Combination anticoagulation strategy in pregnancy with mechanical valves: The KYBELE study.

BACKGROUND: Optimal first-trimester anticoagulation is still challenging in pregnant women with mechanical heart valves (MHVs) requiring high-dose warfarin. This multicenter prospective study aims to determine the optimal anticoagulation regimens for pregnant patients with MHVs. METHODS: All women were allocated to one of three treatment options during first trimester including lone low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH), combination of LMWH + 2.5 mg warfarin, and LMWH+4 mg warfarin. Primary maternal outcome included a combination of death, thromboembolism, severe bleeding, and need for treatment of mechanical valve thrombosis (MVT). Any fetal loss was determined as primary fetal outcome. RESULTS: The study included 78 pregnancies in 65 women with MHVs. Primary maternal outcome rate was 44%, 12.5%, 3.5%, respectively. The rates of primary maternal outcome (44 vs 3.5%, P < .001), obstructive MVT (16 vs 0%, P = .04), MVT requiring treatment (28 vs 0%, P = .003), and cerebral embolism (24 vs 3.4%, P = .041) were found to be significantly higher in lone LMWH group compared to LMWH + 4 mg warfarin group. Moreover, the rates of primary maternal outcome (12.5 vs 44%, P = .015) and treatment for MHV thrombus (4.2 vs 28%, P = .049) were significantly lower in LMWH + 2.5 mg warfarin group compared to lone LMWH group. The incidences of fetal loss were 8 (32%) in the lone LMWH group, 8 (33.3%) in LMWH + 2.5 mg warfarin group, and 11 (37.9%) in LMWH + 4 mg warfarin group (P = .890 for 3-group).Warfarin related-embryopathy was not observed in any case. CONCLUSIONS: The combined anticoagulation strategy of LMWH plus low-dose warfarin during the first trimester of pregnancy may result in less maternal complications with comparable fetal outcomes in patients with MHVs. CONDENSED ABSTRACT: Low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH) is thought to be safer for the fetus, however it is suspected to be less protective for the mother. To solve this dilemma, the authors suggested a novel anticoagulation strategy in pregnant women with prosthetic valves. Seventy-eight pregnancies of 65 women (median age 32 [27-35] years) were included in the study. A combination of LMWH and a reduced dose warfarin were associated with low rates of thrombus-related complications in pregnant patients with mechanical heart valves.

Hearing test results of newborns born from the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infected mothers: A tertiary center experience in Turkey.

OBJECTIVE: Congenital infections can cause newborn hearing loss. Although vertical transmission of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection is theoretically possible, this has not been proven yet. To our knowledge, there is no previous report on whether COVID-19 infection during pregnancy can cause congenital hearing loss. This paper aimed to find an answer to this question. METHOD: This retrospective, single-center study was performed between April 2020 and May 2021 at a tertiary care referral center in Turkey. A total of 422 pregnant women who had coronavirus infection during pregnancy were followed and 203 of them gave birth in our institution. Results of hearing screening tests of 199 newborns were assessed retrospectively. RESULTS: Of patients included in the study, 23 (11.6%) had the disease in the first trimester, 62 (31.2%) in the second trimester, and 114 (57.3%) in the third trimester. In the first hearing test performed on newborns, unilateral hearing loss was observed in 21 babies (10.5%). Hearing tests of these newborns were found to be normal in the second test performed 15 days later. CONCLUSION: Considering the incidence of congenital hearing loss, the absence of hearing loss in our newborn population does not confirm the argument that coronavirus infection does not cause congenital hearing loss. This issue should be evaluated with larger patient series. In addition, it should be kept in mind that hearing loss can occur at later ages as well.

A New and Alternative Route: Transvaginal Natural Orifice Transluminal Endoscopic Scarless Surgery (vaginal natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery) For Class 2 and Class 3 Obese Patients Suffering From Benign and Malignant Gynecologic Pathologies.

