Laparoscopic myomectomy. Time and cost analysis of power vs. manual morcellation.
OBJECTIVE
To compare electromechanical to manual morcellation in the performance of laparoscopic myomectomies.


METHODS
Laparoscopic myomectomy was performed with manual or electromechanical morcellation in a case-control study. Weight of myoma, patient weight and age were matched. Length of time for morcellation, blood loss, complications and length of hospital stay were measured.


RESULTS
Twenty-eight cases of laparoscopic myomectomy, 14 with a manual and 14 with an electromechanical morcellator, were performed. Use of the electromechanical morcellator reduced the average time for extraction of myomas < 100 g by 15 minutes and 401-500 g by 150 minutes on average. The average time savings for all myomectomies was 53 minutes. With operating room charges of $10 per minute, the $14,000 cost of the morcellator was recovered by the 21st case.


CONCLUSIONS
Electromechanical morcellation results in significant time savings as compared to the manual technique. Financial savings accrue rapidly after the 21st case.
Carter
J E
JE
Women's Health Center of South Orange County, Inc., Mission Viejo, California 92691, USA.
McCarus
S D
SD
D000328:Adult; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D010535:Laparoscopy / Q000191:economics*; D007889:Leiomyoma / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D007902:Length of Stay; D008875:Middle Aged; D013514:Surgical Procedures, Operative / Q000191:economics* / Q000379:methods*; D013997:Time Factors; D014594:Uterine Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*