 10-mm transumbilical and a 10-mm transabdominal port. STUDY DESIGN: Fifty women with adnexal masses who were scheduled for a laparoscopic procedure between July 2008 and April 2009 were enrolled. The patients were randomized into two groups; these were patients where a transumbilical port was used for specimen retrieval (transumbilical group, n=25) and patients where a transabdominal port was used for specimen retrieval (transabdominal group, n=25). Preoperative suspicion of malignancy and indications suggesting a need for hysterectomy or myomectomy were considered to be exclusion criteria. Randomization was centralized and computer-based. Patients recorded the severity of incisional pain on a visual analog scale (VAS) with 0 meaning no pain and 10 meaning unbearable pain. RESULTS: There were no significant differences in age, body mass index, umbilical thickness, abdominal thickness, cyst size, cyst amount, cyst weight, histology, complications and duration of hospital stay when the two groups were compared. Patients in the transumbilical group had a significantly shorter specimen retrieval time (0.7 ± 1.8 min vs. 4.9 ± 12.6 min, p=0.006) and a significantly lower postoperative day (POD) 0 VAS pain score (5.2 ± 2.1 vs. 6.6 ± 2.2, p=0.015). Significantly fewer patients in the transumbilical group had a specimen retrieval time of ≥10 min (0% vs. 20%, p=0.025) and a POD 0 VAS pain score of >5 (36% vs. 84%, p<0.001). However, the average POD 1 VAS pain score (3.2 ± 1.8, vs. 3.6 ± 1.6) and the proportion with a POD 1 VAS pain score >5 (12% vs. 12%) were similar for the two groups. CONCLUSION: When laparoscopic surgery on benign adnexal masses is carried out using a 10-mm incision wound, removal of the specimen via the umbilical port has a shorter retrieval time and produces less postoperative pain than retrieval via a lateral abdominal port.

Postoperative transvaginal tape mobilization in preventing voiding difficulty after tension-free vaginal tape procedures.

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS: The purpose of the study was to evaluate the efficacy of postoperative transvaginal tape mobilization (TM) in treating urinary retention after tension-free vaginal tape (TVT) procedures. METHODS: A 3-0 Vicryl loop was made at the midpoint of the vaginal tape for tension adjustment. If urinary retention occurred postoperatively, TM was applied in the ward under local anesthesia. The TM procedure could be repeated until the patient voided well. RESULTS: Of the 80 women, five (6.3%) patients who had to void with extreme strain or with urinary retention received TM on postoperative days 1-3. It was successful immediately in four patients, and only one patient required repeated adjustment three times. None of these five patients had recurrent stress urinary incontinence (SUI) after tensioning off of the tape. Overall, 67 patients (84%) had been cured of SUI, and 13 (16%) patients had improvement of SUI 3 months after TVT operation. CONCLUSION: TM is efficacious in treating voiding difficulty after the TVT procedure.

Laparoscopically assisted vaginal hysterectomy following previous kidney transplantation.

OBJECTIVE: With improvements in immunosuppression and surgical techniques, more women are undergoing kidney transplantation (KT) for management of end-stage renal disease. Location of the transplanted pelvic kidney and transplanted ureter must be taken into consideration when performing pelvic surgery. We demonstrate that laparoscopically assisted vaginal hysterectomy (LAVH) can be successfully performed in patients who had previously undergone KT. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We prospectively enrolled four patients requiring operation for symptomatic adenomyosis after KT. LAVH was performed in these cases after initial uterine artery ligation during laparoscopy. RESULTS: The median age of the patients was 44 years (range, 40-46 years) and the extirpated uterine weight was 195 g (range, 160-380 g). Intraoperatively, the median operation time was 147.5 minutes (range, 105-175 minutes) and the blood loss was 50 mL (range, 50-100 mL). There was mild pelvic adhesion in two cases. The postoperative recovery was good in all patients with oral intake, flatus passage, and ambulation within 1 day after operation. The median intramuscular meperidine requirements were 25 mg (range, 0-100 mg) and the hospital stay was 4 days (range, 3-8 days). There were no major complications in these cases except one with mild postoperative fever. CONCLUSION: LAVH may be a safe and effective treatment for treating patients with adenomyosis after KT.