Background. This study was conducted to investigate the effectiveness of vaginal natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery (vNOTES) gynecologic scarless surgery in benign and malignant class 2 and class 3 obese patients. Materials and methods. The class 2 and class 3 obese women undergoing vNOTES scarless surgery for benign and malign indications at a tertiary referral medical center between January 2019 and April 2021 were retrospectively analyzed and surgical outcomes were measured. Results. In this study, 81 class 2 and class 3 obese patients underwent gynecological procedures using vNOTES scarless surgery. Of the 81 operations, 55 of the class 2 obese patients with benign pathologies, and 26 of the class 3 obese patients had malign pathologies. No conversion to conventional laparoscopy or even laparotomy was needed in any of the procedures. All of the surgeries were performed by the same surgeon (Prof. Dr Ahmet Kale). vNOTES scarless surgery was performed on 26 class 3 obese patients with malign pathologies. Of the 26 class 3 obese patients, 22 of the class 3 obese patients with early-stage endometrial carcinoma had very high mean body mass index 41.5 kg/m2 (range 20.6-56) and 4 of the class 3 obese patients had ascites with unknown cause and diagnosed with peritoneal carcinomatosis. The mean postoperative pain VAS scores of class 2 obese patients undergoing vNOTES scarless surgery with benign pathology at 6, 12, and 24 h were 3.19, 1.11, and .66, respectively, and the mean postoperative pain VAS scores of class 3 obese patients underwent vNOTES scarless surgery with malign pathology at 6, 12, and 24 h were 3.30, 1.76, and 1.03, respectively. Conclusion. vNOTES scarless surgery is an alternative surgical method for diagnosis and treatment not only in benign obese cases, but also in severely obese patients with early stage endometrial cancer and patients had with ascites with unknown cause. In the near future, vNOTES scarless surgery will become more preferable by experienced surgeons in benign and malignant obese cases as it has increased satisfaction with esthetic results such as less pain, and improved postoperative quality of life in the short and long term.

Is it safe to perform elective gynaecologic surgery during the two peaks of COVID-19 pandemic?

PURPOSE: In December 2019, the COVID-19 pandemic started in China and spread around the World. Operations were postponed in most surgical clinics to reduce the risk of contamination and increase the number of beds available in hospitals. We investigate whether elective gynaecologic surgery is safe or not under safety measures. METHODS: A total of 765 patients were operated on electively between 15 March and 30 October 2020 at our inpatient gynaecology clinic. We took the SARS-CoV-2 Reverse Transcriptase (RT) Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) test of the nasopharyngeal swab before and after the surgery. Patients were questioned for COVID-19 symptoms by phone calls on the 7th, 15th, 30th and 60th days postoperatively. RESULTS: The average age of patients was 45.6 ± 11(19-81). Sixty-two (8.1%) operations were performed due to gynaecologic malignancies. Three patients (0.39%) were detected as SARS-CoV-2 RT PCR positive within 7 days after surgery. The patients did not need ICU admission or any further treatments. CONCLUSION: Our study offers a novel perspective on elective surgery during a pandemic. The risk assessment of patients should be meticulously done and substantiated on objective variables. According to our study, in a carefully selected patient population, operating under appropriate precautions, elective gynaecologic surgical procedures during the two peaks of the COVID-19 pandemic do not pose a risk to the patients.

Alternative method for the diagnosis of acid cases of unknown cause: Transvaginal natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery.

AIM: To evaluate the efficacy and reliability of transvaginal natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery (vNOTES) technique in making the diagnosis of ascites with unknown cause. METHODS: Seven patients with ascites with unknown cause and diagnosed with vNOTES between November 2018 and May 2019 were analyzed retrospectively. The following data were collected retrospectively: body mass index, age, parity, previous abdominal or pelvic surgery, total operating time, perioperative complications and visual analog scale scores for evaluation of postoperative pain. After general anesthesia and disinfection, a 2-3 cm incision was made in the posterior fornix of the vagina. In all of the vNOTES procedures, a handmade glove port system comprised of a glove-wound retractor NOTES port was used. RESULTS: Transvaginal natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery for diagnostic peritoneoscopy was successfully performed in seven patients. Following postoperative pathological examination; three patients were established to have peritoneal carcinomatosis, one patient abdominal tuberculous, one patient ovarian fibroma, one patient ovarian mature cystic teratoma and one patient stomach cancer. In 1-year follow-up period after vNOTES procedure, no adverse events occurred in patients. CONCLUSION: In making histological diagnosis of ascites with unknown cause, vNOTES is a feasible, safe and efficient technique. Due to its high performance in diagnosis, this technique helps to initiate treatment early in some diseases in addition to preventing unnecessary treatment and examination in benign diseases. Besides, via obtaining a detailed and enlarged image of abdominal cavity, this procedure also guides the clinician in the evaluation of the suitability of patient for operation.

