title: A cohort study comparing laparoscopic-assisted vaginal hysterectomy and extrafascial hysterectomy.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To compare extrafascial hysterectomy (TAH) and laparoscopic-assisted vaginal hysterectomy (LAVH).
  
  
  METHODS
  Consecutive women scheduled for hysterectomy, who entered one group or the other based on personal preference.
  
  
  METHODS
  A university-affiliated women's hospital.
  
  
  METHODS
  Thirty-seven women with benign gynecologic pathology.
  
  
  METHODS
  Eighteen underwent TAH and 19 had LAVH. All were followed for 6 months postoperatively.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The duration of LAVH was significantly longer than that of TAH; estimated blood loss was significantly higher for TAH; and the duration of use of narcotic analgesics, length of hospital stay, and length of time to resumption of routine working activity were significantly shorter after LAVH. No difference was found in the two groups with respect to Q-Tip test preoperatively and 6 months after surgery.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  We believe LAVH is a valid and safe alternative to TAH in selected patients. The two procedures do not alter the mobility of the bladder neck on short-term follow-up. Additional prospective studies are necessary to confirm our data.
authors.affiliation: Crouse-Irving Memorial Hospital, Third Floor West Tower, 736 Irving Avenue, Syracuse, NY 13210, USA.
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Elia
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Vermesh
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Bergman
mesh_terms: D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D000328:Adult; D000701:Analgesics, Opioid / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use; D016063:Blood Loss, Surgical; D015331:Cohort Studies; D000071938:Fasciotomy; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007044:Hysterectomy / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods; D007045:Hysterectomy, Vaginal / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods; D010535:Laparoscopy / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods; D007902:Length of Stay; D008875:Middle Aged; D010149:Postoperative Pain / Q000188:drug therapy; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D012449:Safety; D012677:Sensation; D013997:Time Factors; D001743:Urinary Bladder / Q000473:pathology
chemical_list: D000701:Analgesics, Opioid