Use of three-dimensional ultrasonography in the evaluation of uterine perfusion and healing after laparoscopic myomectomy.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate vascular perfusion and uterine healing after laparoscopic myomectomy using three-dimensional power Doppler ultrasound (3D-PDU). DESIGN: Prospective study. SETTING: University-affiliated hospital. PATIENT(S): Ninety-seven women with symptomatic myomas warranting laparoscopic myomectomy. INTERVENTION(S): Three-dimensional PDU obtained preoperatively and 1 week and 3 months postoperatively. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Resistance index, pulsatility index, and peak systolic velocity of the uterine artery; vascularization index, flow index, and vascularization flow index of the uterine tissue, nonoperative area, and healing myometrial area. RESULT(S): The median age was 39 years. More than half of the patients were nulliparous, and one third desired fertility. The median myoma size was 8 cm, and median weight of the extirpated myomas was 250 g. The median myoma volume was 262 cm(3), and median uterine volume was 380 cm(3). On the 7th postoperative day all laparoscopic myomectomy healing sites appeared as highly echogenic areas with profuse blood flow at the periphery and reduced resistance index and pulsatility index of the uterine artery. Nonoperated areas had significantly more blood flow than healing areas. Two patients had hematomas, which appeared as hypoechoic areas that were almost avascular. By the 3rd postoperative month the blood flow and uterine volume decreased significantly. However, an 11-cm(3) hypoechoic hematoma with poor tissue perfusion was still seen in 1 patient with a 720-cm(3) myoma. CONCLUSION(S): Healing of a laparoscopic myomectomy scar can be evaluated by 3D-PDU. Adequate perfusion demonstrated by 3D-PDU might suggest good wound healing and dissolving of hematomas.

Effect of simultaneous morcellation in situ on operative time during laparoscopic myomectomy.

BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic myomectomy (LM) is technically difficult and time consuming procedure that requires surgical skill and modifications. The aim of this study was to assess factors which affect operative times in LM. METHODS: From March 2003 to June 2007, 174 women, who underwent LM for symptomatic myomas, were enrolled. Standard LM was performed in the first 4 years and simultaneous morcellation in situ (SMI) method was applied in the fifth year. RESULTS: The mean myoma weight was 213.5 +/- 190.4 g and the mean operative time was 117.0 +/- 39.6 min. No laparoconversions occurred and there was a 2.3% rate of complications. Total myoma weight increased and operative time declined significantly over time. The surgeon's learning curve and the effect of SMI on operative time were identified by establishing a nonlinear multiple regression model. Model assumptions showed little violation by residual plots. Slopes of the average myoma weight (total myoma weight/number of myoma operated) for describing the operative time declined along with the study year, suggesting that operative experience is a major factor influencing operative time. SMI showed a further 19 min reduction in the predicted operative time. CONCLUSIONS: Operative time in LM is dependent on a multitude of factors including surgical experience. Applying SMI during LM is an efficient way to further reduce operative time.

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.

LAVH for large uteri by various strategies.

BACKGROUND: To study if there are specific problems in laparoscopically assisted vaginal hysterectomy (LAVH) for a certain weight of bulky uteri and the strategies to overcome such problems. METHODS: One hundred and eighty-one women with myoma or adenomyosis, weighing 350-1,590 g, underwent LAVH between August 2002 and December 2005. Key surgical strategies were special sites for trocar insertion, uterine artery or adnexal collateral pre-ligation, laparoscopic and transvaginal volume reduction technique. The basic clinical and operative parameters were recorded for analysis. RESULTS: Based on significant differences in the operative time and estimated blood loss, the patients were divided into medium uteri weighing 350-749 g, n=138 (76%), and large uteri weighing > or =750 g, n=43 (24%). There was no significant difference in terms of age, body mass index, preoperative diagnoses, complications and duration of hospital stay among groups. The operative time and estimated blood loss increased with larger uterine size (p<0.001). The operative time (196+/-53, 115-395 min), estimated blood loss (234+/-200, 50-1,000 ml) and frequency of excessive bleeding (14%) or transfusion (5%) were significantly greater, but in acceptable ranges, for those with large uteri. Conversion to laparotomy was required in a patient (2%) with a large uterus, and the overall conversion rate was 0.6%. There was no re-operation or surgical mortality. CONCLUSION: Using various combinations of special strategies, most experienced gynecologic surgeons can conduct LAVH for most large uteri with minimal rates of complications and conversion to laparotomy.