Transvaginal natural orifice endoscopic surgery for extremely obese patients with early-stage endometrial cancer.

AIM: The purpose of this study was to assess the feasibility and efficacy of transvaginal natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery (v-NOTES) staging surgery for extreme obese patients with early-stage type-1 endometrial cancer. METHODS: Study included cases of extreme obese patients with early-stage endometrial cancer who underwent v-NOTES between January 2019 and June 2019 at a tertiary referral medical center. The following parameters were noted: patient age, body mass index (BMI), operating time, conversion to conventional laparoscopy or laparotomy, any intraoperative or postoperative complications, estimated blood loss, pre- and postoperative hemoglobin levels, postoperative pain scores of the patients using visual analogue scale (VAS) at 6th, 12th and 24th h, length of hospital stay and final pathology report. RESULTS: Six cases of extreme obese patients with early-stage endometrial cancer underwent hysterectomy and bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy via the transvaginal NOTES. These six patients had a mean body mass index of 51.4 kg/m2 (SD = 6,13). No conversion to conventional laparoscopy or even laparotomy was needed in any of these patients. No adjuvant therapy was needed since all of the patients had early-stage endometrial carcinoma. CONCLUSION: Given the increased risk of surgical morbidity and mortality associated with increasing BMI, it is paramount importance to establish safe surgical approaches to gynecological pathologies. We think that v-NOTES offers greater benefit to obese patients when performed by an experienced surgeon and v-NOTES is a safe, effective and feasible minimally invasive surgery in extreme obese patients with early endometrial cancer.

Hysterectomy via transvaginal natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery versus single-port laparoscopy: Comparison of early outcomes.

AIM: The study objective was to compare intraoperative and early postoperative outcomes among patients who underwent hysterectomy via transvaginal natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery (and single-port lararoscopy for presumed benign gynecologic disorders). METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed 40 patients who underwent single-port laparoscopic hysterectomy and 20 patients who underwent hysterectomy via natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery. Patients' age, body mass index, history of previous delivery and surgery, total operation time (from skin incision to closure), intraoperative and postoperative complications conversion to another surgical procedure, drop of hemoglobin level, postoperative pain at 1 and 18 h, average hospital stay, and clinical outcomes were analyzed. RESULTS: Hysterectomy via transvaginal natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery was superior to single-port hysterectomy concerning the length of hospitalization (p < 0.001) and visual analog scale at 1 h (p = 0.024) and 18 h (p < 0.001). In transvaginal natural orifice transluminal endoscopic group, postoperative complications were lower than single-port laparoscopy group (p = 0.023). In transvaginal natural orifice transluminal endoscopy, group conversion to a standard vaginal hysterectomy occurred in two cases (10%). Four patients in the single-port laparoscopic hysterectomy group had umbilical herniation, three had port-site infections, and two patients had vaginal cuff hematoma. These patients required rehospitalization. CONCLUSIONS: Despite hysterectomy via transvaginal natural orifice transluminal surgery has not yet found its place in routine practice in gynecology departments, it could be a prominent alternative approach to other minimally invasive surgical procedures in selected patients with many advantages including lesser pain and lower complication rates compared with single-port laparoscopic hysterectomy.

The incidence of unexpected gynaecological malignancies in hysterectomies carried out for benign indications.

