title: Laparoscopic assisted vaginal hysterectomy: one group's experience.
abstract: Laparoscopic assisted vaginal hysterectomy (LAVH) has been reported worldwide. We report our experience with LAVH in 51 patients, 23 with the laparoscopic stapling device, 12 with a combination of stapler and bipolar coagulation, and 16 by bipolar coagulation exclusively. No operations were converted to laparotomy, and there were few minor complications. Average operating time was 1 h and 38 min. Hospital stay averaged 2.2 days. Average hospital costs were greater for the stapling devices ($7815.00) compared with bipolar coagulation ($7150.00). Postoperative patient satisfaction was high (96%), with high resolution of the symptoms (94%). We conclude that LAVH is a safe, effective operation in selected cases and may be a valid alternative to abdominal hysterectomy.
authors.affiliation: Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Centennial Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA.
authors.forename: J F
authors.initials: JF
authors.lastname: Daniell
authors.forename: B R
authors.initials: BR
authors.lastname: Kurtz
authors.forename: H D
authors.initials: HD
authors.lastname: Woodford
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D004564:Electrocoagulation; D005260:Female; D017721:Hospital Costs; D006801:Humans; D007045:Hysterectomy, Vaginal / Q000191:economics / Q000379:methods*; D010535:Laparoscopy / Q000191:economics; D007902:Length of Stay; D008875:Middle Aged; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D013528:Surgical Staplers; D017792:Surgical Stapling; D013997:Time Factors