Laparoscopic-assisted vaginal hysterectomy for patients with extensive pelvic adhesions: a strategy to minimise conversion to laparotomy.

AIM: To evaluate a strategy for successful laparoscopic-assisted vaginal hysterectomy (LAVH) in patients with extensive pelvic adhesion. METHODS: Two hundred and thirty-six patients who underwent LAVH at National Taiwan University Hospital were retrospectively enrolled. Twenty-three patients (9.7%) had unexpected extensive pelvic adhesions. A special procedure of uterine artery preligation through retroperitoneal downstream ureter tracking was applied to overcome this problem. The clinical characteristics of the study group were analysed. The operative parameters and the outcome were compared between those with and without extensive pelvic adhesions. RESULTS: Having extensive adhesions, 17 patients were associated with endometriosis and the other six were secondary to previous Caesarean delivery or pelvic inflammation. The cul-de-sac was partially and totally obliterated in 10 and 13 patients, respectively. These 23 patients had longer operation time (184 vs 146 min, P < 0.05), more blood loss (146 vs 89 mL, P < 0.05), but smaller extirpated uteri (278 vs 372 g, P = 0.063), compared with the other 213 patients. The average hospital stay was comparable (3.2 vs 3.4 days) and there were no ureteral injuries or excessive bleeding. Most importantly, not a single case was converted to laparotomy. CONCLUSION: Pelvic adhesions of various underlying diseases are associated with increased complication and conversion rates during LAVH. Although this technique is not new, we believe that the special procedure of uterine artery preligation through retroperitoneal downstream ureter tracking may provide a safe approach for general gynecologists to complete successful LAVH in patients with unexpected extensive pelvic adhesions.

Prediction of operation time for laparoscopic myomectomy by ultrasound measurements.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to develop a regression-based prediction equation for operation time for laparoscopic myomectomy (LM) using ultrasound measurement. METHODS: Patients who were to undergo laparoscopic myomectomy from March 2003 to December 2005 were enrolled prospectively in a tertiary institution. Ultrasound was performed before operation. The myoma weights were calculated and converted into mass units (g) by an assumed smooth muscle density of 1.04 g/cm3. Myomas were weighed immediately after operation, and the correlation between these two weights was assessed by linear regression and limits of agreement. A multivariate linear regression model was fitted to the ultrasound parameters and clinical variables to predict operation time. RESULTS: Of 109 patients, 203 myomas were removed laparoscopically with a mean ultrasound-measured myoma weight of 137.9 (100.7) g, a diameter of the dominant myoma of 6.30 (1.92) cm, and an operation time of 125 (41) min. Strong correlations were observed between the ultrasound-measured and operated myoma weights. A predictive model, in which operation time = 0.14 x ultrasound-measured myoma weight + 1.68 x BMI + 5.21 x operated myoma number + 0.06 x (ultrasound-measured myoma weight x operated myoma number) + 43.97, was developed. CONCLUSIONS: Operation time was significantly related to the myoma weight measured by ultrasound. The ultrasound-derived prediction equation is valid and reliable in predicting operation time for LM.

Health-related quality of life after laparoscopically assisted vaginal hysterectomy: is uterine weight a major factor?