The aim of the present study was to determine the incidence of unexpected gynaecological malignancies in patients undergoing hysterectomy for benign indications and to evaluate their clinical characteristics. Data from 6448 cases who had undergone hysterectomy for benign indications between the dates of 01.01.2008-01.01.2018 were recorded retrospectively from the database of the institution. The mean age of the cases with malignancy was 59.2 ± 9.66 (45-80) and 76,31% were (29/38) postmenopausal. The mean gravidity was 3.94 ± 1.73 and parity was 3.31 ± 1.45. Their mean BMI was 29.6 ± 4.26 kg/m2 (22.4-41.9 kg/m2 range). These patients were followed for a mean duration of 60.68 ± 37.66 months and during this period death associated with malignancy occurred in 4/38 (%10.52) cases, all of whom had leiomyosarcoma. The benign indications of procedure were as follows: myoma uteri (2675, 41.48%), abnormal uterine bleeding (1508, 23.38%), uterine prolapsus (793, 12.29%), ovarian cyst (619, 9.59%), endometriosis (303, 4.69%), endometrial polyp (264, 4.09%), pelvic pain (238, 3.69%) and other benign causes (48, 0.74%). Unexpected gynaecological malignancy was found in 20 cases (0.31%) with endometrial cancer, in eight cases (0.12%) with uterine sarcoma, in seven cases (0.10%) with ovarian cancer, in one case (0.01%) with tubal cancer and in two (0.03%) with cervical cancer. Gynaecological malignancy was found in 38 of 6648 cases who underwent hysterectomy for benign indications, yielding an incidence rate of 0.58%.IMPACT STATEMENTWhat is already known on this subject? Hysterectomy is the most common gynaecological surgery in the world and although most are performed for benign indications, unexpected gynaecological malignancy is possible in the final pathology results.Although there are available publications investigating unexpected gynaecological malignancy incidences after hysterectomies for benign reasons, the incidence is still not clear. We aimed to contribute to the existing literature with this study, which includes a large number of cases.What do the results of this study add? Our study adds new findings to the body of the knowledge on the incidence of unexpected gynaecological malignancies in hysterectomies for benign indications. Gynaecological malignancy was found in 38 of 6648 cases who underwent hysterectomy for benign indications, yielding an incidence rate of 0.58%.What are the implications of these findings for clinical practice and/or further research? There is an unexpected possibility of gynaecological malignancy even in cases where it is expected to be benign with current diagnostic methods. In cases that are expected to be benign, detailed preoperative evaluation should be performed in all patients to prevent unexpected gynaecological malignancies. More sensitive screening methods should be developed especially in the preoperative differential diagnosis of leiomyoma and leiomyosarcoma.

Serum serotonin, leptin, and adiponectin changes in women with postpartum depression: controlled study.

PURPOSE: Postpartum depression (PPD) affects nearly 10% of mothers after delivery and has many serious results. Although many factors associated with PPD, the etiology, and pathophysiology of PPD are not known completely. The relationship between serum serotonin concentration and depression is well known, but there are no enough data regarding the serum change of leptin and adiponectin. The aims of this study are to research the level of serum serotonin, leptin,s and adiponectin concentrations in women with PPD. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A controlled trial has been conducted in three centers. Two hundred and forty four women were evaluated at postpartum day 10 with the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDD). Venous blood samples were collected and serotonin, and leptin and adiponectin levels were studied using human enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Mann-Whitney U test was used for comparison of serum levels of serotonin, leptin, and adiponectin between women with PPD and without. A p value of <0.05 was considered significant. RESULTS: PPD was detected in 70 postpartum women. The mean serum serotonin level was significantly lower in the group with PPD (p = 0.001), while mean serum adiponectin level was higher (p = 0.001). The mean serum leptin level was not different (p = 0.133). CONCLUSIONS: The serum adiponectin and leptin levels were high in women with PPD. This could play important role in the pathophysiology of PPD. Elevation of serum levels also may play antidepressant role against PPD, especially the early postpartum period.

Comparison of Cold Technique Tonsillectomy and Thermal Welding Tonsillectomy at Different Age Groups.

The aim of this study is to compare objectively advantages and disadvantages of cold technique tonsillectomy and thermal welding tonsillectomy at the same case. A total of 100 patients, 53 patients younger than 12 years of age and 47 patients elder than 12 years of age, were included in this study. Tonsillectomy was performed by using cold technique on the right side of the palatine tonsils and thermal welding on the left side. Right and left sides were compared regarding perioperative bleeding, surgical dissection time, postoperative pain scale at the 1st and 7th day and postoperative bleeding parameters. Perioperative bleeding was found to be higher in cold technique side in patients younger than 12 years of age (p<0.001). Postoperative pain score on the day 1 was significantly higher in cold technique side, whereas it was found to be higher in thermal welding side at postoperative day 7 (p<0.001). Perioperative bleeding was found to be significantly higher in cold technique side (p<0.001) and surgical dissection time of thermal welding was found to be longer (p<0.001) in patients elder than 12 years of age. Postoperative pain score at the day 1 and day 7 was found to be higher in thermal welding side (p<0.001). Postoperative pain score at the day 1 and day 7 were statistically significantly higher in patients elder than 12 years of age. As a result, both techniques have its unique superior aspects and both can be applied as a routine tonsillectomy technique.

Tranexamic acid for cesarean section: a double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized clinical trial.

