The feasibility of vaginal hysterectomy.
OBJECTIVE
To assess the feasibility of vaginal hysterectomy for benign uterine disease and to assess how frequently laparoscopic assistance is necessary.


METHODS
A prospective series of 806 hysterectomies for benign disease of the uterus without prolapse which were performed in our institution from 1 March 1991 to 28 February 1994 is discussed. The report is an evaluation of a planned approach for hysterectomy. Vaginal hysterectomy was performed whenever possible-laparoscopic hysterectomy was indicated for adnexal pathology, known or anticipated significant pelvic adhesions and for a narrow vaginal access with a moderately enlarged uterus-abdominal hysterectomy was chosen when both laparoscopic and vaginal surgery were judged to be impossible.


RESULTS
Vaginal hysterectomy was performed in 80.6% of patients. Laparoscopic assistance was needed in 9.4% of cases. The need for laparotomy was reduced to 10% with an acceptable pre- or postoperative complications rate.
Cosson
M
M
Querleu
D
D
Subtil
D
D
Switala
I
I
Buchet
B
B
Crepin
G
G
D005240:Feasibility Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007044:Hysterectomy; D007045:Hysterectomy, Vaginal / Q000295:instrumentation; D010535:Laparoscopy; D014591:Uterine Diseases / Q000601:surgery*