OBJECTIVE: To assess uterine size, symptom severity, and hemoglobin level as determinants of health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in women subsequently undergoing laparoscopically assisted vaginal hysterectomy (LAVH). METHODS: Sixty-one consecutive women with uterine leiomyoma or adenomyosis undergoing LAVH were studied using a prospective cohort design. The Chinese version of the Uterine Fibroid Symptom and Quality of Life (UFS-QOL) questionnaire was assessed preoperatively. The Taiwan brief version of the World Health Organization Quality of Life (WHOQOL-BREF) questionnaire and a self-assessment of the perceived health status were assessed preoperatively and 1 day, 1 week, 12 weeks, and 18 months postoperatively. RESULTS: Women with a greater uterine weight did not report a greater severity of symptoms than those with lower uterine weight. Women with more severe symptoms had lower preoperative hemoglobin levels and were usually younger. Their perceived health status and their scores in physical domain of WHOQOL-BREF were also significantly lower, indicating a poorer HRQOL. The mixed-effects model found that a normal (higher) baseline hemoglobin level and a greater symptom severity were associated with a significant improvement of HRQOL in the physical domain of WHOQOL-BREF following LAVH. CONCLUSIONS: Preoperative symptom severity, but not uterine weight, was associated with long-term improvement in HRQOL after LAVH. Women with severe symptoms could be considered for LAVH before development of anemia.

Tuboovarian abscess caused by Candida in a woman with an intrauterine device.

Candida infection should be considered in an individual with a pelvic abscess that is unresponsive to conventional antibiotic therapy, particularly in the presence of an intrauterine device. We present a case of a tuboovarian abscess caused by Candida species in a woman with an intrauterine device for >10 years. Surgical intervention followed by antifungal therapy resulted in a favorable outcome.

Using Veronikis ligature carrier to simplify transvaginal sacrospinous colpopexy.

BACKGROUND: Pelvic organ prolapse is a common problem in women and often requires surgical management. Sacrospinous colpopexy (SSC) requires significant expertise, especially in placement of the suture into sacrospinous ligament (SSL). METHODS: Veronikis ligature carrier (VLC) designed for SSC was used to facilitate suture placement and retrieval under direct visualization within the confines of the pararectal space. From December 2003 through March 2004, SSC was performed in 20 patients with VLC as part of their site-specific reconstructive pelvic surgery (group A). The historic control group (group B) included 15 patients who underwent SSC with a straight needle holder between March 1999 and March 2001. RESULTS: There was no significant difference in age, gravity, parity, body mass index, blood loss, and hospital stay in both groups with the diagnosis of uterovaginal prolapse or posthysterectomy vaginal vault prolapse. The median operation time for group A and group B was 35 min (range 25-40 min) and 75 min (range 45-128 min), respectively (P<0.001). It took less than 5 min to introduce two sutures through the SSL by VLC in group A but 20-40 min by straight needle holder in group B. There was no injury to the bladder, rectum, pudendal nerve, or major pelvic vessels. CONCLUSIONS: VLC allows rapid and safe introduction of the suspending suture through the SSL and makes SSC easy to perform.

Visceral sliding technique is useful for detecting abdominal adhesion and preventing laparoscopic surgical complications.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: Introduce a non-invasive method preoperatively to prevent bowel injury by the Veres needle and trocar during laparoscopy. DESIGN: Case-controlled study. SETTING: A hospital-based study. PATIENTS: Five hundred and twelve patients who underwent laparoscopic surgery were prospectively enrolled. INTERVENTION: A simple and non-invasive method to detect bowel adhesions preoperatively. RESULTS: A total of 512 patients who underwent operative laparoscopy were prospectively enrolled for ultrasonographic visceral sliding evaluation. They were subdivided into two groups as follows: group I, 332 patients without previous abdominal surgery; group II, 180 patients with previous abdominal surgery. No bowel adhesion to the umbilicus was present in group I. In group II, only two cases with bowel adhered to the periumbilical area were found by visceral sliding technique. No patients suffered any bowel injury. CONCLUSION: The proposed technique is useful and highly effective in guiding the insertion of the Veres needle and trocar to prevent bowel injury in laparoscopy.

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.

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.