PURPOSE: To assess the efficacy and safety of an intravenous formulation of tranexamic acid to reduce intrapartum and postpartum bleeding in patients giving birth by cesarean section. METHODS: Healthy women with normal pregnancies, at any gestational age, that we performed ceaserean section. Two hundred and twenty-three patients with cesarean section, were enrolled in a double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Tranexamic acid of 20 cc and a 20 cc 5 % dextrose solution was intravenously injected to the patients; both the study group (n = 101) and the control group (n = 122) 10 min before the start of cesarean section. We measured volume of blood loss in postoperative periods, decrease in hemoglobin and hematocrit levels after cesarean section. The mean follow up was 2 weeks after the operation. RESULTS: Tranexamic acid reduced intraoperative and postoperative blood loss. We did not observe any complications caused by TA such as venous thromboembolism, gastrointestinal problems and hypersensitivity. CONCLUSIONS: This study confirms that tranexamic acid is effective in reducing intrapartum and postpartum bleeding in patients giving birth by cesarean section. Although some obstetricians are still worried about its thrombosis risk, our study shows that it can be used safely in aforementioned patients.

Two unusual clinical presentations of broad-ligament leiomyomas: a report of two cases.

We report on two unusual clinical presentations of broad-ligament leiomyomas. The first case was a combination of broad-ligament leiomyoma and ectopic gestational sac at the same location. The other case was a broad-ligament leiomyoma presenting as an ovarian malignancy. The differential diagnosis of broad-ligament leiomyoma should be considered in cases of an adnexal mass. Additionally, a broad-ligament leiomyoma could be the reason for an ectopic pregnancy.

Inherited thrombophilia with recurrent pregnancy loss in Turkish women--a real phenomenon?

OBJECTIVES: To determine the prevalence and the role of hereditary thrombophilia caused by Factor V Leiden (G1691A), prothrombin G20210A or methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) C677T gene mutations in recurrent pregnancy loss. MATERIAL AND METHODS: One hundred and nine patients, who were admitted to the 3rd Obstetrics and Gynecology Outpatient Clinic in Goztepe Training and Research Hospital between 2006 and 2008, were included into the study The study group consisted of fifty-seven patients with a history of 3 miscarriages before 20 weeks of gestation and the control group consisted of forty-seven patients with at least one live birth without any history of miscarriage or pregnancy complications. The maternal blood was evaluated for Factor V Leiden (G1691A), prothrombin G20210A and MTHFR C677T gene mutations. RESULTS: No statistically significant difference was found between the study and the control groups in terms of the prevalence of Factor V Leiden (G1691A), prothrombin G20210A and MTHFR C677T gene mutations (p=0.534/ p=0.452/p=0.656, respectively and p<0.05). Furthermore, the prevalence of multiple gene mutations was not statistically different between the groups (p=0.375 and p<0.05) either. CONCLUSION: Routine screening for Factor V Leiden (G1691A), prothrombin G20210A and MTHFR C677T gene mutations in patients with a history of recurrent pregnancy loss is not recommended in Turkish women.

Does Uterine Manipulator Type Affect Surgical Outcomes of Laparoscopic Hysterectomy?

OBJECTIVES: Many surgeons use uterine manipulator (UM) during laparoscopic hysterectomy (LH). In this study, we aimed to compare the outcomes of LH operations performed by using partially reusable UM with the articulated system (artUM) and disposable (dUM) UM without articulation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 99 patients underwent the LH operation. This study was carried out with 35 of those 99 Caucasian patients who met the inclusion criteria. Group 1 consisted for 7 LH operations using the articulated RUMI® II/KOH-Efficient™ (Cooper Surgical, Trumbull, CT, USA) system (artUM), while Group II consisted of 28 patients using old-type V Care®(ConMed Endosurgery, Utica, New York, USA) dUM as UM. RESULTS: Mean operation time was found to be 157.1 ± 42.0 min. The operation time was found statistically longer in Group 1, consisted of artUM used patients (P = 0.006 and P < 0.05). No statistically significant difference was found between two groups in terms of surgical results such as, delta hemoglobin value (P = 0.483 and P < 0.05), length of hospital stay (P = 0.138 and P < 0.05), and postoperative maximum body temperature (P = 0.724 and P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The UM type did not alter the surgical outcomes except the operating time in our study. According to our results, the surgical technique is a more significant variable than instruments used in LH for normal size uterus. Further prospective, large-scale studies comparing various UM systems are mandatory.

The relationship between hyperemesis gravidarum and maternal psychiatric well-being during and after pregnancy: controlled study.

OBJECTIVE: Psychiatric symptoms of varying degrees that accompany hyperemesis gravidarum (HG) may continue throughout the pregnancy or after, and these psychological problems may cause morbidity. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the relationship between the HG and psychiatric symptoms in the first trimester and postpartum depression. METHODS: Two hundred and seven pregnant who were diagnosed as HG and 177 healthy pregnant women included in this prospective study. All cases were assessed with SCL-90-R in first trimester and with ED in postpartum period. Factors related to postpartum psychiatric symptoms were investigated with bivariate logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: SCL-90-R and ED scores were statistically significant at HG group (p < 0.05). In cases who diagnosed as postpartum depression, the rates of HG and SCL-90-R results were higher (p< 0.05). In the bivariate analysis, the high rates of HG and high SCL-90-R scores were determined to be related to postpartum depression (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The results show that mental health is negatively affected by HG at pregnancy, and in this case, psychiatric symptoms may continue even after discontinuation HG.

Relationship between smoking and otorhinolaryngological symptoms.

OBJECTIVES: This study aims to investigate the possible relationship between smoking and otorhinolaryngological symptoms in smokers, non-smokers and ex-smokers. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Between March 01st, 2014 and March 31st, 2014, a total of 1,840 patients (823 males, 1,017 females) over 25 years of age who were admitted to the ear nose, and throat (ENT) outpatient clinic were included in the study. The patients who were smoking at least 10 cigarettes daily for at least five years were included in the smokers group (n=514). The patients who did not smoke for at least one year following at least five years of smoking were included in the ex-smokers group (n=268). The patients who never smoked were included in the non-smokers group (n=1,058). A form containing all ENT symptoms was given to all patients and the patients were asked to fill the form with their complaints following being informed by the same doctor. RESULTS: Cough, shortness of breath, reflux, dryness of throat, irritation, taste disorder, bad breath, toothache, nasal congestion, smell disorders, snoring, and nasal discharge were found to be significantly higher in the smokers group, compared to the non-smokers group. Cough, sputum, hoarseness, dysphagia, reflux, sore throat, dryness of throat, irritation, stinging, oral aphthae, taste disorder, toothache, bleeding gums, and bad breath were significantly lower in the ex-smokers group. Nasal congestion, nosebleeds, sneezing, nasal discharge, smell disorders, headache, feeling of facial fullness, ear discharge, hearing loss, pain, fullness, dizziness, and tinnitus were statistically significantly lower in the ex-smokers group. CONCLUSION: Our study results show that smoking causes symptoms particularly associated with upper respiratory tract and these symptoms may persist in ex-smokers.

Which one is safer - performing a laparoscopic hysterectomy with a tissue fusion device involving diagnostic cystoscopy or traditional abdominal hysterectomy with ureteral dissection?

INTRODUCTION: It still remains an unanswered question whether, in the absence of gynecological malignancy and under elective conditions, to perform abdominal hysterectomy (AH), offering a safer approach, or to perform a laparoscopic hysterectomy (LH) procedure. AIM: We aimed to compare LH operations performed with a tissue fusion device accompanied by intraoperative diagnostic cystoscopy with traditional AH operations involving bilateral ureteral dissection. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The integrity of the ureters, ureteral peristalsis and the diameter of the ureters were examined during AH by inspection. At the end of LH, the bladder wall was systematically evaluated by cystoscopy and a jet of urine spurting was noted from both ureteral orifices. RESULTS: The operation time was longer in patients who underwent LH + CYS (p = 0.0001). The decline in hematocrit and hemoglobin levels in the postoperative period was significantly higher in patients who underwent AH + UD (p = 0.0001 and p = 0.002, respectively). No significant difference was found between the two groups in terms of ureteral injury, bowel injury or bladder injury (p = 0.378, p = 1.000 and p = 1.000, respectively). There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups in terms of mean body temperature and postoperative blood transfusion requirements (p = 0.051 and p = 0.210, respectively). Mean parenteral analgesic requirement and length of hospital stay were significantly different between the groups (p = 0.005 and p = 0.0001). No statistically significant difference was found between the two groups in terms of postoperative cardiopulmonary complications, re-operation rate or occurrence of genitourinary fistula (p = 1.000, p = 1.000 and p = 1.000, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: We concluded that LH performed with a tissue fusion device involving diagnostic cystoscopy yields major and minor complication rates similar to safely performed AH operations preserving ureters.